Intelligence Reconsidered
Exploring Temporal Constructs: A Comparative Analysis of Time in Ian McEwan's Machines Like Me and Martin Amis' Time's Arrow
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Marilena Saracino
This paper delves into the nuanced representations of time in McEwan's Machines Like Me and Amis' Time's Arrow, two novels that employ unconventional narrative structures to explore the complexities of temporal experiences. McEwan and Amis weave intricate tales that challenge traditional notions of time, inviting readers to contemplate the profound implications of temporal constructs on human existence. In Machines Like Me, McEwan introduces a speculative vision of an alternate history where artificial intelligence blurs the boundaries between humanity and technology. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a divergent 1980s, questioning the moral and ethical implications of creating intelligent machines. On the other hand, Amis' Time's Arrow presents a unique exploration of time by narrating the life of a German doctor in reverse chronological order – from death to birth. Amis ingeniously employs this temporal inversion to dissect the moral consequences of the Holocaust, challenging readers to grapple with the implications of witnessing events in reverse. By subverting the conventional flow of time, Amis prompts a reconsideration of cause and effect, highlighting the fragility of moral certainties and the fluidity of temporal experiences. This analysis scrutinizes how both writers utilize unconventional narrative structures to underscore the malleability of time and its profound impact on human perception. By juxtaposing the temporal experimentation in these novels, this paper aims to shed light on the authors' distinct approaches to challenging the conventional understanding of time, offering readers a journey into the complexities of temporal constructs and their implications for the human experience.
Issues in Historical Methodologies in the Research of Nationalism
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Golda Akhiezer
One of the problems in humanities research is that the use of methodologies belonging to specific schools of thought frequently yields opposite conclusions about the same object under study. This phenomenon often appears in the field of historical research and cultural studies, where the interpretation of processes from the viewpoint of historical materialism, deconstructivism, positivism, and various other scholarly trends at times create different and often incompatible histories or models of culture. One of the striking examples of this state of affairs is the research on nationalism which attracted a noticeable scholarly attention from the second half of the 20th century. Its history, aspects of its development, and its other features have become the subject of investigation by numerous scholars. Their conclusions contradict one another about the same aspects related to the phenomenon of nationalism, sometimes presenting black and white picture. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate major factors for the methodological pitfalls of historical research in the case of the study of nationalism, and to suggest possible ways of avoiding them.
The Tapestry of Medicine and the Humanities : Exploring Narrative Medicine within Medical Humanities View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Sakinah A. Ismael
This paper examines the transformation and renegotiation within medicine and medical education to incorporate the humanities, fostering an intersubjective and interdisciplinary approach to wellness and healthcare. As medicine progresses with advancements in biotechnology and artificial intelligence, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize the human aspect of healthcare. This entails cultivating empathy and refining observational skills essential for accurate diagnosis, underscoring the enduring significance of the human element even in the digital age. The use of the humanities, including literature and art, in the training of medical students is vital; thus, developing the actual art of medicine. This is required to treat and understand patients as more than vessels of disease. Situated within the broader framework of medical humanities, this study explores the integration of narrative medicine into medical practice and education. Narrative medicine, an interdisciplinary field leveraging the humanities and arts, aims to enhance healthcare delivery and amplify diverse cultural voices. The paper elucidates its role in nurturing empathetic healthcare practices and its efficacy as a potent tool for healing and connection. By fostering exploration of novel avenues for research, teaching, and engagement within the context of medical humanities and narrative medicine, this research endeavors to advance an interconnected world where compassionate care thrives at the intersection of the humanities and medicine.
