Paul Downes Livres

This book argues that a silent axis of the unconscious world rests largely undiscovered. It recasts foundational concepts in the psychology of Freud, Jung, Carol Gilligan and R. D. Laing, as well as in cognitive science, to highlight this hidden unconscious axis: primordial spaces of diametric and concentric structures. The author generates fresh approaches to understanding the philosophy of early Heidegger and Derrida, with the idea of cross-cultural diametric and concentric spaces fuelling a radical reinterpretation of early Heidegger’s transcendental project, and challenging a postmodern consensus that reduces truths and experiences to mere socially constructed playthings of culture. The book, which also examines projected structures in modernist art, suggests a systematic refashioning of many Western assumptions, but it is more than a deconstruction. It also attempts to offer a new interplay between structures and meaning, as a spatial phenomenology. This significant expansion of the boundaries of human subjectivity opens alternative pathways for imagining what it means to be human, in order to challenge the reduction of experience to instrumental reason.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of a significant theme in early American culture and society, delving into its complexities and implications. Through rigorous analysis, it examines how this theme influenced various aspects of life during that period, providing insights into the social and cultural dynamics of early America. The study aims to enhance understanding of the historical context and its lasting impact on contemporary society.

By advocating for a spatial perspective in developmental and educational psychology, this work challenges traditional notions that prioritize time over space in understanding human growth and experience. It aims to fill a critical gap in the field, emphasizing how spatial contexts influence development and learning. The book reconstructs foundational concepts, offering a fresh framework that highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping psychological processes.

Focusing on the evolution of sovereignty and democratic thought, this work examines how Hobbes' theories influenced early American literature and political ideas. It delves into the interplay between philosophical concepts and the formation of national identity, highlighting significant literary contributions that reflect these themes during the nascent stages of the United States. Through this lens, the book offers insights into the foundational beliefs that shaped American governance and societal values.

Focusing on systemic change, this book explores strategies to enhance educational access for socio-economically marginalized groups, drawing insights from interviews across 12 European countries. It highlights obstacles and opportunities in both formal higher education and non-formal education, including prison education. By proposing a post-Bronfenbrennerian framework, it aims to create an international reform agenda, identifying structural indicators to assess progress. The analysis of policy gaps and strengths informs a strategic approach to foster educational access and equity globally.