Insights: Searching for the Impossible

This is a reflection written by Esther Kaufman on the lecture given by Dr. Nicole des Bouvrie on the 30th of November 2016.  

Why We Should Search for the Impossible

What if the question, “Can Women Think?” is not an absurd question? Dr. des Bouvrie began her lecture by introducing historic western philosophers whose ideas have established the foundation of Western thinking. From ancient times, white male philosophers have built identities based on differences. Following their philosophies women cannot think, or at least, not as men do.

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Thinking about Differences 

Dr. des Bouvrie discussed this theory of differences and how society often thinks in the framework of what is different. She goes farther to explain that building an identity from the root of what a person is not, is an enormous flaw in societal thinking.

As an alternative to a thinking method that too often fosters prejudice, Dr. des Bouvrie discussed the interesting theory of the “The Matrix”. Although, a complicated idea it focuses on the coexistence of differences in a way that encourages the uniqueness of identities to better one another.

Embracing Differences

So how do we alter western philosophy that has been built on a foundation that is thousands of years old? Dr. des Bouvrie offers a solution, to search for the impossible. That is, to embrace a new method of thinking that is not yet known.

What does this mean? Perhaps it is distinctive to every individual. Perhaps, it begins with embracing our differences across race, gender and culture. Perhaps it is making a conscious effort to think about how our differences can work together. For, what if simply searching for the impossible is enough to shatter societal barriers to peace?

About the Author:

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Esther Kaufman is an undergraduate student studying Economics at the University of Maryland with a minor in Global Terrorism Studies.  She is interested in the effects of economic policy on issues such as equality, welfare and radicalization of individuals in society.

Photo Credit: Lori Evelyn Allan at Lori Evelyn

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