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Digging the Dog: Anthropology and Archeology in Human-Canine Relationships and Encounters With the Sacred
No full textDespite the many medical, economical, and intellectual advances that technological proliferation has introduced into modern life, people perceive themselves as feeling acutely alienated from the sacred sphere. This study explores encounters with the sacred that people may experience in their relationships with dogs. Using anthropology and archaeology as a dual disciplinary system, dog artifacts are selectively surveyed, and using key questions regarding humanity and the technological, encounters with the sacred are placed into a more systematic framework, suggesting that they are not random, but rather part of a greater human pattern. The dog is explored both as a device, and as a bridge to the natural world. Five Positive Pathways are presented, rethinking the traditional hierarchy and acting as bridges along the human-canine divide. Canine companions are evaluated as focal things and as part of focal practices that have the capacity to center and engage the human individual with the richness of life. The dog is examined as connecting to the good life, and as a plausible alternative model of God in McFague’s scheme, which challenges the traditional Western view of God. Finally, ancient and contemporary cultural artifacts are identified and explored as providing openings for encounters with the sacred over time, and the human-canine relationship is viewed through the eight critical lenses of Spyker’s matrix, revealing new frontiers between technology and spirituality
Cognitive Enhancement, the Super Soldier and Beyond: Expanding Discourse Over Emerging Disruptive Technology
No full textThis dissertation contributes to the discourse about emerging disruptive technology. It examines techniques that may foster a meaningful and honest discussion, within the Department of Defense (DoD), about the development and diffusion of transformational technology. The dissertation presents recent discoveries in brain-computer interface technology and neurocognitive augmentation as a lens through which to view a new era in scientific research. As technology starts to manipulate the human mind and body, it is imperative that the research community be aware and take notice of the implications that will shape humanity. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and other components of the DoD hold prominence in advancing some of the most exciting research in brain-computer interaction and neurocognition. While this research is essential for national security, it can be alarming to those unfamiliar with the research agenda, and therefore must be discussed and debated during its early stages to construct a well-informed national vision. To help frame such a vision, the research presented in this dissertation examines signals, indicators, and trends in emerging technology to articulate the key influences that drive strategic decisions. Professional forecasters use trend data to resolve ambiguity and to stimulate negotiation over a range of plausible futures. Nurturing foresight skills within the DoD, including an interdisciplinary appreciation of the human narrative, may foster deeper reflection to maximize success in a burgeoning global intelligence race. Including the scientific community in the discourse over emerging disruptive technology offers an opportunity to shape the future with resilience, mindfulness, and determinatio
Book Review
No full textJohn F. Millar reviews Biographical Directory of American Colonial and Revolutionary Governors 1607-1789 by John W. Raimo
Salve Regina Oral History Project: Dr. Sarah Littlefield [audio]
Get PDFOral history interview with Dr. Sarah Littlefield, an English professor at Salve Regina since 1991. The interview was conducted on October 29, 2019
Cognitive Enhancement, the Super Soldier and Beyond: Expanding Discourse Over Emerging Disruptive Technology
No full textThis dissertation contributes to the discourse about emerging disruptive technology. It examines techniques that may foster a meaningful and honest discussion, within the Department of Defense (DoD), about the development and diffusion of transformational technology. The dissertation presents recent discoveries in brain-computer interface technology and neurocognitive augmentation as a lens through which to view a new era in scientific research. As technology starts to manipulate the human mind and body, it is imperative that the research community be aware and take notice of the implications that will shape humanity. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and other components of the DoD hold prominence in advancing some of the most exciting research in brain-computer interaction and neurocognition. While this research is essential for national security, it can be alarming to those unfamiliar with the research agenda, and therefore must be discussed and debated during its early stages to construct a well-informed national vision. To help frame such a vision, the research presented in this dissertation examines signals, indicators, and trends in emerging technology to articulate the key influences that drive strategic decisions. Professional forecasters use trend data to resolve ambiguity and to stimulate negotiation over a range of plausible futures. Nurturing foresight skills within the DoD, including an interdisciplinary appreciation of the human narrative, may foster deeper reflection to maximize success in a burgeoning global intelligence race. Including the scientific community in the discourse over emerging disruptive technology offers an opportunity to shape the future with resilience, mindfulness, and determination