In truth, I don't at all think it meaningless. I just think our guru misses the mark a bit. I do like Palmer's paradoxes, though I don't think that they are really true paradoxes. Nor do I think paradox lies at our core (that we have simultaneously a need for silence/solitude and social interaction reflects complexity, not contradiction). Rather, I think that when the apparent opposites are considered in their fullness we see that they are not opposite or contradictory at all. They are appropriate to authentic human relationship, healthy interactions and stimulating of learning. Viz. Christian anthropology and the true self. They are reminders of the complex nature of teaching and its consequent challenges--that we have simultaneous responsibilities at the macro and micro levels. The term procrustean comes to mind. I don't think 1-6 (pp. 76-77) fit paradox, and that there are richer lenses, theoretical frames, etc.
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I very much like your view of apparent opposites as a consonant marriage rather than points of polarity. In any event, it is the tension between these differing parts and the acceptance and reconciling of these in our inner and outer world which produce new, positive results. The "struggle" can yield to the emergence of new strength and deeper wisdom,if we can "go with the flow," stand back, and come to understand how the interplay flows together rather than apart. Had I done that myself in my own "bad" class by implementing a spiritually informed approach to that Titanic of a class, I might have kept the ship afloat. I froze instead, not truly listening to the student dialogue, fearing and focusing on the worst, and failing to take advantage of the knowledge to be gleaned from the negative student reactions. We learn as we go along!
ReplyDeleteI agree that "paradoxes" are hardly paradoxes at all. They are fabricated by how we talk to one another. In my government class, students often point out the nature of political discourse today. More specifically, they highlight how so many policy discussions are framed as "either/or" questions.
ReplyDeleteI think Palmer would agree with you. He later writes about his disdain for "either/or" discussions, no?