When ‘minding’ takes over from mind
 

Prof. Kalansuriya in an interview with the Sunday Observer staffer Afreeha Jawad explores the erosion of creativity

If we analyze the dynamics of creativity its growth and gradual decline, certain historical facts cannot be overlooked. From Aristotle of third century BC and getting on to Thomas Aquinas after 1600 years in the 13th century, followed by the 16th century French thinker Descartes saw the mind base given so much of importance. Metaphysics was at its height at this time period when the knowledge of reality was widely acclaimed.

Basically, metaphysics was value-based and whatever societal ill effects that came off mercantilism in the aftermath of the industrial revolution was mitigated due to the prevalence of the metaphysical system itself. Mercantilism triggered off the ‘modern man’. Yet what kept his values intact was no doubt the philosophical knowledge of reality.

Talking to the Sunday Observer on such digression was Professor of Philosophy, Peradeniya University, A.D.P Kalansuriya. He referred to David Hume’s concept of minding in the early 18th century which word was widely used by Gilbert Ryle and Wittengstein when all what was pertaining to the mind ceased to be. Little wonder then how technical and mechanical infrastructure was given priority over all the value base that metaphysics had to offer. The on set of the dehumanising phase in mankind’s history triggered off.

Universities according to Prof. Kalansuriya are run like Kachcheris even this model must go because it is purely mechanical. “A University is an educational institution designed for instruction and examination of students in all or many of the more important branches of advanced learning, conferring degrees in various faculties, doing research, experiment and publication.

But have we achieved this objective? Certainly not of late. Research is minimal. What can you expect when politicization gets into even universities. The Vice Chancellor’s post is a political appointment. This dulls creativity. It has a negative impact on the staff as well as students when this top most post is politicised. What’s worse is also, the course unit method where cramming is widespread. There’s no discipline among students and staff. Cultural patterns have changed,” laments Professor Kalansuriya.

In fact the West’s attempts to get scholarly licensing of whatever is their agenda base is all too well-known. Not surprising then the imposition of the scientific method, the rejection of causality, the introduction of analytic techniques and so on impacting the entire global scenario. The effects of all this is debatable yet its negative impact on creativity cannot be overlooked.