The Art of Navigating Uncertainty
Wednesday, 30 October 2024, 16:00-18:00
Senate House, Room 261
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In “The Art of Navigating Uncertainty,” I explore the fundamental tension between our desire for certainty and the inherent unpredictability of human life. This tension is illustrated through an analysis of Shakespearean tragic characters like Hamlet, Shylock, and Prospero. Their stories highlight the limitations of philosophy, law, and science when confronted with uncertainty. While these traditional avenues of knowledge are valuable, they often fall short in addressing the unpredictability of human experience. I introduce the concept of Poetic Wisdom as a mode of understanding rooted in creative imagination, empathy, and the acceptance of uncertainty. Inspired by Giambattista Vico, this wisdom provides a path beyond rigid rationality, embracing mystery and doubt as essential elements of life. Through poetic expressions, art, and literature, we gain access to deeper truths about our connections with others, the natural world, and ourselves. I will conclude by suggesting that navigating uncertainty requires a balance between reason and emotion, between rational analysis and imagination. In uncertain times, poetry, art, and music serve as tools to engage with the unknown, offering meaningful insights into the human condition.
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Following NHS guidance, all attendees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated (including boosters) against Covid-19, unless medically exempt. Our group is diverse; please continue to be considerate of those who wear face coverings and those who don’t. Thank you.