Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): The Department of English, ICFAI University Nagaland organized an interactive session for its research scholars with Professor Archana Barua on May 25. Knowledge generates critique, stated Prof. Barua, who teaches philosophy at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. While drawing attention to the concept of ‘thinking,’ she pointed out that in the early years it was depicted as an exclusive attribute of men.
Also known as the ‘maleness of knowledge,’ the feminists had vehemently opposed the ‘thinking,’ Barua further stated.
The professor, whose areas of interest are phenomenology, hermeneutics and Culture Studies, also emphasized on the Humanistic approach towards knowledge.
Stressing on Humanities, Barua maintained that the objects of study should be humanized, and this depends on a search for meaning in different layers and perspectives.
“This, actually, is Hermeneutics, which seeks understanding into things and not simply knowledge for its sake, she noted. “Research must lead to understanding of things with clarity, rather than merely adding to the existing repertoire of knowledge,” she reiterated. The philosopher also lamented that the education in recent times has become more knowledge oriented rather than understanding oriented. After her presentation, she also interacted with the participants.
