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Existentialism:
As an existentialist my approach is that I try to view the world as it
is without preformed concepts or theoretical preconceptions. The human
person is a being in the state of "becoming" or emerging. The
other can only be understood by recognition that he or she is
self-conscious, capable of responsibility and integrity and on a journey
to authenticity and self- appropriation.
I am concerned with establishing a desire-based encounter with the
world and limiting need-based guilt. I perceive for-give-ness as
an active giving to the future by being authentic and compassionate in the
present. Confrontation is not always the best communication!
Intentionality is conscious, meaningful and always present. A no choice is
still a choice! |
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Phenomenology:
The study of human awareness as it is authentically revealed without
assumptions and bias from abstract objectivity and one's own agenda. It
implies the use of intelligent subjectivity by authentic individuals in an
encounter that is primarily dialoguic. It's importance lies in the issue
that one can then attempt to "look through the eyes of the other"
and then (ideally) experience the other with compassion
and situated acceptance. The other then reflects back to
us and we "come upon ourselves as stranger". As with children looking in
their parent's eyes, we see ourselves to learn, and to be gifted.
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