Performative
Wilfred M. McClay
What is worse, the meaning of performative in contemporary parlance, while not very precise, is almost exactly the opposite of the word’s original meaning.
The Long, Withdrawing Roar
Philip S. Gorski
Over the last half century, there has been a transition from regular to irregular forms of cultural and political combat.
The Endless Pursuit of Better
Elizabeth Currid-Halkett
What is clear is that the great divisions in our country rest on our different systems of cultural capital.
Identity Tethering in an Age of Symbolic Politics
Mark Dunbar
The less politics effects change, the more politics will affect mood.
Of Continuing Interest
A selection of articles from the archives
Our Pets, Ourselves
Christine Rosen
A turn to animals for emotional support is hardly surprising, even if it is not ideal.
The Lost Art of Dying
Thomas Pfau
Death is experienced as the total absence of meaning and, consequently, as something not to be understood but merely to be managed by drawing on medical ingenuity, pharmaceutical resources, and the (increasingly limited) forbearance of insurance companies.
Re-enchantment and Iconoclasm in an Age of Images
Anna Marazuela Kim
Much like the old wars of religion that shaped Europe, the new wars are fought on the ground of the image.
Against Mastery
Wilfred M. McClay
Our dignity derives not only from our relentless drive for mastery but also from our graceful acceptance of limits.