Critical Consciousness as the Core of Social Justice
I am honored to Chair my first panel on such an important topic at such an important conference:
CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AS THE CORE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
Elizabeth Krasnoff, Chair - Leslie Allan Combs, Panel: D. Flickinger, C. Kolles, A. Nerad, SA Schwartz, S. Taylor
Day 1 - Monday, September 14, 2020
8:30am – 6:30pm - Workshops - Live Zoom Discussions. 1 hour each
Tuscon Science of Consciousness Conference, September 2020
Elizabeth W. Krasnoff, PhD and Allan “Leslie” Combs, PhD
Society for Consciousness Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies
CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS THEORY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
A Panel Presentation
Abstract
Polarity and divisiveness are at an all-time high in today’s world, while desperately needed civil discourse is frequently absent. For such discourse to be effective requires a sense of objectivity within the individual consciousness of those engaged; an inner representation or model of what is occurring in one’s own mind and in that of the “other.” In other words, an objective understanding of the beliefs and intentions in the consciousness of all parties. Such an approach to understanding and acting effectively in the face of social obstacles is expressed, for example, in Paulo Freire’s post-Marxist critical consciousness theory. Critical consciousness supports civil rights and social justice by fostering the necessary dialogue, collaboration, and in Freire’s words, “rehumanization” of human relationships. This is the path to becoming conscious creators; conscious of forming just and equitable laws and habits of behavior. The present paper articulates Freire’s theory, and touches on its implications for a range of issues bearing on civil rights and social justice.
https://consciousness.arizona.edu/tsc-2020-program-post-conference
