Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking by Neel Burton
Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking by Neel Burton
Publisher: Acheron Press
Publication Year: 2019
Price: USD 14.99
Subject: Psychology
Pages: 188
An introduction to the world of logic, reasoning, and philosophy (Western). This is one of the books in Burton’s ataraxia series. The Greek word ataraxia means a state of calm tranquillity and the books in this series are more of a gentle exploration of human existence and our interactions with the world.
The word “Hypersanity” is taken from the book Politics of Experience by RD Laing where he presents the idea that madness can provide an opportunity for self-discovery to a higher state of consciousness. Just as ancient heroes like Odysseus, Gilgamesh, Orpheus travel the underworld and confront their subconscious in the same way every human has the ability to expand their intellectual and human potential if only given the proper nudge and outlook.
This book is an introduction to the classical subjects of arguments and classification of various fallacies. The writer gives examples from our world and daily life to identify instances of ad hominem, hurdles in our rational thinking of which I found “intellectualization” particularly interesting, cognitive bias and distortion, etc.
The power of language and rhetoric is deftly presented here. How the spoken word is deeply entrenched in reason, intelligence, and wisdom comes out in the author’s approachable explanation about certain teachings of Plato and Aristotle among other philosophers. Some paraphrases from Nicomachean Ethics will certainly attract the general readers who are not well-versed in philosophy. The final half of the book slowly builds the ground for scientific philosophy, Popperian falsification, the dissection of truth and reality, and the importance of intuition, emotions, and inspiration in completing the journey of an enriched, self-sufficient life.
Burton gives both pros and cons for every topic he has chosen which makes it an open-ended thought experiment for the reader. Looking for a short summer read to enrich your thinking? Pick this book up.