The Meaning of Paradoxes and Paradoxical Thinking

Interdisciplinary analysis of paradoxes from philosophy to brain plasticity. Shows how paradoxical thinking boosts creativity.

Ryszard Praszkier (Author)

9781009448345, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 March 2025

195 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.435 kg

'This exciting and innovative book takes a unique view of the complexity of our age. It addresses the contemporary reality of the paradoxes we confront and describes, through case studies, the unforeseen advantages of paradoxical thinking, where an idea and its opposite can both be correct. This awareness has positive impacts on both personal and professional life and decision-making. The volume is highly relevant to academics and, because of its clear and engaging language, will attract the general public as well.' Jody Jensen, Jean Monet Chair, University of Pannonia; Director of MA Program in International Studies, Köszeg

This interdisciplinary work offers a comprehensive analysis of paradoxes and paradoxical thinking, exploring their manifestations in philosophy, societal dynamics, personality, and neuroscience. Demonstrating various methods for the augmentation of creativity and improved performance, this book uniquely integrates theoretical perspective with case studies and practical applications. As such it elucidates the theory and mechanisms of transforming the apparently impossible into the possible, illustrated by cases of social innovators successfully addressing insurmountable challenges. Aimed at graduate and postgraduate social science students and scholars, with over 500 bibliographical references, the text remains accessible to a broader audience due to its engaging language. Emphasizing the significance of paradoxes and paradoxical thinking in both professional and everyday contexts, it provides a nuanced exploration of paradoxical phenomena, making it a valuable resource for academic and general readers alike.

List of Figures
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. Paradoxes and What They Do to Us: 1. Defining the Concepts
2. Mind and Paradoxes
3. The Influence of Paradoxical Thinking and How to Evaluate It
Part II. Sudden Unexpected Changes: 4. Abrupt Changes
5. Social Movements and Singularities
6. Early Indicators of Possible Singularities: The Lessons Drawn from NSMs
7. Predicting the Unpredictable
Part III. Challenging the Impossible: 8. Possibilitivity: Perceiving Insurmountable Challenges as Doable
9. Possibilitivity Heroes
Part IV. Peace and Its Challenges: 10. Peace-Oriented Mindset (POM)
11. POM Heroes
Part V. Paradoxes and Creativity: 12. Generating New and Useful Ideas
13. Brain Plasticity
14. Avenues for Enhancing Neuroplasticity
Part VI. Paradoxes in Action: 15. Turning the Impossible into the Possible
16. Paradoxes in Psychotherapy
17. Life and Paradoxes
Précis
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH]