Handbook of Transformative Philosophy
January 1, 2026
Rick Repetti
Awareness is a concept with a deep history in Western thought and remains philosophically challenging, especially in contemporary philosophy of consciousness where defining it raises the hard problem. This chapter traces the transformative power of awareness from its Western historical roots, then uses analytic philosophy to clarify its meanings and problems. Awareness is shown to be presupposed in nearly everything that matters to people and plays a transformative role in themes such as wonder, imagination, will, decision, experience, understanding, feminist consciousness, love, self-esteem, meaning, and happiness, as well as in meditation, aspiration, and transformation itself.
Handbook of Transformative Philosophy
January 1, 2026
Anders Lindseth
Understanding is personal and transformative, requiring openness to the unknown and engagement with pain, sorrow, anxiety, guilt, and shame—not just pleasant experiences. Objective knowledge is superior for technology but not for finding orientation or achieving a good life, where understanding, judgment, and wisdom are essential. Developing good understanding demands participation in a happening and a willingness to fight evil both outside and inside oneself. A movement from mythos-understanding to logos-understanding, aided by philosophical practice, self-reflection, and dialogue, is necessary.
Handbook of Transformative Philosophy
January 1, 2026
Finn Thorbjørn Hansen
Philosophical wonder can transform how people relate to the world and themselves. The chapter distinguishes three forms of wonder: phenomenological wow-wonder, Socratic wisdom-wonder, and apophatic without-why-wonder. Deep contemplative wonder is neither a feeling nor cognition nor awe, but an ontological event and an I-Thou relation. Wonder helps cope with grief and illness, and the creation of "communities of wonder" can promote existential health. The "Wonder Compass" is a practical model for fostering deep wonder in daily life. Philosophy achieves its transformative potential when it cultivates a wondrous, caring relationship with nature, inspiring sustainable action.