Shadows of Evil: Moving Away From Rigidity Toward Opposing Views

• In Event: 31.092 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Three - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 31.092-4 - Contentious Discussions in Contentious Times

Abstract

This project examined how secondary preservice teachers may destabilize rigid, traditional approaches to the deliberation/introduction of contentious issues through the consideration of evil. During and after interviews with preservice teachers, the authors applied Ernest Becker’s theory of fetishizing evil and tenets of Carl Jung’s shadow theory to explore pedagogical/curricular implications and perceptions. By means of thinking with theory we unveil one specific way to promote/sustain a kinder, more stabilized, inclusive, and democratic society.

Authors

• Cathryn van Kessel, University of Alberta

• Bretton A. Varga, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Nicholas Jacobs, University of Alberta