Philosophers forever have contemplated just where the mind is and how the mind relates to both brain and body. Descartes, a French philosopher from the 17th century, was closely associated with an idea called dualism. This idea holds that the mind is non-physical – that it’s situated somewhere other than the brain or body. It’s... Read More

Practice, Student Zone, Theory

biology, biopsychosocial, brain, psychology

October 24, 2020

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Getting to grips with theory: Social Learning Theory

I can’t help but think of this poem when I think about Social Learning Theory because I think it says what it is perfectly…. From the immense poet Philip Larkin – This Be The Verse (That’s the name of the poem – I haven’t just turned into a pirate!!) They fuck you up, your mum... Read More

Practice, Student Zone, Theory

bandura, bobo doll, social learning theory, social work, theory

July 11, 2020

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Theory? Huh!?

There is no way to approach theory other than to be critical of it. I mean, you’ve got to understand it first before you can be critical of it. So, you have to delve into the books. But once you understand it then you should critically analyse it and ask whether it’s actually of any... Read More

Commentary

theory

July 11, 2020

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Power & Autonomy

When we think of power, we usually think of hierarchical power exercised over us by those in certain positions. There is also power in culture. Harari, in his book Sapiens, says cultures have typical beliefs, norms and values but that they are in a constant state of flux and that culture is changed through environment.... Read More

Commentary, Practice

autonomy, culture, power

March 11, 2020

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Resilience – dirty word?

It sometimes feels like resilience is a dirty word. Whispered in hushed tones in corridors in case over heard. Or spoken out loud as a rallying call to try harder and be stronger. It shouldn’t be this way. Resilience is crucial to a productive life but in social work it is in danger of being... Read More

Commentary, Practice, Productivity

exercise, nutrition, productivity, resilience, sleep

March 10, 2020

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Empathy, Sympathy and Compassion

“Empathy Is Walking A Mile In Somebody Else’s Moccasins. Sympathy Is Being Sorry Their Feet Hurt”. (Rebecca O’Donnell) The nature of our work as social workers, (or any caring profession for that matter) is dealing with some marginalised sections of society. We do our job because we care. By the very nature of ‘us’ caring, are we... Read More

Commentary, Practice, Productivity, Self Care

compassion, empathy, sympathy

March 10, 2020

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The Merchant of Venice and Critical Thinking

Was Shylock in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice making a critical decision that was necessary and proportionate, when he was demanding his pound of flesh? Let me give you a brief rundown on how Shylock found himself in a position where he was able to demand a pound of flesh from the poor Antonio. Shakespeare sets... Read More

Commentary, Practice

DoLs, liberty, shakespeare

Getting to grips with theory: Biology – deterministic?

Getting to grips with theory: Social Constructionism

Getting to grips with theory: Social Learning Theory

Beers and Ideas – Philosophy for Social Workers

Theory? Huh!?

Power & Autonomy

Social Care, Risk, COVID and True Uncertainty

Resilience – dirty word?

Empathy, Sympathy and Compassion

The Merchant of Venice and Critical Thinking

Social Work Shorts

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