UNIT 10
THE Space factor
24-08-2024
In Unit 10 we explore the space factor in events and demonstrate how the intuitive Hitchens uses this factor in a natural way.
THEORETICAL ORIENTATION
In this unit we focus exclusively on the space factor. Intuition is “perception of the possibilities inherent in a situation.” (CW 8, par. 292) The idea of possibilities also involves space as factor. Jung writes: “…intuition sometimes seems to function as if there were no space, and sometimes as if there were no time…” (CW 18, par. 54) Jung expresses intuition’s relation to space as follows: “But, in space, every object is in endless connection with a multiplicity of other objects.” (ibid. par. 257) These connections do not conform to universal law. These connections broaden the too narrow confinement of the initial object, viewed from the intuitive’s perspective. In this way, possibilities inherent to the said situation open up.
DEMONSTRATION OF THE TIME FACTOR IN INTUITION
Please study the selection of relevant self-representations
We encourage you to first study the relevant section as a whole to form an overall picture before proceeding to investigate a specific extract. Explore the space factor in events and pinpoint the object-space connections in the relevant self-representations.
DEMONSTRATIONS
01
The Four Horsemen
Extract
Book: pp. 46-7 [From the third par. on p. 46: “Dan Barker’s making a collection of clergymen …” to the end of the last par. on p. 46: “…almost an exactly analogous argument.”]
Hour 1 of 2
URL: 00:06:25 to 00:07:13 timer
Hitchens:
“I used to run into this when I was younger, in arguments with members of the Communist Party. They sort of knew that it was all up with the Soviet Union. Many of them had suffered a lot … Their mainspring had broken, but they couldn’t give up … I find it in many cases almost an exactly analogous argument.”
Book: pp. 46-7
Hour 1 of 2
Analytic commentary
In this example we see how Hitchens’ intuition expands the narrow focus on clergymen posed by Dawkins to that of “members of the Communist Party” which encompasses a much wider range of people than only clergymen. Hitchens makes intuitive connections between clergymen and members of the Communist Party. He views this as “in many cases almost an exactly analogous argument.” This demonstrates Hitchens’ use of the space factor in intuition by which he shifts the discussion from one setting or space to a different one. He takes the financial conflict of the “collection of clergymen” who have lost their faith out of its theological space and shifts it to a political space, namely, to the said experience of conflict of many members of the Communist Party. He hereby relativizes Dawkins’ interest in Dan Barker’s pursuit.
02
The Four Horsemen
Extract
Book: p. 47 [From the first par. on p. 47: “When people tell me I’m being rude and vicious…” to the end of the second last par. on p. 47: “Yes.”]
Hour 1 of 2
URL: 00:07:13 to 00:07:51 timer
Hitchens:
“Including denying them tax exemptions, or, in the English case, state subsidies”.
Book: p. 47
Hour 1 of 2
Analytic commentary
Here again we see how the space factor comes into play though Hitchens’ intuition and his ability to make irrational connections. The focus of the debate is broadened with respect to the treatment of the pharmaceutical and the oil industry by Hitchens making connections to additional aspects of the objects in space such as denying them tax exemptions as well as state subsidies.
03
The Four Horsemen
Extract
Book: pp. 130-1 [From the second last par. on p. 130: “Unfortunately we’re running out of time …” to the end of the last par. on p. 131: “We’ve got a lot to think about.”]
Hour 2 of 2
URL: 00:58:57 to 00:59:07 time
Hitchens:
“And possibly tape”. [Laughter]
Book: p. 130
Hour 2 of 2
Analytic commentary
In this example we see how Hitchens’ intuition brings the dimension of space into play. His intuition extends the discussion from a narrower focus on the reality that they are running out of time, to the possibility that they are simultaneously running out of tape. Put simply, the tape is possibly running out of space. Hitchens’ intuition brings the dimension of space into play and so widens the horizon of the discussion, adding a broader perspective and ― a spark of humour.
04
The Four Horsemen
Extract
Book: p. 125 [From the fourth par. on p. 125: “Yes, but over space and time…” to the end of the same par. on p. 125: “…So you never know what’s coming next.”]
Hour 2 of 2
URL: 00:51:12 to 00:52:01
Extract
Book: p. 126 [From the fourth par. on p. 126: “Yes. Read Franklin…” to the end of the same par. on p. 126: “…in the last analysis.”]
Hour 2 of 2
URL: 00:52:24 to 00:52:56 timer
Hitchens:
“Yes, but over space and time, all that, I think, tremendously evens out.”
Book: p. 125
Hitchens:
“So, it’s a matter of space and time.”
Book: p. 126
Analytic commentary
Christopher Hitchens was conscious of his ability to mentally register the space-time factor in events and its effect thereupon. In this reference, Hitchens is in dialogue with Harris about the relative threat related to various religions and the inherent dangers related to non-reason in favour of faith. It is a noteworthy fact that in this discussion Hitchens twice makes specific references to space and time. In the first instance ― in the context of the spread of Islam and jihad ― Hitchens responds with: “Yes, but over space and time, all that, I think, tremendously evens out.” In the second instance ― in relation to Quakerism posing a serious threat to the United States ― Hitchens says: “So, it’s a matter of space and time.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY
Hitchens’ material above clearly illustrates what Jung expresses in terms of intuition’s relation to space: “But, in space, every object is in endless connection with a multiplicity of other objects.” (ibid. par. 257) As can be seen, this contrasts the confined points of focus held by his rational colleagues. The intuitive’s perception of the connections between events and objects ― which may even fall outside the space of the said event ― facilitates a widening of the horizon and adds invaluable perspective.
Hitchens’ intuitive views continuously broaden the discussion and prevent it from staying too long within the confines of any rational formation.