Daniel Kisliakov
(University of Divinity, Melbourne)
Abstract:
As cultural change erodes connectedness, traditional modalities of sociocultural dialectic and relatedness prove increasingly inadequate, contributing to rising cruelty and brutality. This situation demands a re-envisioning of communication methods that can adapt to rapid technological changes, including the rise of artificial intelligence, while acknowledging that established approaches fall short in negotiating evolving socio-cultural norms.
This paper seeks to expand on anthropological insights from an Australian perspective. Distinct from Eurocentrism, the philosophical understanding rooted in Australia’s natural environment and Indigenous culture offers another perspective on the human condition, addressing the limits of established modalities. Rather than negating established narratives, the approach seeks to reflect the breadth of human experience, recognizing the value in diverse cultural frameworks.
Drawing on contemporary theological and philosophical thinkers, alongside communication theory and relative ontology, the paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing fundamental human need. While human dialogue is universal, practices like “yarning” offer valuable insight. Australian perspectives thus present alternatives that challenge established models, suggesting a mode of dialogue and relatedness that is inherent to the human condition. Sociocultural categories emerge beyond existing modes, enhancing cohesion and reducing brutality in an increasingly interconnected world.
The lecture concludes by proposing that this conceptual expansion, exemplified in the Australian context, calls for a re-envisioning of social dialogue and communication practices to encompass all human experience, with a particular focus on nations with Indigenous peoples. These conclusions are relevant to the global human experience and provide an model for navigating sociocultural and technological change without limiting the scope of analysis.
Bio:
Daniel Kisliakov is a scholar at the University of Divinity, Melbourne. He specializes in the history of Eastern European theology and philosophy. His research examines the interaction between Eastern European and Western traditions, focusing on their influence on contemporary sociocultural dynamics. By interdisciplinarity, he integrates Australian perspectives, proposing expanded anthropological frameworks that challenge the limits of conventional sociocultural categories. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to a deeper understanding of human connectedness and cohesion in light of socio-cultural change. His work has been presented at various academic conferences, furthering the understanding of the human condition from both historical and modern perspectives.
