Another 3 Minute Theory! Suzanne Newcombe discusses Karl Popper’s “Conjectures and Refutations”, and explains what it has to do with functional and substantive definitions of religion.

Another 3 Minute Theory! Suzanne Newcombe discusses Karl Popper’s “Conjectures and Refutations”, and explains what it has to do with functional and substantive definitions of religion.
We’re back! In bang-on three minutes, Stefanie Sinclair tells us about Benedict Anderson’s theory of Imagined Communities, in which groups gather around ideas and identities even when separated geographically. Originally coined for nationalism studies, the concept has great significance for other fields, including Religious Studies.
What Imagined COmmunities are you part of? Let us know in the comments!
In 3 minutes (and change), Carole Cusack (University of Sydney) tells us about the life, work and importance of the Georgian spiritual teacher, George Ivanovich Gurdjieff. Although his System is obscure and often counter-intuitive, he is one of the three foundational figures of contemporary esoteric culture.
Are you “food for the moon”? Let us know in the comments!
In three minutes, our very own Graham Harvey tells us about Actor-Network Theory, an approach that suggests that everything exists in networks of relationships, including not only humans, but objects and ideas too.
What inanimate object are you in a relationship with? Let us know in the comments!
In 3 minutes, Eileen Barker tells us about cults – dangerous brain-washing rackets, or simply new religions we don’t like?
Eileen Barker is founder of INFORM and a bonified Living Legend.
What theory would you like to see in 3 minutes? Let us know in the comments!
In three minutes, Stephen Quilley tells us about the idea of the individual. Are we really free autonomous agents? Where does the idea of the individual come from, and how does it relate to modern systems of government?
3 Minute Theory | The Individual with Stephen… by religiousstudies
Are YOU an individual? What theories or theorists should we cover in future videos? Let us know in the comments!
In 3 minutes, Leslie Dorrough Smith tells us about Scopophilia, the idea that narrative, especially cinema, reflects the male gaze.
3 Minute Theories | Scopophilia with Leslie… by religiousstudies
Welcome to a new video series here at the Open University – Three Minute Theories! They’re the punk rock 7-inch of critical thinking.
To kick us off, here’s our very own Paul-Francois Tremlett on why Max Weber remains an important and highly relevant thinker today.
New videos every two weeks. Share widely!
3 Minute Theories | Max Weber with Paul… by religiousstudies
Why is Weber important to you? What theories or theorists should we cover in future videos?