Tag Archives: 3MT

3 Minute Theories | Imagined Communities, with Stefanie Sinclair

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!

3 Minute Theory | Gurdjieff, with Carole Cusack

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!

3 Minute Theory | Actor-Network Theory, with Graham Harvey

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!

3 Minute Theory | The Individual with Stephen Quilley

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!

Three Minute Theories | Paul-Francois Tremlett on Max Weber

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?