In Search of the Origins of the Western Mind: McGilchrist and the Axial Age

This paper considers and analyses the idea propounded by Iain McGilchrist that foundation of Western rationalism is dominance left side brain this occurred first in ancient Greece. It argues transformation Greece, as part a more widespread sometimes termed Axial Age, was, at least part, connected to emergence literacy which transformed workings human brain. was not uniform took different forms civilisations, including China India. The what Donald terms “theoretic” culture or can also be called “rationalism” best understood transformations language, transition from poetry prose separation word thing. Hence, development theoretic Greece particularity Greek cultural development. both created aporias, exemplified opposition between ontologies “being” “becoming”, led eventual victory established hegemony