Noesis: Atmospheres

philosophy Aug 3, 2026

A literary exploration of macabre, uncanny and eldritch.

Noesis has been around in some form since 2018. Over the years I have explored with different formats and readings. As student preferences have changed, so have I. From pure western/Greek philosophy in the early days to more literature now, I have found my own preferences and nature changing. I am moved by art that is considered, crafted and speaks to the soul. Such art can be found rarely, like all beautiful things. Stories, songs, paintings, poetry, films - all of these can be beautiful.

In this Noesis, I have tried to select short stories that create an atmosphere, a fog, sometimes revealing, sometimes hiding. We will together try to understand and experience this story, this atmosphere. The qualities that these stories emit are macabre, uncanny and eldritch. As with any art, I can never be sure if you will feel what I feel with this art.
And as with any art, it can take us in to directions that we never anticipated. Together we explore a new territory, a new land that I never been to. We find things of interest, beautiful sights and perhaps this atmosphere of eerie silence and sounds.

As we walk through this forest, we need to be prepared. Only a few items of preparation are required.
One, we must know the map, in our case the map is the text, the reading that we all must do before we enter the forest.
Second, we must communicate - through questions, through signs and signals. The more we talk, the more we can explore and wonder about the atmosphere that surrounds us.

That's all, only two things.

Session 1: The White People by Arthur Machen.
Session 2: We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick
Session 3: Three Versions of Judan by JL Borges
Session 4: Realm of Between (Preface) by Satchidananda Murty