Envisioning the Learning City Through the Lens of Social Neuroscience: Transforming Vulnerability into Resilience
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This academic article presents an approach to developing a learning city through the lens of social neuroscience by considering vulnerability within the context of cities and their inhabitants. This article highlights the possibility of utilizing vulnerability as an asset to foster city resilience. Literature reviews indicate that a sense of safety and the availability of shared spaces for civic engagement can positively impact brain functions related to cognition and learning. This article argues that vulnerability is not a weakness but a vital element that can enhance empathy and develop social capital within the city. City developers must consider the design of safe, inclusive public spaces and learning mechanisms that promote civic interaction. Furthermore, this paper proposes the use of narrative learning as a tool to cultivate civic consciousness and empower citizens to recognize their own agency. Such efforts lead to sustainable urban development that leaves no one behind, ensuring all citizens play a leading role in truly co-creating their own city.
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