Date:- 27th December 2017
What is Art?
What is Art?
Date:- 22nd December 2017
Here are some questions for Reflection for the above Videos:-
1) Are we the only occupants on this planet called earth?
2) If no, what is our understanding of our position with this respect to use of natural resources?
3) Are we the most intelligent of species? If yes- how? If no why?
4) What is our understanding of evolution and nature/ nurture?
5) What are our observations from different species around us?
6) What are we learning from our ecosystems?
7) is there a cost involved in understanding from nature?
8) Are there moral/ ethical dilemmas in understanding these concepts and embracing them to be part of this universe?
9) Will our quest to explore other planets lead us to learn somethings form these aspects -termed as Biomimicry?
10) How are we collectively responsible for preserving the same- irrespective of country of origin/ political boundaries/ ability to extract from these natural resources ?
A sustainable world that already Exists!!
Content for this lesson plan has been taken from following websites- biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/ and https://synapse.bio/ and biomimicry.net/the-buzz/resources/case-example-sustainable-building-secrets-termites/
Here are some aspects that will help us deal with .... ever changing, ever evolving world! in the name of technology, in name of progress, in the name of accepting the change, in the name of us being the most intelligent... This lesson is aimed at learning from moth to shark, from tree to termite!! Welcome to the world....
“I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning.” -Steve Jobs-
There is so much of debate around Environment/ Climate change/ Global warming and its impact on on us, around us and our future... What is our sustainability? Have we ever seen around us for being effective? Humans are clever, but without intending to, they have created huge concerns and sustainability problems for future generations. When we start looking around for solutions and for effective remediation, we fortunately, see solutions to these global challenges are all around us.
Innovation inspired by nature- or the new edge term for this age old concept is, Biomimicry.
Biomimicry is one such an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. EXAMPLE: SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SECRETS OF TERMITES We generally think of termites as destroying buildings, not helping design them. But the Eastgate Building, an office complex in Harare, Zimbabwe, has an air conditioning system modeled on the self-cooling mounds of Macrotermes michaelseni, termites that maintain the temperature inside their nest to within one degree, day and night (while the temperatures outside swing from 42 °C to 3 °C). The operation of buildings represents 40% of all the energy used by humanity, so learning how to design them to be more sustainable is vitally important. Designed by architect Mick Pearce, Eastgate uses 90% percent less energy for ventilation than conventional buildings its size, and has already saved the building owners over $3.5 million dollars in air conditioning costs.
Spider webs, for example, represent nature’s ability to deter collisions. SAFER WINDOWS INSPIRED BY SPIDER WEBS Spiders weave UV reflective strands of silk into their webs to prevent birds from flying through. Invisible to humans, the spider-inspired principle of including UV strands in glass has been used by Ornilux, a company that has create a transparent, bird-friendly glass. This is an example of mimicking form nature.
Here are some aspects that will help us deal with .... ever changing, ever evolving world! in the name of technology, in name of progress, in the name of accepting the change, in the name of us being the most intelligent... This lesson is aimed at learning from moth to shark, from tree to termite!! Welcome to the world....
“I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning.” -Steve Jobs-
There is so much of debate around Environment/ Climate change/ Global warming and its impact on on us, around us and our future... What is our sustainability? Have we ever seen around us for being effective? Humans are clever, but without intending to, they have created huge concerns and sustainability problems for future generations. When we start looking around for solutions and for effective remediation, we fortunately, see solutions to these global challenges are all around us.
Innovation inspired by nature- or the new edge term for this age old concept is, Biomimicry.
Biomimicry is one such an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. So what is it that we understand from this concept?
1) Should we teaching this to our generation next?
2) What are some challenges that one will face while teaching this? implementing this?
3) Are their any ethical/ moral dilemmas?
4) Why would not G-20 or WHO/ UNO make this mandatory for K-12 education system?
5) What are some drawbacks of this thinking?
Looking forward to your discussion and submissions on Edmodo!
Best...
New Lesson plan follows..
Movies and Physics
Insanely stupid Movies- physics that we keep defying!!
This Particular part has been taken from a website - http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics/
This is for Various reasons that we need to look into how movies influence our thinking and fuels are fantasies! technonerds go to movies strictly for entertainment, and of course, the most entertaining part comes after the movie when they can dissect, criticise, and argue the merits of every detail. However, when supposedly serious scenes totally disregard the laws of physics in blatantly obvious ways it's enough to make us retch. The motion picture industry has failed to police itself against the evils of bad physics. This page and its companion book. is provided as a public service in hopes of improving this deplorable matter. The minds of our children and their ability to master vectors are (shudder) at stake.
This piece is from the same link and some videos are from free resources that are available on internet through various search engines.
Here are some questions that are worth reflecting!
Here is a part taken has been again taken from website:-
Flaming Cars
Ever notice how cars in movies always burst into flames the instant they collide with anything? Our favorite is when a car falling from a high place explodes the instant before it hits the ground. It's as though its gas tank gets panicky and detonates at the mere thought of striking Earth.Fortunately, the physics are not so cooperative. It takes a whole series of conditions all of which must be exactly right for a gas tank to explode.
Even when a wrecked car catches on fire it rarely explodes. A gas tank can explode if it contains an explosive mixture and there's an opening for the flames to enter. More likely, fire would have to impinge on the outside of the gas tank, vaporizing the gasoline in the tank causing it to overpressure and eventually explode. However, if the vapors escaped fast enough the tank would not rupture.
Most fires start in the engine compartment and will not spread backwards to the gas tank area unless the tank is leaking fuel on the ground. Again a whole series of events has to be just right for an explosion to occur.
Although it's actually quite rare, exploding cars are a common excuse for not wearing seat belts. Onlookers at crash sites are often so concerned about explosions that they unnecessarily jeopardize a person with a spinal injury by pulling them out of a wrecked car. The common Hollywood depiction fuels these harmful misconceptions.
http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics/
Insanely stupid Movies- physics that we keep defying!!
This Particular part has been taken from a website - http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics/
This is for Various reasons that we need to look into how movies influence our thinking and fuels are fantasies! technonerds go to movies strictly for entertainment, and of course, the most entertaining part comes after the movie when they can dissect, criticise, and argue the merits of every detail. However, when supposedly serious scenes totally disregard the laws of physics in blatantly obvious ways it's enough to make us retch. The motion picture industry has failed to police itself against the evils of bad physics. This page and its companion book. is provided as a public service in hopes of improving this deplorable matter. The minds of our children and their ability to master vectors are (shudder) at stake.
This piece is from the same link and some videos are from free resources that are available on internet through various search engines.
Here are some questions that are worth reflecting!
- Do we watch movies with knowledge that we have about science?
- Or movies are meant for fun/ relaxing and no connections with real life?
- To what extent these movies have social responsibility about spreading a message in society?
- Should movies be not part of these paradox- Lead characters are Role models in the society and their actions are not worth challenging!!
- Do you notice these flaws in movies while watching them? If yes- Describe one movie and law that has been violated! Check with your friends/ if the movies are similar/ different and their clarity about a concept is similar to yours!
- To what extent all movies should be scientific? and if they were like "Gravity" would we appreciate them? Will common man be able to differentiate between them?
- To what extent fantasy wins over Science!
- To what extent there should be any authority like say Censor board to review these aspects?
- Tom and Jerry and other similar cartoons - do they violate physics?
- what is your list of movies that has violated laws of science.....
Here is a part taken has been again taken from website:-
Flaming Cars
Ever notice how cars in movies always burst into flames the instant they collide with anything? Our favorite is when a car falling from a high place explodes the instant before it hits the ground. It's as though its gas tank gets panicky and detonates at the mere thought of striking Earth.Fortunately, the physics are not so cooperative. It takes a whole series of conditions all of which must be exactly right for a gas tank to explode.
Even when a wrecked car catches on fire it rarely explodes. A gas tank can explode if it contains an explosive mixture and there's an opening for the flames to enter. More likely, fire would have to impinge on the outside of the gas tank, vaporizing the gasoline in the tank causing it to overpressure and eventually explode. However, if the vapors escaped fast enough the tank would not rupture.
Most fires start in the engine compartment and will not spread backwards to the gas tank area unless the tank is leaking fuel on the ground. Again a whole series of events has to be just right for an explosion to occur.
Although it's actually quite rare, exploding cars are a common excuse for not wearing seat belts. Onlookers at crash sites are often so concerned about explosions that they unnecessarily jeopardize a person with a spinal injury by pulling them out of a wrecked car. The common Hollywood depiction fuels these harmful misconceptions.
http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics/
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A QUESTION OF TONE
It’s morally right to bring up climate change even as the tragedy of Hurricane Harvey unfolds:- Floods in India and Hurricane Harvey in Texas... Can one compare these? Floods and Hurricane both are very different phenomenon and Climate change could be the only common denominator! To what extent losses in both are comparable - Losses of lives to Property to...time it will take to build faith again.... Do we study human behaviour after each such catastrophe? Do we reflect upon lives on million affected by floods say in 2016/2015 or in 2005.... when Katrina stormed USA? What are AOK and WOK that you would like to reflect upon and build this case study....
Here is another headline- Does it strike emotion? or Behaviour? or Science? Click on the link and study the details.... MFloods in Africa in August killed 25 times more people than Hurricane Harvey did..... twitter.com/hallaboutafrica/status/902782131532902400/photo/1 |
To this List one more song got added from Andhra pradesh about school fees!
http://www.news18.com/news/india/inspired-by-rj-malishka-parents-of-schoolkids-in-hyderabad-sing-about-fee-hike-1505149.html |
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Watch these videos and reflect upon your learning!
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Dear All,
you could actually make your "sonu" song form this!!
Students!
Do you trust yourself!!
yes/ No
I am sure you too are singing now above lines on the same tunes... But are you thinking about the issues raised by these songs!
Folk songs have influenced our thinking! Folk music is type of traditional and generally rural music that originally was passed down through families and other small social groups. Typically, folk music, like folk literature, lives in oral tradition; it is learned through hearing rather than reading. It is functional in the sense that it is associated with other activities, and it is primarily rural in origin. The usefulness of the concept varies from culture to culture. Folk music tells the tales of various genre! From Appreciation to Protest, from Freedom to Voice of oppressed, from power to powerless...
Folk music has evolved over a period of time, but its roots remain the same. The catchy tune, the purpose and power to reach out to masses is the basic flow of this.
With the reinvent of Radio, and Radio Jockeys making Radio more popular... there is a new role that folk music has now taken as it merges will with technology...
Folk music has power to create songs of protests! songs of wisdom and learning! Take this real life situation and reflect upon various issues that have been raised by these RJ's!
Reflect upon these 3 videos and apply various WOKs to understand the perspectives involved.
How simple lyrics and music have changed the way we think, we behave and we take sides!! Isn;t there bias in this? Isn't this encashing on popularity? isn't this reflection of how helpless are we as common man!
This lesson is aimed at helping your reflect upon WOks discussed and how the same has impact on our belief systems.
What is it that gets reflected through these songs?
you could actually make your "sonu" song form this!!
Students!
Do you trust yourself!!
yes/ No
I am sure you too are singing now above lines on the same tunes... But are you thinking about the issues raised by these songs!
Folk songs have influenced our thinking! Folk music is type of traditional and generally rural music that originally was passed down through families and other small social groups. Typically, folk music, like folk literature, lives in oral tradition; it is learned through hearing rather than reading. It is functional in the sense that it is associated with other activities, and it is primarily rural in origin. The usefulness of the concept varies from culture to culture. Folk music tells the tales of various genre! From Appreciation to Protest, from Freedom to Voice of oppressed, from power to powerless...
Folk music has evolved over a period of time, but its roots remain the same. The catchy tune, the purpose and power to reach out to masses is the basic flow of this.
With the reinvent of Radio, and Radio Jockeys making Radio more popular... there is a new role that folk music has now taken as it merges will with technology...
Folk music has power to create songs of protests! songs of wisdom and learning! Take this real life situation and reflect upon various issues that have been raised by these RJ's!
Reflect upon these 3 videos and apply various WOKs to understand the perspectives involved.
How simple lyrics and music have changed the way we think, we behave and we take sides!! Isn;t there bias in this? Isn't this encashing on popularity? isn't this reflection of how helpless are we as common man!
This lesson is aimed at helping your reflect upon WOks discussed and how the same has impact on our belief systems.
What is it that gets reflected through these songs?
- Awareness
- threat
- Helplessness
- Acquired power
- Ability to mock
- Right to information
- right to protest
- Impact
- Ability of this medium to reach out- to masses/ authorities
- How long will this last in our memory?
- Will we need one more song for another issue?
- Why is it that our actions and our memories of theses are so short-lived?
- Will you be part of this campaign? how? why?
- What are your issues? if they are different than this?
- Is this the only way.... to create awareness...
Seeing Through Maps
many ways to see the world~
( Following is courtesy Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Through-Maps-Many-World/dp/1931057206_)
This book challenges the popular world-view by questioning a number of map images and the specific messages they communicate. Maps imply a truth, but that truth can be quite skewed depending on the viewpoint of the map creator. This book takes a hard look at truth by carefully inspecting some familiar, and not-so-familiar, map images and exploring their significance. The normally staid world of geographers is unusually excited by this dramatic new approach to the meaning of images. Seeing Through Maps, however, extends beyond cartography. The book discusses how map projections provide information about countries, cultures, the world's peoples and their history. It also explains the principles and hidden messages contained in a number of unique maps and provocative images: Peters' Equal Area Projection, Van Sant's GeoSphere Map; Fuller's Dymaxion Map; a Toronto-centered world map; Minard's map of Napoleon's march on Moscow; Petit's map of African slave trading routes; a global warming map; and some intriguing, mind-stretching maps with south on top. "This [book] will encourage a spirited discussion of perceptions, world views, and the importance of…seeing things differently," says Government Training News. Ivor Miller (African Diaspora Studies, DePaul University) says it is "a beautiful study that prepares students to think using multiple perspectives." The book is suitable for social studies, global studies, and psychology courses in universities. THIS REVISED edition includes a cartogram of 2004 USA Election Results, Hobo-Dyer Projection maps, selected Chronology of Map Development, a new chapter(8)called, "Are Maps TALK instead of Pictures" which challenges the conventional notion that maps are representations of reality. Instead, the authors assert that maps are propositions or arguments, and used as tools of persuasion or exploitation.
Do watch this link
prezi.com/cn3w_pe2tuew/intro-to-tok/
many ways to see the world~
( Following is courtesy Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Through-Maps-Many-World/dp/1931057206_)
This book challenges the popular world-view by questioning a number of map images and the specific messages they communicate. Maps imply a truth, but that truth can be quite skewed depending on the viewpoint of the map creator. This book takes a hard look at truth by carefully inspecting some familiar, and not-so-familiar, map images and exploring their significance. The normally staid world of geographers is unusually excited by this dramatic new approach to the meaning of images. Seeing Through Maps, however, extends beyond cartography. The book discusses how map projections provide information about countries, cultures, the world's peoples and their history. It also explains the principles and hidden messages contained in a number of unique maps and provocative images: Peters' Equal Area Projection, Van Sant's GeoSphere Map; Fuller's Dymaxion Map; a Toronto-centered world map; Minard's map of Napoleon's march on Moscow; Petit's map of African slave trading routes; a global warming map; and some intriguing, mind-stretching maps with south on top. "This [book] will encourage a spirited discussion of perceptions, world views, and the importance of…seeing things differently," says Government Training News. Ivor Miller (African Diaspora Studies, DePaul University) says it is "a beautiful study that prepares students to think using multiple perspectives." The book is suitable for social studies, global studies, and psychology courses in universities. THIS REVISED edition includes a cartogram of 2004 USA Election Results, Hobo-Dyer Projection maps, selected Chronology of Map Development, a new chapter(8)called, "Are Maps TALK instead of Pictures" which challenges the conventional notion that maps are representations of reality. Instead, the authors assert that maps are propositions or arguments, and used as tools of persuasion or exploitation.
Do watch this link
prezi.com/cn3w_pe2tuew/intro-to-tok/
Scientific Studies and its interpretations
Watch the following video and share your views on mangebac about
Watch the following video and share your views on mangebac about
- What is this video about?
- What is it that you think this video is attempting to suggest?
- What makes one believe in this video?
- What makes one believe that this video is authentic?
- What are issues that are being raised by this video?
- To what extent your ideas, notions, learning got challenged with this video?
- What is one doubt that you have about authenticity of this video?
- What are some claims that are made through this video?
- What is the approach that helps viewer to make certain clarity about issues raised in this video?
- Is this video insulting? does this video needs editing? reviewing for ethical aspects?
- What other sources would you like to verify before you make certain changes in your understanding?
- Is this video about "process of learning science"? or Issues with interpretations and media representations?
- How would you feel if one of your EE topics was in the centre of this controversy or part of this video?
- What other possible ways exists to share the similar concerns about authenticity of reports, representations by media and scope of results based on a small size of sample?
- What are basic emotions in this video that help viewer to learn ? Is the emotion correctly used to drive the point?
- Have you come across such surveys, reports, analysis? what was your interpretation of them? Did you challenge your belief or you accepted them as to be correct/ true
TOK and Symbolism:-
Why do the coins you own have any value at all?
What is the role of symbolism in our use of money? How does the use of money compare with other forms of symbolism?
To what extent does the use of money in our society require the understanding of mathematics?
Is having money important to you? If so why? What gives it value to you?
Why do the coins you own have any value at all?
Why do the coins you own have any value at all?
What is the role of symbolism in our use of money? How does the use of money compare with other forms of symbolism?
To what extent does the use of money in our society require the understanding of mathematics?
Is having money important to you? If so why? What gives it value to you?
Why do the coins you own have any value at all?
Do you believe them? Why or Why not?
1) Your friend who is from a very influential family and who also claims that has information about many things, just told you that a vending machine for soft drinks will be installed soon in your school. Do you believe? Why or Why not? DO write your questions that you will ask this friend in order to evaluate her claim.
2) Your friend has just told you that the math test was extremely difficult. Do you believe your friend? Why or Why not? What exactly do you believe? Are you more inclined to ask than you were in situation 1? Why or why not?
3) Your grandfather that there is God in heaven who loves you. Do you believe him? Why? Or Why not? { You are NOT being asked to comment on anyone else’s belief but solely to reflect upon your justifications that might be for accepting or rejecting this claim}
4) Your biology teacher has just told you that biology is the most fascinating subject in the world. Do you believe them? Why or Why not?
5) Your parents have always told you that it was important to report your classmates if they cheated on exams. Do you believe them? Why or Why not?
6) Your friend has just told you that your friend regretted not having studied harder for the Math test and that friend feels that exam results would be disastrous! Do you believe them? Why or Why not? What exactly do you believe? Does knowing your friend affect your conclusion?
7) Your friend, obviously very upset has just told you that 15 terrorists have landed in your city and are in some area… Do you believe them? Why or Why not? Would you be more inclined to ask your friend questions than you were in situation 1?
1) Your friend who is from a very influential family and who also claims that has information about many things, just told you that a vending machine for soft drinks will be installed soon in your school. Do you believe? Why or Why not? DO write your questions that you will ask this friend in order to evaluate her claim.
2) Your friend has just told you that the math test was extremely difficult. Do you believe your friend? Why or Why not? What exactly do you believe? Are you more inclined to ask than you were in situation 1? Why or why not?
3) Your grandfather that there is God in heaven who loves you. Do you believe him? Why? Or Why not? { You are NOT being asked to comment on anyone else’s belief but solely to reflect upon your justifications that might be for accepting or rejecting this claim}
4) Your biology teacher has just told you that biology is the most fascinating subject in the world. Do you believe them? Why or Why not?
5) Your parents have always told you that it was important to report your classmates if they cheated on exams. Do you believe them? Why or Why not?
6) Your friend has just told you that your friend regretted not having studied harder for the Math test and that friend feels that exam results would be disastrous! Do you believe them? Why or Why not? What exactly do you believe? Does knowing your friend affect your conclusion?
7) Your friend, obviously very upset has just told you that 15 terrorists have landed in your city and are in some area… Do you believe them? Why or Why not? Would you be more inclined to ask your friend questions than you were in situation 1?
The IB Genie Deduction Puzzle
In legends spread through IB lands
We find the story told
Of a Genie in a magic lamp
Who turns all marks to gold
The seven friends had heard the tale
And wished it was true
“Just find the IB knowledge Lamp!
success will come to you”
“It can’t be true, inductively
sad Omar softly wailed,
I’ve tested all the lamps in town
And all of them have failed”
“It just takes one” Christina Cried,
“to overturn your doubt.
Extend the search beyond the town!
Find the genie, let him be out!”
The Seven Friends searched everywhere
Till each felt quite fool.
Abandoning the quest they met,
In the library at the school
And there between the lofty shelves,
The seven puzzled sadly,
But could there be another way
To knowledge we want badly?”
Then eerily behind the books
Suffused a golden glow,
And from it came a husky growl,
“what do you want to know”?
“I give you wishes or a week-
I’ll grant you one each day
So take your turns and wish before
I vanish away!”
The Seven friends by accident
Had found the way they did seek
So there amidst the books at school
They planned their magic week
The first to wish chose “eloquence”
Upon a Sunday noon
Let others understand my thoughts
Oh! Grant this language boon!”
On Wednesday eve another friend
Chose “rationality”
“I want to understand the Math
That often puzzles me”
“It’s talents of the heart that counts”
another day cried Lee
“true understanding that I seek
consists of empathy”
After Lee had made her wish
The next turn went to Paul,
“Athletic prowess gives me pleasure
hot shots in basketball”
“I want to sing amazingly”
said Saturday’s friend, doing trills
another day Maimouna begged,
“Please give me easy skills”
On Friday in the setting sun
A friend ( not Omar) said
“I would like to understand myself-
these thoughts inside my head”
Chirra one day took a turn
And later also Tim,
It wasn’t Tim who wished to sing
Or knew himself within
The seven friends were jubilant
And eager now to learn
With knowledge skills thus granted to them,
As each had had a turn
And off they went to practice scales
Or Basketball or Math
Or Introspections, kindness or
Whatever was the path
The Genie snug behind the books
Dimmed down the lamplight’s glow
And, smiling to himself, intoned
“what do you want to know”?
" You are Free to choose, But you are not free From the consequences of your choice" - Universal paradox
ParadoxA paradox is a statement that apparently contradicts itself and yet might be true. Most logical paradoxes are known to be invalid arguments but are still valuable in promoting critical thinking. Wikipedia. One of the most well known examples that teachers frequently use to introduce the idea of a paradox is a "jumbo shrimp." Certainly, "jumbo" and "shrimp" are contradictory statements. However, that is merely an introductory example, since a shrimp can certainly be jumbo sized in comparison to other smaller shrimp. Still, it is an appropriate starting point for students who are new to the concept of paradox.
Here are some more examples of paradox in simple forms in order to further define the term "paradox":
Here are some more examples of paradox in simple forms in order to further define the term "paradox":
- You can save money by spending it.
- I'm nobody.
- "What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young." - George Bernard Shaw
- Wise fool
- Bittersweet
- "I can resist anything but temptation."-Oscar Wilde
- I'm a compulsive liar- am I lying when I say that?
- A rich man is no richer than a poor man.
- Nobody goes to that restaurant because it is too crowded.
- You shouldn't go in the water until you know how to swim.
- If you didn't get this message, call me.
- The person who wrote something so stupid can't write at all
- Men work together whether they work together or apart. - Robert Frost
- Be cruel to be kind
- The beginning of the end
- Drowning in the fountain of eternal life
- Deep down, you're really shallow.
Winning the battle, but losing the war
The title for this discussion is age old and have multiple perceptions with one reality.
We claim to be in 21st Century and we are still behaving the way we behaved in 20th, 19th, or may be earlier! This year is 100 year from WW-1 and we as world are still in similar situation!
Name the continent and you will find warring nations! winning nations and loosing mankind! humanity! faith in humanity!
While world is also busy celebrating! centenary celebrations for WW-1 and here is what Prime Minister of UK had to say at a public function....
"It was a conflict of “unspeakable carnage, unbearable loss and almost unbelievable bravery” fought “to preserve the principles of freedom and sovereignty that we cherish today”. That was how David Cameron paid tribute to the horrors of the First World War, which began 100 years ago on Monday night. He was speaking at an event at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Mons was the scene of the first major engagement for the British in the war.
Who will say these line after next 10 years? 100 years? Will we survive till than to listen to these lines????? if such assaults continue???
In English we have a saying "you may win the battle, but you'll lose the war". It's means that you may get what you want in the short-term, but you won't in the long-term. If history and experience of mankind suggests that winning battle and losing war's are synonyms! that why is more advanced, more educated, more liberal, more aware society still fights and battles with basics of humanity.
Read the following articles and post your comments for some questions that have been raised collectively in this class forum.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/comment/israel-is-winning-the-battle-but-losing-the-war/article1-1247909.aspx
http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21610264-all-its-military-might-israel-faces-grim-future-unless-it-can-secure-peace-winning
What is reality and what is our perception about these wars?
Are they for real?
If No one wants a war why we have them?
Whose pride do we fight when we have wars?
What is national consensus? what is role of democracy?
Is technology for peace or for destruction?
What impact ( we have enough research/ case studies/ stories/ movies for the impact of WW-1 and WW-2) will it have on children and what memories will they have of their childhood.
What is the Economy of the war? who benefits from this?
How does it have impact on all stakeholders? Young ones, teenagers, older people?
What price do we pay for fighting these wars? and why we make them inevitable?
Many more such questions would arise as we take responses and try and understand perceptions and reality of war and peace.
Finally; one needs to be at peace with self before understanding meaning of war and impact of war! If one is at "wars" with self!! the reflection that person will have will always be very different from one's reality!
Do post your questions/ answers/ responses/ concerns/ worries about this aspect through medium agreed upon.
Reflections on Perception and Reality reveal lot more than that we estimate them to reveal!
Another way of detecting bias!
We claim to be in 21st Century and we are still behaving the way we behaved in 20th, 19th, or may be earlier! This year is 100 year from WW-1 and we as world are still in similar situation!
- Be it Ukraine and Russia,
- Be it Israel and Palestine,
- Iran
- Afghanistan! .....list is endless... this list does not include civil wars!!
Name the continent and you will find warring nations! winning nations and loosing mankind! humanity! faith in humanity!
While world is also busy celebrating! centenary celebrations for WW-1 and here is what Prime Minister of UK had to say at a public function....
"It was a conflict of “unspeakable carnage, unbearable loss and almost unbelievable bravery” fought “to preserve the principles of freedom and sovereignty that we cherish today”. That was how David Cameron paid tribute to the horrors of the First World War, which began 100 years ago on Monday night. He was speaking at an event at the St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Mons was the scene of the first major engagement for the British in the war.
Who will say these line after next 10 years? 100 years? Will we survive till than to listen to these lines????? if such assaults continue???
In English we have a saying "you may win the battle, but you'll lose the war". It's means that you may get what you want in the short-term, but you won't in the long-term. If history and experience of mankind suggests that winning battle and losing war's are synonyms! that why is more advanced, more educated, more liberal, more aware society still fights and battles with basics of humanity.
Read the following articles and post your comments for some questions that have been raised collectively in this class forum.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/comment/israel-is-winning-the-battle-but-losing-the-war/article1-1247909.aspx
http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21610264-all-its-military-might-israel-faces-grim-future-unless-it-can-secure-peace-winning
What is reality and what is our perception about these wars?
Are they for real?
If No one wants a war why we have them?
Whose pride do we fight when we have wars?
What is national consensus? what is role of democracy?
Is technology for peace or for destruction?
What impact ( we have enough research/ case studies/ stories/ movies for the impact of WW-1 and WW-2) will it have on children and what memories will they have of their childhood.
What is the Economy of the war? who benefits from this?
How does it have impact on all stakeholders? Young ones, teenagers, older people?
What price do we pay for fighting these wars? and why we make them inevitable?
Many more such questions would arise as we take responses and try and understand perceptions and reality of war and peace.
Finally; one needs to be at peace with self before understanding meaning of war and impact of war! If one is at "wars" with self!! the reflection that person will have will always be very different from one's reality!
Do post your questions/ answers/ responses/ concerns/ worries about this aspect through medium agreed upon.
Reflections on Perception and Reality reveal lot more than that we estimate them to reveal!
Another way of detecting bias!
Watch this Video....
How do we know things? We know things because we use a range of methods of inquiry that incorporate ways of knowing to help construct knowledge in different areas of knowledge (AOKs). One effective way to look at AOKs and understand, interpret and acquire knowledge framework is through unpacking the AOKs as they provides us a vocabulary to compare and help us interpret various aspects using different perspectives.
The idea is that each AOK can be thought of, broadly speaking, as a coherent whole—a vast system with a rich inner structure. TOK aims to explore this structure and to understand just what it is that gives each AOK its particular character. It is also concerned with what these AOKs have in common. A useful strategy is to build a TOK course around comparing and contrasting the various AOKs, to look for features they have in common but also to highlight their differences and pinpoint what gives each its own characteristic flavour.
Comparison of different AOKs is not purely a descriptive task. It is analytical in the sense that the student should link the practices of inquiry to the knowledge that comes out in the end. For example, the reliability of knowledge within an AOK will depend critically upon the methods used to produce it. Making links of this sort is what is meant by analysis in TOK.
What does this video talk about
Emotions?
Relationships?
Persistence?
Love?
Care?
Duty?
Rules?
Requests?
Authority?
Obedience?
What if
1) Roles were reversed; Nurse was Senior and Relative was young
2) What if Role of relative was played by Man alternatively instead of nurse, there was a wardboy
3) What if Relative made requests to Doctors/ Authorities?
4) Should rules be changed?
This Video/ Advertisement has been doing rounds and is being discussed for its appeal. It may or may not be shown on television network for the length of the video....
How do we know things? We know things because we use a range of methods of inquiry that incorporate ways of knowing to help construct knowledge in different areas of knowledge (AOKs). One effective way to look at AOKs and understand, interpret and acquire knowledge framework is through unpacking the AOKs as they provides us a vocabulary to compare and help us interpret various aspects using different perspectives.
- scope, motivation and applications
- specific terminology and concepts
- methods used to produce knowledge
- key historical developments
- interaction with personal knowledge.
The idea is that each AOK can be thought of, broadly speaking, as a coherent whole—a vast system with a rich inner structure. TOK aims to explore this structure and to understand just what it is that gives each AOK its particular character. It is also concerned with what these AOKs have in common. A useful strategy is to build a TOK course around comparing and contrasting the various AOKs, to look for features they have in common but also to highlight their differences and pinpoint what gives each its own characteristic flavour.
Comparison of different AOKs is not purely a descriptive task. It is analytical in the sense that the student should link the practices of inquiry to the knowledge that comes out in the end. For example, the reliability of knowledge within an AOK will depend critically upon the methods used to produce it. Making links of this sort is what is meant by analysis in TOK.
What does this video talk about
Emotions?
Relationships?
Persistence?
Love?
Care?
Duty?
Rules?
Requests?
Authority?
Obedience?
What if
1) Roles were reversed; Nurse was Senior and Relative was young
2) What if Role of relative was played by Man alternatively instead of nurse, there was a wardboy
3) What if Relative made requests to Doctors/ Authorities?
4) Should rules be changed?
This Video/ Advertisement has been doing rounds and is being discussed for its appeal. It may or may not be shown on television network for the length of the video....
What isMusic?
Music is an art form that uses sound as medium in time and space. Music is in sound and music is in silence. Music could be instrumental!! in teaching and in strings!! and can be physics or biology if it becomes matter of ability! Music can be defined, identified in many forms, as art, as science and as Moral law! Music is Way of life.The basic elements of music, rhythm, dynamics and sound properties are colour and intensity. Origin of Music is as old as history of mankind and all forms, civilisations, all societies have created, accepted and contributed towards this mathematical aspect of representations. Music through history had tried to define a number of theorists, philosophers, composers and musicians themselves. The very word music derives from the Greek word mousike, which is derived from the word mouse, and people around the world know that as a Latin form of the word music. Music and sound can make human voice or instrument which can cause emotional experience. Music reaches far into the past and during this time they develop different styles and genres of music, which is still listening.
Music is entertainment, Music is Reward, Music is revolt, Music is Soothing, Music is Unnerving! Music is Patriotism, Music is Romance, Music is inspiration and Music is Plagiarism!! ... and it can be interpreted in more than one way! Creation and interpretations depend upon Music/ Cause and its intended effect. All styles and genres of music, one thing is common, and that is to make people happy. Today, music has increasingly spreading and people can’t live without music. On this website you can find out what music actually is, its history and its styles and genres.
Let's Look at some songs that have given us strength/ wisdom/ unity/ and have creates a cause, cause to bind us together...
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b24Ewk934g
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1pHRZXK3T0
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE4H0k8TDgw
4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4cJSaswMjA
5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNad7w-aUvs&feature=kp
6) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwcG55bj5Os&list=PLcQUXykXPN14ub5yzqjbQMdVP9oViDc0a
Listen to these Songs and identify / add your own list....
Can we have categories like...
Songs of Patriotism...
Songs of Leadership....
Songs of Revolt....
Songs of Collaboration....
Songs of Change....
Songs that communicate....
What is Fear?
Emotion?
Abstract feeling?
universal practice/ phenomenon?
Unpleasant Emotion?
Intuition?
Perceived threat?
Being afraid of thing/ someone?
Escape mechanism?
Reality?
Assurance/ lack of assurance?
Fight or Flight response?
Specific behaviour?
Avoidance?
General Adaptation Syndrome?
Fear is universal phenomena, from individual to countries everyone experiences the same and practices the same.
What is this picture suggesting?
Write in your journal feeling that this picture arouses in your mind as you explore fear and the way brain interprets fears.
Here are a few indicators,that we discussed/ argued/ attempted to understand/ create a common platform/ read from textbooks/ research-reviews and shared our personal experiences. Do add to this list in your journal as you write your reflections.
Fear and understanding Fear Psychologically:-
Our understanding of brain suggest that The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates our body systems. This system is the primary mechanism in control of the fight-or-flight response and its role is mediated by two different components.
Fear is a series of reactions in the brain triggered by a stressful stimulus and ending with such physical reactions as tense muscles, rapid heartbeat and rushed breathing. This is the well-known fight-or-flight response. Examples of fear stimuli include stage fright, spiders, seeing someone attacking with a knife or the sound of the front door suddenly banging open. Although many areas in the brain are at least partially involved in the fear response, research has shown which parts play major roles:
Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time we're infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe. Fear helps protect us. It makes us alert to danger and prepares us to deal with it. Feeling afraid is very natural — and helpful — in some situations. Fear can be like a warning, a signal that cautions us to be careful.Like all emotions, fear can be mild, medium, or intense, depending on the situation and the person. A feeing of fear can be brief or it can last longer.
How Fear WorksWhen we sense danger, the brain reacts instantly, sending signals that activate the nervous system. This causes physical responses, such as a faster heartbeat, rapid breathing, and an increase in blood pressure. Blood pumps to muscle groups to prepare the body for physical action (such as running or fighting). Skin sweats to keep the body cool. Some people might notice sensations in the stomach, head, chest, legs, or hands. These physical sensations of fear can be mild or strong.
This response is known as "fight or flight" because that is exactly what the body is preparing itself to do: fight off the danger or run fast to get away. The body stays in this state of fight-flight until the brain receives an "all clear" message and turns off the response.
Sometimes fear is triggered by something that is startling or unexpected (like a loud noise), even if it's not actually dangerous. That's because the fear reaction is activated instantly — a few seconds faster than the thinking part of the brain can process or evaluate what's happening. As soon as the brain gets enough information to realize there's no danger ("Oh, it's just a balloon bursting — whew!"), it turns off the fear reaction. All this can happen in seconds.
Fear is the word we use to describe our emotional reaction to something that seems dangerous. But the word "fear" is used in another way, too: to name something a person often feels afraid of. People fear things or situations that make them feel unsafe or unsure. For instance, someone who isn't a strong swimmer might have a fear of deep water. In this case, the fear is helpful because it cautions the person to stay safe. Someone could overcome this fear by learning how to swim safely.A fear can be healthy if it cautions a person to stay safe around something that could be dangerous. But sometimes a fear is unnecessary and causes more caution than the situation calls for. People tend to avoid the situations or things they fear. But this doesn't help them overcome fear — in fact, it can be the reverse. Avoiding something scary reinforces a fear and keeps it strong.
People can overcome unnecessary fears by giving themselves the chance to learn about and gradually get used to the thing or situation they're afraid of. For example, people who fly despite a fear of flying can become used to unfamiliar sensations like takeoff or turbulence. They learn what to expect and have a chance to watch what others do to relax and enjoy the flight. Gradually (and safely) facing fear helps someone overcome it.
Certain fears are normal during childhood. That's because fear can be a natural reaction to feeling unsure and vulnerable — and much of what children experience is new and unfamiliar. Young kids often have fears of the dark, being alone, strangers, and monsters or other scary imaginary creatures. School-aged kids might be afraid when it's stormy or at a first sleepover. As they grow and learn, with the support of adults, most kids are able to slowly conquer these fears and outgrow them. Some kids are more sensitive to fears and may have a tough time overcoming them. When fears last beyond the expected age, it might be a sign that someone is overly fearful, worried, or anxious. People whose fears are too intense or last too long might need help and support to overcome them.
(ref:- kidshealth.org)
Emotion?
Abstract feeling?
universal practice/ phenomenon?
Unpleasant Emotion?
Intuition?
Perceived threat?
Being afraid of thing/ someone?
Escape mechanism?
Reality?
Assurance/ lack of assurance?
Fight or Flight response?
Specific behaviour?
Avoidance?
General Adaptation Syndrome?
Fear is universal phenomena, from individual to countries everyone experiences the same and practices the same.
What is this picture suggesting?
Write in your journal feeling that this picture arouses in your mind as you explore fear and the way brain interprets fears.
Here are a few indicators,that we discussed/ argued/ attempted to understand/ create a common platform/ read from textbooks/ research-reviews and shared our personal experiences. Do add to this list in your journal as you write your reflections.
- Is fear perceived in this picture?
- What role would you play as adult in the picture? as father escorting the child?
- What are real "fears" for the child here?
- What are your fears?
- Do you accept your fears or deny them?
- Do you talk to someone about your fears?
- What is normal according to you for "fear"?
- Is there anything call"normal fear"?
- if we understand biological perspective and brain, will we interpret "fear" differently?
- when does fear get converted into Phobia?
- is shyness due to fear? or it is our nature?
- is anxiety "fear"?
- Fear is suppose to protect us from the dangers!
- What is culture shock?
- is there anyone who is 'fearless"?
- If "fear" is related to chemicals in brain .... can we as mankind become Fearless with help of our understanding of medical science?
Fear and understanding Fear Psychologically:-
Our understanding of brain suggest that The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates our body systems. This system is the primary mechanism in control of the fight-or-flight response and its role is mediated by two different components.
Fear is a series of reactions in the brain triggered by a stressful stimulus and ending with such physical reactions as tense muscles, rapid heartbeat and rushed breathing. This is the well-known fight-or-flight response. Examples of fear stimuli include stage fright, spiders, seeing someone attacking with a knife or the sound of the front door suddenly banging open. Although many areas in the brain are at least partially involved in the fear response, research has shown which parts play major roles:
- Thalamus: determines where to send incoming data from the five senses
- Sensory cortex: interprets the data
- Hippocampus: stores and recovers cognitive memories, processes stimuli to ascertain their context
- Amygdala: interprets emotions, discovers possible threats, stores memories of past fears
- Hypothalamus: activates the fight-or-flight response when necessary
Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time we're infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe. Fear helps protect us. It makes us alert to danger and prepares us to deal with it. Feeling afraid is very natural — and helpful — in some situations. Fear can be like a warning, a signal that cautions us to be careful.Like all emotions, fear can be mild, medium, or intense, depending on the situation and the person. A feeing of fear can be brief or it can last longer.
How Fear WorksWhen we sense danger, the brain reacts instantly, sending signals that activate the nervous system. This causes physical responses, such as a faster heartbeat, rapid breathing, and an increase in blood pressure. Blood pumps to muscle groups to prepare the body for physical action (such as running or fighting). Skin sweats to keep the body cool. Some people might notice sensations in the stomach, head, chest, legs, or hands. These physical sensations of fear can be mild or strong.
This response is known as "fight or flight" because that is exactly what the body is preparing itself to do: fight off the danger or run fast to get away. The body stays in this state of fight-flight until the brain receives an "all clear" message and turns off the response.
Sometimes fear is triggered by something that is startling or unexpected (like a loud noise), even if it's not actually dangerous. That's because the fear reaction is activated instantly — a few seconds faster than the thinking part of the brain can process or evaluate what's happening. As soon as the brain gets enough information to realize there's no danger ("Oh, it's just a balloon bursting — whew!"), it turns off the fear reaction. All this can happen in seconds.
Fear is the word we use to describe our emotional reaction to something that seems dangerous. But the word "fear" is used in another way, too: to name something a person often feels afraid of. People fear things or situations that make them feel unsafe or unsure. For instance, someone who isn't a strong swimmer might have a fear of deep water. In this case, the fear is helpful because it cautions the person to stay safe. Someone could overcome this fear by learning how to swim safely.A fear can be healthy if it cautions a person to stay safe around something that could be dangerous. But sometimes a fear is unnecessary and causes more caution than the situation calls for. People tend to avoid the situations or things they fear. But this doesn't help them overcome fear — in fact, it can be the reverse. Avoiding something scary reinforces a fear and keeps it strong.
People can overcome unnecessary fears by giving themselves the chance to learn about and gradually get used to the thing or situation they're afraid of. For example, people who fly despite a fear of flying can become used to unfamiliar sensations like takeoff or turbulence. They learn what to expect and have a chance to watch what others do to relax and enjoy the flight. Gradually (and safely) facing fear helps someone overcome it.
Certain fears are normal during childhood. That's because fear can be a natural reaction to feeling unsure and vulnerable — and much of what children experience is new and unfamiliar. Young kids often have fears of the dark, being alone, strangers, and monsters or other scary imaginary creatures. School-aged kids might be afraid when it's stormy or at a first sleepover. As they grow and learn, with the support of adults, most kids are able to slowly conquer these fears and outgrow them. Some kids are more sensitive to fears and may have a tough time overcoming them. When fears last beyond the expected age, it might be a sign that someone is overly fearful, worried, or anxious. People whose fears are too intense or last too long might need help and support to overcome them.
(ref:- kidshealth.org)
Date:- 17th December 2013- Interpreting Religion and Science
David and Goliath:-This story is known to us from Bible, we have similar stories from other cultures and religion where a young one takes on the giant and destroys him. This is faith, belief and form that " kingdom of religion spread, talks, and we hear them from our childhood. There are other programs also on television specially on cartoon network where you find underdogs- taking on to giants and than win!
Do Watch TED talk by Malcolm Gladwell on the same topic, and the book by similar name. Malcolm Gladwell has made a career out of convincing people that the way things work often isn’t the way our intuitions tell us they should. His books writings, articles, essays reflect the same. Do visit www.malcolmgaldweel.com for details
http://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_the_unheard_story_of_david_and_goliath.html
Questions for discussion:-
1)Do we really understand the stories from Mythology?
2)Do we interpret them the way we want?
3)Does interpretation of these stories, revisiting them often and conceptualising them with science and research cahnge our perspectives?
4) Is Goliath for Real? or is David for real?
5) Isn't there a Goliath and David in each one of us? We need to reflect and understand who controls us?
6) Is the giant in us is our EGO? or our attitude?
7) What will you do to reflect and understand the David/ Goliath conflict in your self?
8) What has now changed in your perception about this story and the connections brought in by this TED talk.
Write your view, personal reflections and submit them on managebac by 31st December 2013.
Why Did Pope Resign?
This title is as interesting investigation as it was when Pope announced his retirement and amidst the search for a new Pope, this question got sidelined. Was this planned or staged resignation? Was this a damage control activity? Is this Resignation, kind of ouster with dignity, if not for the person, for the post? What are other factors that led Pope to take this decision, who were aware of the same and how the entire event was carried out? Here are some facts, reports, articles and readings that might help us understand the Vatican, Process, and Politics and deals that are struck!
Through this inquiry, reading, and investigation we will attempt to understand the situation and helplessness that the most revered man in the world must have gone through!!!is their a bias in these reports? Are they written with some hidden agendas? What reactions should community, people now have as the "truth gets revealed? ( if this is truth!!) Will our respect for processes , person change? is yes how? What kind of skills are required by a representative of God to run the institutes called Churches and other holy institutes across the globe. Will common man, with their belief will ever be able to interpret this situation? How have people, community, Church dealt with such situation in past 600 hundred years? Were situations similar to today even 600 hundred years ago when history was created! Is religion different than practice? and many more questions.... questions that help us understand the perspectives.
Read the following articles and connect the same with our class discussion after resignation news went viral!!
We will be discussing these aspects with Latests verdict by Court in Souther India, where a court acquitted Shankaarchrya of charges of a Murder!!
Send your written assignments addressing above raised issues and many more that you can think of as you explore this story, version, on your own!
Deadline:- 5th January 2014!
This title is as interesting investigation as it was when Pope announced his retirement and amidst the search for a new Pope, this question got sidelined. Was this planned or staged resignation? Was this a damage control activity? Is this Resignation, kind of ouster with dignity, if not for the person, for the post? What are other factors that led Pope to take this decision, who were aware of the same and how the entire event was carried out? Here are some facts, reports, articles and readings that might help us understand the Vatican, Process, and Politics and deals that are struck!
Through this inquiry, reading, and investigation we will attempt to understand the situation and helplessness that the most revered man in the world must have gone through!!!is their a bias in these reports? Are they written with some hidden agendas? What reactions should community, people now have as the "truth gets revealed? ( if this is truth!!) Will our respect for processes , person change? is yes how? What kind of skills are required by a representative of God to run the institutes called Churches and other holy institutes across the globe. Will common man, with their belief will ever be able to interpret this situation? How have people, community, Church dealt with such situation in past 600 hundred years? Were situations similar to today even 600 hundred years ago when history was created! Is religion different than practice? and many more questions.... questions that help us understand the perspectives.
- Is this fair and is Pope a Victim?
- Is this Ethical?
- Is this the only reason?
- Can a Butler Act like this and expect "forgiveness"
- Can this be termed as betrayal with "your or your" belief system?
- What roles are being played by Banks/ media and other "moneyed" aspects in such decision?
- Should we be expecting this from the source which is considered as a guiding force?
- In the name of 21st Century leadership, what do you think has gone wrong here?
- Was this quality and ability required to lead at Vatican and ability of Pope as a person, who spent life serving God, not known when he was elected?
- Is this about like any other business organisation?
- Pope has forgiven his Butler!! and Legal authorities have pronounced 18 months of imprisonment to this Butler- is this the only charge/ punishment/ and what after 18 months?
- Are Courts above Churches?
Read the following articles and connect the same with our class discussion after resignation news went viral!!
We will be discussing these aspects with Latests verdict by Court in Souther India, where a court acquitted Shankaarchrya of charges of a Murder!!
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25121121 This link deals with details of why Pope resigned and possible reasons and preceding events before the resignation.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21585674 Details of agreement about what Pope will continue to get, continue to exercise in his new role, His desires, His new home and future life.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21415252 Links is aptly titled as " a reluctant leader!
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20093538 Details about the man and his actions and his next 18 months in jail for his acts!! Million dollar question- is 18 month sufficient?
Send your written assignments addressing above raised issues and many more that you can think of as you explore this story, version, on your own!
Deadline:- 5th January 2014!
Can Euthanasia ever be Justified?
(Ref:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/euthanasia/infavour/infavour_1.shtml- for details click on the link for extra reading_
Overview of pro-euthanasia argumentsArguments in favour of euthanasia can be broken down into a few main categories:
Arguments based on rights
- People have an explicit right to die
Religious objections
- Religious opponents disagree because they believe that the right to decide when a person dies belongs to God.
Secular objections - Secular opponents argue that whatever rights we have are limited by our obligations. The decision to die by euthanasia will affect other people - our family and friends, and healthcare professionals - and we must balance the consequences for them (guilt, grief, anger) against our rights.
We should also take account of our obligations to society, and balance our individual right to die against any bad consequences that it might have for the community in general.These bad consequences might be practical - such as making involuntary euthanasia easier and so putting vulnerable people at risk.
There is also a political and philosophical objection that says that our individual right to autonomy against the state must be balanced against the need to make the sanctity of life an important, intrinsic, abstract value of the state.
Secular philosophers put forward a number of technical arguments, mostly based on the duty to preserve life because it has value in itself, or the importance of regarding all human beings as ends rather than means. - A separate right to die is not necessary, because our other human rights imply the right to die
- Death is a private matter and if there is no harm to others, the state and other people have no right to interfere (a libertarian argument)
- It is possible to regulate euthanasia
- Death is a private matter and if there is no harm to others, the state and other people have no right to interfere (a libertarian argument)
- Allowing people to die may free up scarce health resources (this is a possible argument, but no authority has seriously proposed it)
- Euthanasia happens anyway (a utilitarian or consequentialist argument)
- Euthanasia satisfies the criterion that moral rules must be universalisable
- Euthanasia happens anyway (a utilitarian or consequentialist argument)
- Is death a bad thing?
- Is death a bad thing?
2nd October 2013
Non -Violence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgDwELwqomo
This week we will analyse some of the resources from history intelligently, from the lenses of history looking at them objectively, reconciling conflicting evidences to understand various perspectives. The Study of Ethics is concerned with the question
1) How should we act?
2) What is right/ wrong- Seemingly right and wrong?
3) What is correct behaviour, though we have sense of correct behaviour!
We all have an intuitive feel for moral laws and standards.
How should human beings treat each other?
This speech by Mahatma Gandhi in 1925 introduced the concept of non vilence in a meaningful way! Today as we reflect upon this speech, on this day which is "non -violence" day it is imperative that values that this speech states are timeless and also reminds us that how people in power can be blind and not see the larger good.
Are most laws made that way?
Ethics deals with Moral choices- choices that we make reflect our values. In this speech Gandhi made a moral choice in accordance with our moral values ...He brings in awareness, condemns the specific decision yet, maintains ethical and moral response through the new age mantra:- Non violence.
Here is your task:-
Humanity is talking about non violence after each violent experience, violent end and wherever and whenever there exists a possibility / fear of violence.
Yet- violence is increasingly - increasing and affecting us, affecting our thinking, our beliefs, our perceptions... as we also tend to believe once in a while in violent ways to find solutions, ways to our issues and problems.
Exchange your ideas with your classmates, family members , friends, neighbours and reflect upon their views by making a summary of interactions.
Non -Violence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgDwELwqomo
This week we will analyse some of the resources from history intelligently, from the lenses of history looking at them objectively, reconciling conflicting evidences to understand various perspectives. The Study of Ethics is concerned with the question
1) How should we act?
2) What is right/ wrong- Seemingly right and wrong?
3) What is correct behaviour, though we have sense of correct behaviour!
We all have an intuitive feel for moral laws and standards.
How should human beings treat each other?
This speech by Mahatma Gandhi in 1925 introduced the concept of non vilence in a meaningful way! Today as we reflect upon this speech, on this day which is "non -violence" day it is imperative that values that this speech states are timeless and also reminds us that how people in power can be blind and not see the larger good.
Are most laws made that way?
Ethics deals with Moral choices- choices that we make reflect our values. In this speech Gandhi made a moral choice in accordance with our moral values ...He brings in awareness, condemns the specific decision yet, maintains ethical and moral response through the new age mantra:- Non violence.
Here is your task:-
Humanity is talking about non violence after each violent experience, violent end and wherever and whenever there exists a possibility / fear of violence.
Yet- violence is increasingly - increasing and affecting us, affecting our thinking, our beliefs, our perceptions... as we also tend to believe once in a while in violent ways to find solutions, ways to our issues and problems.
- How Relevant is Gandhi's speech today! in this era- the so called civilised society and in 21st century?
- How do you gain your own sense of right and wrong for such acts?
- How do you justify it?
- How convinced are you today with this speech?
Exchange your ideas with your classmates, family members , friends, neighbours and reflect upon their views by making a summary of interactions.
1st October 2013
This page and the links attached are from Ericsson .com.
Do watch the video attached and reflect upon following
1) What is knowledge?
2) How is knowledge changing, is fluid and are we aware of its nature?
3) I am connected with this world? though i call myself to be in the middle of networking world!
4) what changes do you anticipate now in your future plans?
5) Are our schools/ colleges/ universities/ work places preparing us for this kind of world?
Following is from the Ericsson website:-
In the Networked Society, connectivity will be the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing. It’s about creating freedom, empowerment and opportunity, transforming industries and society while helping find solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our planet. We are on the brink of an extraordinary revolution. A world connected in real time will place many new requirements on all of us while opening up opportunities beyond our imagination. Our new Networked Society Essentials kit explores the emerging possibilities of a connected world. In the Networked Society, connectivity will be the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing. It’s about creating freedom, empowerment and opportunity to transform industries and society while helping find solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our planet. It took 100 years to connect 1 billion places and only 25 years to connect 5 billion people. Today, 91 percent of the world’s population has access to mobile communications; video dominates smartphone and tablet traffic, and in a few short years more than half the world’s population will benefit from LTE coverage*. So what does this mean for you? The Networked Society is about new ways for us to collaborate, share and get informed. It’s about innovative ways of doing business and shaping the future together, as well as a renewed approach to global challenges such as education, healthcare, climate change and our use of natural resources. Today, individuals and communities empowered by connectivity are driving fundamental change. Technologies such as broadband, mobility and the cloud are bringing us closer to our nearest and dearest and redefining established models for learning and education. Connectivity is transforming whole industries, creating new jobs and disrupting established business models. And by 2020, the Networked Society will have brought about significant economic, social and environmental progress to hundreds of millions of people.
Capturing opportunities In the Networked Society everyone, everything and everywhere will be connected in real time. Our role is to help capture the opportunities that arise as a result of these developments. Whether it is through solutions for mobile broadband, managed services, operations and business support systems or the cloud, our platforms are driving innovation and sparking new consumer and producer behaviors, functionalities and even new business models. As a leading ICT company, we will be a prime driver of transformation in the Networked Society.
Today, we are on the brink of an extraordinary revolution. A world that is connected in real time will place many new requirements on us while opening up opportunities beyond our imagination. Those who have the ability to rethink, reinvent and innovate will be winners in this new value-creating ecosystem.
When one person connects, their world changes. With everything connected, our world changes.
Can ICT redefine the way we learn in the Networked Society? Technology has enabled us to interact, innovate and share in whole new ways. This dynamic shift in mindset is creating profound change throughout our society. The Future of Learning looks at one part of that change, the potential to redefine how we learn and educate. Watch as we talk with world renowned experts and educators about its potential to shift away from traditional methods of learning based on memorization and repetition to more holistic approaches that focus on individual students' needs and self expression.
This page and the links attached are from Ericsson .com.
Do watch the video attached and reflect upon following
1) What is knowledge?
2) How is knowledge changing, is fluid and are we aware of its nature?
3) I am connected with this world? though i call myself to be in the middle of networking world!
4) what changes do you anticipate now in your future plans?
5) Are our schools/ colleges/ universities/ work places preparing us for this kind of world?
Following is from the Ericsson website:-
In the Networked Society, connectivity will be the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing. It’s about creating freedom, empowerment and opportunity, transforming industries and society while helping find solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our planet. We are on the brink of an extraordinary revolution. A world connected in real time will place many new requirements on all of us while opening up opportunities beyond our imagination. Our new Networked Society Essentials kit explores the emerging possibilities of a connected world. In the Networked Society, connectivity will be the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing. It’s about creating freedom, empowerment and opportunity to transform industries and society while helping find solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our planet. It took 100 years to connect 1 billion places and only 25 years to connect 5 billion people. Today, 91 percent of the world’s population has access to mobile communications; video dominates smartphone and tablet traffic, and in a few short years more than half the world’s population will benefit from LTE coverage*. So what does this mean for you? The Networked Society is about new ways for us to collaborate, share and get informed. It’s about innovative ways of doing business and shaping the future together, as well as a renewed approach to global challenges such as education, healthcare, climate change and our use of natural resources. Today, individuals and communities empowered by connectivity are driving fundamental change. Technologies such as broadband, mobility and the cloud are bringing us closer to our nearest and dearest and redefining established models for learning and education. Connectivity is transforming whole industries, creating new jobs and disrupting established business models. And by 2020, the Networked Society will have brought about significant economic, social and environmental progress to hundreds of millions of people.
Capturing opportunities In the Networked Society everyone, everything and everywhere will be connected in real time. Our role is to help capture the opportunities that arise as a result of these developments. Whether it is through solutions for mobile broadband, managed services, operations and business support systems or the cloud, our platforms are driving innovation and sparking new consumer and producer behaviors, functionalities and even new business models. As a leading ICT company, we will be a prime driver of transformation in the Networked Society.
Today, we are on the brink of an extraordinary revolution. A world that is connected in real time will place many new requirements on us while opening up opportunities beyond our imagination. Those who have the ability to rethink, reinvent and innovate will be winners in this new value-creating ecosystem.
When one person connects, their world changes. With everything connected, our world changes.
Can ICT redefine the way we learn in the Networked Society? Technology has enabled us to interact, innovate and share in whole new ways. This dynamic shift in mindset is creating profound change throughout our society. The Future of Learning looks at one part of that change, the potential to redefine how we learn and educate. Watch as we talk with world renowned experts and educators about its potential to shift away from traditional methods of learning based on memorization and repetition to more holistic approaches that focus on individual students' needs and self expression.
Faith and Reason
“Faith” has multiple usages and meanings. It changes with perception, place, context and language used. Faith is more often in debates and discussions as it meaning changes, creates new paradigms and add to our belief systems. For example, if one believes in God, his faith is very different than one who doesn't believe in God and its existence. yet the person may have faith that he does not believe is God. Faith is relative and more based on personal knowledge and experiences. It is very different than expectations and anticipation. Reason on other hand means application of logical principles for available evidence. Like expectations and Anticipations in faith- Reason has conclusions and assumptions. Science fall in this category, there are reasons, and conclusions and that gives reason to another assumption!!
The relationship between Faith and Reason has been controversial, debated, battleground for many years and world is divided over Faith/ Reason. Our belief systems, individual beliefs form the faith and distinction of reason. Both faith and reason are means to belief, but what differentiates beliefs are the foundations upon which they are cast. Belief taken on faith in the absence of evidence is distinct from belief taken on evidence, derived through reason. What is beyond the scope of our evidentiary reach is the metaphysical. Knowledge (known facts or information) has the unique characteristic of being falsifiable. Metaphysical postulations (beliefs taken on faith) do not. Morals, spirituality, God, all things which cannot be empirically observed, transcend the physical, and thus if we are to accept that they exist, we must do so on the basis of faith, because there can exist no empirical evidence for their existence. Thus exists the divergence between the physical and the non-physical, i.e. the metaphysical.
To “believe” is simply to accept something as true. To “know” is to be aware (or believe and accept) through observation of evidence through the process of reason. We cannot ‘know’ that which we cannot empirically observe, which highlights the difference between ‘believing’ and ‘knowing’. While we can believe anything on any basis, regardless of wether it is factual or not, we cannot know that which cannot be proven. To be “proven” requires the characteristic of empirical demonstrability, whereas to be “believed” only requires individual acceptance of validity with or without proof. To clarify, to have faith is to believe without proof, whereas to know is to believe with proof. Recall, though, that the metaphysical is beyond the physical world, which means that all statements pertaining to the metaphysical (that which is not or beyond the physical) are beyond empirical proof. To have faith is to believe in the absence of evidence. In consequence, we cannot “know” what must be taken on faith by the same means that we know what has evidence.
The critical point here is that while almost nothing is certain, everything is not equally uncertain. Our theories can be ranked by the evidence supporting them, and our degree of “belief” should be similarly ranked; that is, we “believe” in proportion to the evidence—all the way from “completely unsubstantiated” to “some possibility” to “virtually certain.”
Faith and reason are both faculties by which belief may be justified. The divergence, and inherent irreconcilability between faith and reason is highlighted (1) by the means by which they ordain belief, (2) the characteristics of those means and (3) the multiple divergent spheres in which they operate. Faith does not require evidence, or apply reason to that evidence to form conclusions (the beliefs which are accepted as a result of faith). While plausibly any conclusion about anything from anyone may be formed on the basis of faith, those beliefs which can only be taken on faith occupy the realm of conception which is beyond the physical world, and thus is necessarily metaphysical. In contrast, fact which can be known as true is provably so, by means of the application of reason to the empirical, or that which can be physically observed. Secondly, the only statements which can be made about the metaphysical (that which is beyond human observation which must be accepted on the basis of faith) are necessarily normative, they can neither be proven or disproven, but only can be postulated upon. The physical world, however, can be empirically observed, and thus reason can be applied to those observations, to form conclusions which are true. Accurate observations about the physical world are repeatable and falsifiable, and are objectively the case. Normative postulations are necessarily subjective and not falsifiable, because they do not enjoy empirical foundation. Thirdly, and finally, because operational spheres of faith and reason are mutually exclusive ([Reason: physical, objective, empirical] v. [Faith: metaphysical, subjective, normative]), they are conceptually irreconcilable.
Sam Harris is the author of the New York Times best sellers, The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, and Free Will. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction.
Mr. Harris's writing has been published in more than 15 languages. He and his work have been discussed in The New York Times, Time, Scientific American, Nature, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and many other journals. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, Newsweek, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Annals of Neurology, and elsewhere.
Mr. Harris is a cofounder and the CEO of Project Reason, a nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society. He received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
- See more at: http://www.samharris.org/about#sthash.ZvjQCx0i.dpuf
http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2011/07/god-evidence-believe-world
The Edge Annual Question — 2013
WHAT *SHOULD* WE BE WORRIED ABOUT?
By Sam Harris
Imagine that a young, white man has been falsely convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to five years in a maximum-security penitentiary. He has no history of violence and is, understandably, terrified at the prospect of living among murderers and rapists. Hearing the prison gates shut behind him, a lifetime of diverse interests and aspirations collapses to a single point: He must avoid making enemies so that he can serve out his sentence in peace.
Unfortunately, prisons are places of perverse incentives—in which the very norms one must follow to avoid becoming a victim lead inescapably toward violence. In most U.S. prisons, for instance, whites, blacks, and Hispanics exist in a state of perpetual war. This young man is not a racist, and would prefer to interact peacefully with everyone he meets, but if he does not join a gang he is likely to be targeted for rape and other abuse by prisoners of all races. To not choose a side is to become the most attractive victim of all. Being white, he likely will have no rational option but to join a white-supremacist gang for protection.
So he joins a gang. In order to remain a member in good standing, however, he must be willing to defend other gang members, no matter how sociopathic their behavior. He also discovers that he must be willing to use violence at the tiniest provocation—returning a verbal insult with a stabbing, for instance—or risk acquiring a reputation as someone who can be assaulted at will. To fail to respond to the first sign of disrespect with overwhelming force, is to run an intolerable risk of further abuse. Thus, the young man begins behaving in precisely those ways that make every maximum security prison a hell on earth. He also adds further time to his sentence by committing serious crimes behind bars.
A prison is perhaps the easiest place to see the power of bad incentives. And yet in many other places in our society, we find otherwise normal men and women caught in the same trap and busily making life for everyone much less good than it could be. Elected officials ignore long-term problems because they must pander to the short-term interests of voters. People working for insurance companies rely on technicalities to deny desperately ill patients the care they need. CEOs and investment bankers run extraordinary risks—both for their businesses and for the economy as a whole—because they reap the rewards of success without suffering the penalties of failure. Lawyers continue to prosecute people they know to be innocent (and defend those they know to be guilty) because their careers depend upon winning cases. Our government fights a war on drugs that creates the very problem of black market profits and violence that it pretends to solve….
We need systems that are wiser than we are. We need institutions and cultural norms that make us better than we tend to be. It seems to me that the greatest challenge we now face is to build them.
- See more at: http://www.samharris.org/site/full_text/the-power-of-bad-incentives#sthash.tcCbSGhg.dpuf
“Faith” has multiple usages and meanings. It changes with perception, place, context and language used. Faith is more often in debates and discussions as it meaning changes, creates new paradigms and add to our belief systems. For example, if one believes in God, his faith is very different than one who doesn't believe in God and its existence. yet the person may have faith that he does not believe is God. Faith is relative and more based on personal knowledge and experiences. It is very different than expectations and anticipation. Reason on other hand means application of logical principles for available evidence. Like expectations and Anticipations in faith- Reason has conclusions and assumptions. Science fall in this category, there are reasons, and conclusions and that gives reason to another assumption!!
The relationship between Faith and Reason has been controversial, debated, battleground for many years and world is divided over Faith/ Reason. Our belief systems, individual beliefs form the faith and distinction of reason. Both faith and reason are means to belief, but what differentiates beliefs are the foundations upon which they are cast. Belief taken on faith in the absence of evidence is distinct from belief taken on evidence, derived through reason. What is beyond the scope of our evidentiary reach is the metaphysical. Knowledge (known facts or information) has the unique characteristic of being falsifiable. Metaphysical postulations (beliefs taken on faith) do not. Morals, spirituality, God, all things which cannot be empirically observed, transcend the physical, and thus if we are to accept that they exist, we must do so on the basis of faith, because there can exist no empirical evidence for their existence. Thus exists the divergence between the physical and the non-physical, i.e. the metaphysical.
To “believe” is simply to accept something as true. To “know” is to be aware (or believe and accept) through observation of evidence through the process of reason. We cannot ‘know’ that which we cannot empirically observe, which highlights the difference between ‘believing’ and ‘knowing’. While we can believe anything on any basis, regardless of wether it is factual or not, we cannot know that which cannot be proven. To be “proven” requires the characteristic of empirical demonstrability, whereas to be “believed” only requires individual acceptance of validity with or without proof. To clarify, to have faith is to believe without proof, whereas to know is to believe with proof. Recall, though, that the metaphysical is beyond the physical world, which means that all statements pertaining to the metaphysical (that which is not or beyond the physical) are beyond empirical proof. To have faith is to believe in the absence of evidence. In consequence, we cannot “know” what must be taken on faith by the same means that we know what has evidence.
The critical point here is that while almost nothing is certain, everything is not equally uncertain. Our theories can be ranked by the evidence supporting them, and our degree of “belief” should be similarly ranked; that is, we “believe” in proportion to the evidence—all the way from “completely unsubstantiated” to “some possibility” to “virtually certain.”
Faith and reason are both faculties by which belief may be justified. The divergence, and inherent irreconcilability between faith and reason is highlighted (1) by the means by which they ordain belief, (2) the characteristics of those means and (3) the multiple divergent spheres in which they operate. Faith does not require evidence, or apply reason to that evidence to form conclusions (the beliefs which are accepted as a result of faith). While plausibly any conclusion about anything from anyone may be formed on the basis of faith, those beliefs which can only be taken on faith occupy the realm of conception which is beyond the physical world, and thus is necessarily metaphysical. In contrast, fact which can be known as true is provably so, by means of the application of reason to the empirical, or that which can be physically observed. Secondly, the only statements which can be made about the metaphysical (that which is beyond human observation which must be accepted on the basis of faith) are necessarily normative, they can neither be proven or disproven, but only can be postulated upon. The physical world, however, can be empirically observed, and thus reason can be applied to those observations, to form conclusions which are true. Accurate observations about the physical world are repeatable and falsifiable, and are objectively the case. Normative postulations are necessarily subjective and not falsifiable, because they do not enjoy empirical foundation. Thirdly, and finally, because operational spheres of faith and reason are mutually exclusive ([Reason: physical, objective, empirical] v. [Faith: metaphysical, subjective, normative]), they are conceptually irreconcilable.
Sam Harris is the author of the New York Times best sellers, The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, and Free Will. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction.
Mr. Harris's writing has been published in more than 15 languages. He and his work have been discussed in The New York Times, Time, Scientific American, Nature, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and many other journals. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, Newsweek, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Annals of Neurology, and elsewhere.
Mr. Harris is a cofounder and the CEO of Project Reason, a nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society. He received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
- See more at: http://www.samharris.org/about#sthash.ZvjQCx0i.dpuf
http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2011/07/god-evidence-believe-world
The Edge Annual Question — 2013
WHAT *SHOULD* WE BE WORRIED ABOUT?
By Sam Harris
Imagine that a young, white man has been falsely convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to five years in a maximum-security penitentiary. He has no history of violence and is, understandably, terrified at the prospect of living among murderers and rapists. Hearing the prison gates shut behind him, a lifetime of diverse interests and aspirations collapses to a single point: He must avoid making enemies so that he can serve out his sentence in peace.
Unfortunately, prisons are places of perverse incentives—in which the very norms one must follow to avoid becoming a victim lead inescapably toward violence. In most U.S. prisons, for instance, whites, blacks, and Hispanics exist in a state of perpetual war. This young man is not a racist, and would prefer to interact peacefully with everyone he meets, but if he does not join a gang he is likely to be targeted for rape and other abuse by prisoners of all races. To not choose a side is to become the most attractive victim of all. Being white, he likely will have no rational option but to join a white-supremacist gang for protection.
So he joins a gang. In order to remain a member in good standing, however, he must be willing to defend other gang members, no matter how sociopathic their behavior. He also discovers that he must be willing to use violence at the tiniest provocation—returning a verbal insult with a stabbing, for instance—or risk acquiring a reputation as someone who can be assaulted at will. To fail to respond to the first sign of disrespect with overwhelming force, is to run an intolerable risk of further abuse. Thus, the young man begins behaving in precisely those ways that make every maximum security prison a hell on earth. He also adds further time to his sentence by committing serious crimes behind bars.
A prison is perhaps the easiest place to see the power of bad incentives. And yet in many other places in our society, we find otherwise normal men and women caught in the same trap and busily making life for everyone much less good than it could be. Elected officials ignore long-term problems because they must pander to the short-term interests of voters. People working for insurance companies rely on technicalities to deny desperately ill patients the care they need. CEOs and investment bankers run extraordinary risks—both for their businesses and for the economy as a whole—because they reap the rewards of success without suffering the penalties of failure. Lawyers continue to prosecute people they know to be innocent (and defend those they know to be guilty) because their careers depend upon winning cases. Our government fights a war on drugs that creates the very problem of black market profits and violence that it pretends to solve….
We need systems that are wiser than we are. We need institutions and cultural norms that make us better than we tend to be. It seems to me that the greatest challenge we now face is to build them.
- See more at: http://www.samharris.org/site/full_text/the-power-of-bad-incentives#sthash.tcCbSGhg.dpuf
6th September 2013;-
Our Story in Two minutes:-Site Name:-History of the Earth in Two Minutes
Site URL :-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrqqD_Tsy4Q&feature=player_embedded#
Watch this video and reflect upon following aspects.
1) Does this cover all the aspects?
2) what is the total time frame that this video covers in 2 minutes?
3) What according to you could be added in this?
4) How much time should be given to 19th and 20th century in the total as compared to other aspects
5) what is the message from this video/ link if there is any!
6) How many aspects could you connect with in the given video
7) what all is part of school syllabus from this video?
8) What else would you like to add to this video to connect to missing links if any.
This link raises loads of questions and thoughts about our past and future and our understanding, our ability to connect and interpret with actions that take place and change the way each century emerges.
Task;-
Can we think of a 2 min video about Future of earth in two minutes? which is realistic and has scientific approach ?
Send your ideas/ links/ videos/ comments/ reflections by 25th September 2013.
30 August 2013
Why our body jerks before we fall asleep?
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120522-suffer-from-sleep-shudders/all
we give up our bodies to sleep, sudden twitches escape our brains, causing our arms and legs to jerk. Some people are startled by them, others are embarrassed. Me, I am fascinated by these twitches, known as hypnic jerks. Nobody knows for sure what causes them, but to me they represent the side effects of a hidden battle for control in the brain that happens each night on the cusp between wakefulness and dreams.
Normally we are paralysed while we sleep. Even during the most vivid dreams our muscles stay relaxed and still, showing little sign of our internal excitement. Events in the outside world usually get ignored: not that I’d recommend doing this but experiments have shown that even if you sleep with your eyes taped open and someone flashes a light at you it is unlikely that it will affect your dreams.
But the door between the dreamer and the outside world is not completely closed. Two kinds of movements escape the dreaming brain, and they each have a different story to tell.
Brain battle
The most common movements we make while asleep are rapid eye-movements. When we dream, our eyes move according to what we are dreaming about. If, for example, we dream we are watching a game of tennis our eyes will move from left to right with each volley. These movements generated in the dream world escape from normal sleep paralysis and leak into the real world. Seeing a sleeping persons' eyes move is the strongest sign that they are dreaming.
Hypnic jerks aren't like this. They are most common in children, when our dreams are most simple and they do not reflect what is happening in the dream world - if you dream of riding a bike you do not move your legs in circles. Instead, hypnic jerks seem to be a sign that the motor system can still exert some control over the body as sleep paralysis begins to take over. Rather than having a single “sleep-wake” switch in the brain for controlling our sleep (i.e. ON at night, OFF during the day), we have two opposing systems balanced against each other that go through a daily dance, where each has to wrest control from the other.
Deep in the brain, below the cortex (the most evolved part of the human brain) lies one of them: a network of nerve cells called the reticular activating system. This is nestled among the parts of the brain that govern basic physiological processes, such as breathing. When the reticular activating system is in full force we feel alert and restless - that is, we are awake.
Opposing this system is the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus: 'ventrolateral' means it is on the underside and towards the edge in the brain, 'preoptic' means it is just before the point where the nerves from the eyes cross. We call it the VLPO. The VLPO drives sleepiness, and its location near the optic nerve is presumably so that it can collect information about the beginning and end of daylight hours, and so influence our sleep cycles.
As the mind gives in to its normal task of interpreting the external world, and starts to generate its own entertainment, the struggle between the reticular activating system and VLPO tilts in favour of the latter. Sleep paralysis sets in. What happens next is not fully clear, but it seems that part of the story is that the struggle for control of the motor system is not quite over yet. Few battles are won completely in a single moment. As sleep paralysis sets in remaining daytime energy kindles and bursts out in seemingly random movements. In other words, hypnic jerks are the last gasps of normal daytime motor control.
Some people report that hypnic jerks happen as they dream they are falling or tripping up. This is an example of the rare phenomenon known as dream incorporation, where something external, such as an alarm clock, is built into your dreams. When this does happen, it illustrates our mind's amazing capacity to generate plausible stories. In dreams, the planning and foresight areas of the brain are suppressed, allowing the mind to react creatively to wherever it wanders - much like a jazz improviser responds to fellow musicians to inspire what they play.
As hypnic jerks escape during the struggle between wake and sleep, the mind is undergoing its own transition. In the waking world we must make sense of external events. In dreams the mind tries to make sense of its own activity, resulting in dreams. Whilst a veil is drawn over most of the external world as we fall asleep, hypnic jerks are obviously close enough to home - being movements of our own bodies - to attract the attention of sleeping consciousness. Along with the hallucinated night-time world they get incorporated into our dreams.
So there is a pleasing symmetry between the two kinds of movements we make when asleep. Rapid eye movements are the traces of dreams that can be seen in the waking world. Hypnic jerks seem to be the traces of waking life that intrude on the dream world.
10th August 2013
Dear All
Do watch this link
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/derren-brown-the-experiments/4od#3258646
Derren Brown and his experiments.... it will be interesting to add following perspectives in your journal.
1) What is your understanding about his experiments?
2) Do you believe in these experiments?
3) if you were one of the participants, what would you do?
4) Is their any bias?
5) are these staged?
6) What is popular belief?
7) what are your thoughts as you watch other experiments too- and shows?
8) what if one of the experiments was in another set up/another country, another culture...? would it have remarkable differences ? or people behaviour would be same globally.
Are these investigations helping us understand and interpret the real aim or are we need more data to analyse the content/ effect and impact.
In The Secret of Luck, the final show of the series, Derren investigates what makes some people lucky and others attract only misfortune. This episode takes the form of a documentary fronted by Dawn Porter, who acts as Derren's secret agent, and this time the subject of the experiment is an entire town. Together, Dawn and Derren plant a rumour about the lucky powers of a local statue and watch as it changes the lives of the residents.
Shrouded in the usual secrecy, each of the stand-alone episodes takes the form of a giant social experiment. Some have been inspired by classic psychology tests, others concocted by Derren himself to illustrate how easily our behaviour can be manipulated. Derren will attempts to explore the darker side of what makes us tick as human beings and, in one show, teach us how to completely change our fortunes. Featuring Derren Brown's unique combination of ingenious and mind-blowing psychology, suggestions, stunts and thought-provoking entertainment, The Experiments sees him pushing the boundaries of size and scale in order to take a deeper look at human behaviour and reaction.
from wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derren_Brown)
Derren Brown (born 27 February 1971) is a British illusionist, mentalist, trickster, hypnotist, painter, writer, and sceptic. He is known for his appearances in television specials, stage productions, and British television series such as Trick of the Mind and Trick or Treat. Since the first broadcast of his show Derren Brown: Mind Control in 2000, Brown has become increasingly well known for his mind-reading act. He has written books for magicians as well as the general public . Brown heavily relies on misdirection for his tricks, helped by the audience viewing him as having deep psychological insights. He relies on a wide array of techniques to prevent audiences from deducing the techniques he has used. In a Daily Telegraph article published in 2003 Simon Singh criticised Brown's early TV appearances, arguing that he presented standard magic and mentalism effects—such as the classic Ten Card Poker Deal trick—as genuine psychological manipulation.[18] On Brown's television and live shows he often appears to show the audience how a particular effect was created—claiming to use techniques such as subliminal suggestion, hypnosis, and body language reading. Singh's suggestion is that these explanations are dishonest. Furthermore, Singh took exception to the programme's website being categorised under Channel 4's "Science" section. The mini-site was moved to Entertainment for later series. In an October 2010 interview, Brown conceded that Singh may have had a point, explaining that at the start of his television career "I was overstating the case, overstating my skills. I thought there'll only be one show, there'll never be a repeat, so I might as well go for it."In his book Tricks of the Mind, Brown writes,
"I am often dishonest in my techniques, but always honest about my dishonesty. As I say in each show, 'I mix magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship'. I happily admit cheating, as it's all part of the game. I hope some of the fun for the viewer comes from not knowing what's real and what isn't. I am an entertainer first and foremost, and I am careful not to cross any moral line that would take me into manipulating people's real-life decisions or belief systems."
Brown claims to never use actors or "stooges" in his work without informing the viewers. In Tricks of the Mind, Brown writes that to use such a ploy is "artistically repugnant and simply unnecessary"; furthermore, he "would not want any participant to watch the TV show when it airs and see a different or radically re-edited version of what he understood to have happened". Though his performances of mind-reading and other feats of mentalism may appear to be the result of psychic or paranormal practices, he claims no such abilities and frequently denounces those who do. Brown states at the beginning of his Trick of the Mind programmes that he achieves his results using a combination of "magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship".
02nd August 2013:-
Religion and Education:-
We have discussed in classroom about how belief, and theory of "one god" evolved, leading to belief systems revolving around Religion. we will now review some practices in all major religions about Good and Evil.
All religions teach the difference between good and evil, but have different beliefs about evil and suffering. Religion has a great deal to say about 'good' and 'evil'. Religious leaders and sacred texts all encourage believers to live 'good' lives. The problem of evil and suffering is one of the commonest reasons people give for not believing in God.
There are two types of evil:
- natural evil - suffering caused by events that have nothing to do with humans, and which are to do with the way the world is, eg, natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, floods or earthquakes
- moral (or human) evil - suffering caused by humans acting in a way that is considered morally wrong eg, bullying, murder, rape, theft or terrorism. Human evil and natural evil can often work together, with human evil making natural evil worse – or better! For example, the suffering caused by an earthquake or floods can be made worse by people looting, but it can be made more bearable by people showing compassion and making personal sacrifices to help those who are suffering.
It is important to remember that: 'evil' is a cause of suffering; 'suffering' is a result of evil.
What does Christianity teach about good and evil?
What does Islam teach about good and evil?
what does Hinduism teach about good and evil?
what does Buddhism teach about good and evil?
what does Sikhism teach about good and evil?
what does bahai religion teach about good and evil?
A short history of evil is a 4-minute mini-documentary. Some big questions, illustrated by perspectives and snippets from the history of religion, are posed. What is evil? Where does it come from? How can it be reduced? How do some religions personify evil? What connection is there between evil and judgement? If God is good and full of power, why is the world so full of evil? Will evil win in the end, or does good triumph?
suggestions for Debate:-
‘Do the Harry Potter type/ genre of books glamorise evil?’
Based on the seriousness with which Christianity and Islam and other religions regard evil, should it be the subject of children’s fiction?
Do the Harry Potter books encourage children to believe in occult practices?
Check your EDMODO for assignment and submission guidelines.
source:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/god/chgoodandevilrev1.shtml
July 2013
Writing Assignment:-
Role of advertisements on television and other relevant media is changing our beliefs and there by has impact on our thinking that brings in change in our society. To what extent is this true in human sciences and one more area of knowledge?
http://themindofsocrates.com
July 2013
Claim and Justifications????
The world met Malala Yousafzai on her 16th birthday last week, when she gave a searing address at the United Nations youth
:http://goldenageofgaia.com/2013/07/malala-you-opened-my-heart-and-the-whole-worlds/
This is news paper clipping- Senior Pakistan Taliban Figure Explains Why They Shot Malala Yousafzai
http://goldenageofgaia.com/2013/07/dear-malala-this-is-why-we-shot-you/
Please refer to this link
Now, in an extraordinary follow up, a senior figure in the Pakistan Taliban has written a letter to her, stating the reasons why she was shot. He also questions how the western world would have reported this incident had the shooter been a CIA drone.
Read the full letter here:
http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/727684-adnan-rasheed-s-letter-to-malala-yousafzai.html#document/p1
What are your views ?
1) Is Malala getting undue attention?
2) what could the strategy behind this letter by Taliban?
3) what could be the reason for any Media to print this?
4) is this publicity stunt?
5) Have you read what Malala was writing?
6) why is NO government / human rights/ any other national international organisation making hue and cry about this?
7) would you like to write a response to this letter?
8) What are we justifying by printing such letters?
9) Is Media playing a fair role in bringing various perspectives by printing both letters?
10) Why not write open letter to Taliban on the similar lines to reflect upon their own actions.
Hope you get inspired by the courage shown by Malala....
Check your Edmodo for assignments.
Class Discussion 14th February 2013
Can Pope Resign?
'These days have not been easy for me': Pope thanks faithful for support after shock resignation 13 Feb 2013 21:39 The tears, cheers and outpouring of love from thousands of emotional followers were clearly a blessed relief to the 85-year-old Holy Father
Pope Says he is resigning for the good of the church!
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/pope-resigns-benedict-xvi-tells-1706990
Can services to God, Humanity, be so frustrating?
What is he resigning from?
Are there specific reasons for his resignation?
Is it so stressful to be Pope?
Are their disputes while serving God? and people who claim to be close to him have conflicts!
Is this Weakness or Strength?
What kind of Legacy are we talking about?
What could be the process from his thought to his actions and who all do you think were involved in this decision making?
Is this Political?
Follow these links and share your views/ comments
1) http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/14/nyregion/cardinal-dolan-calls-popes-resignation-a-sign-of-humility.html?_r=0
2) http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/13/world/europe/pope-press-corps/?hpt=hp_t2
The Truth about Dishonesty
Class discussion on 6th February 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBmJay_qdNc
Are you more honest than a banker? Under what circumstances would you lie, or cheat, and what effect does your deception have on society at large? Dan Ariely, one of the world's leading voices on human motivation and behaviour is the latest big thinker to get the RSAAnimate treatment. Taken from a lecture given at the RSA in July 2012 . Watch the longer talk here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGGxgu...T
he RSA is a 258 year-old charity devoted to driving social progress and spreading world-changing ideas. For more information about the
RSA, visit http://www.thersa.org
Confession!!!
Class discussion on 18th January 2013 and 29th January 2013.
Please follow this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_0PSZ59Aws
Do We need Oprah's to Confess?
1)What is the real issue here....
2)Can a person lie under oath ?
3)What should be consequences for such acts?
4)Can Federal government take any actions now?
5)What other options Lance had to confess? Tweet? Press Conference?
6)Was this another calculated move for gaining sympathy?
7)Was this Scripted?
8)What is Confession? is this final? or will this too change?
9)What happens to faith/ trust/ belief people have/ had in "live strong foundation"?
10)What is your view about this confession
11)Can contribution by Lance to sport be ignored/ nullified?
12)Can Lance be compared with Tiger Woods?
13) Is it important to dope? to win? as claimed by Lance?
14) Is there any other sport which is free if these evils?
15) "show me a Hero and i will write you a tragedy" by F Scott Fitzgerald. What is your take on this quote in light of the Lance Armstrong- Oprah Show.
16) Who are we to Judge? Are we the Moral police?
17)Do you think Lance was emotional? while talking? or was this shot with retakes !! Most talk show are very emotional and people tend shred some tears!!! this important aspect was missing ...
18) How long can one hide? truth finally emerges!!!
19) Do you think lance has grounds to stand again?
20) Why Oprah? and not any other show???
Some details from YOUTUBE- Published on Jan 17, 2013
For the first time since cyclist Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from elite competition by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, he sits down for a no-holds-barred interview, with Oprah. For years, he's denied that he used banned substances to enhance his cycling performance. Will he finally come clean? Find out now. Watch Part 2 of Oprah's interview with Lance Armstrong on Friday, January 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN. The interview will be simultaneously streamed LIVE worldwide on Oprah.com.
For more, visit http://www.oprah.com/lancearmstrong
Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN
The Three Incidents
( Class Discussion Date:- 10th December 2012)
An Indian couple in Norway was has been arrested on the charges of “gross or repeated maltreatment” of their child. Initially there was a lot of public outrage at what seemed to be an unnecessarily harsh act on part of the Norwegian authorities. There was also a demand that the Indian Government intervenes on behalf of the couple accused. Later as more evidence came to light against the couple the focus of the outrage shifted to them.
http://www.firstpost.com/world/norway-police-tell-court-indian-couple-beat-burnt-son-verdict- today-543769.html
http://www.firstpost.com/world/norway-child-abuse-case-india-says-it-will-not-intervene- 542058.html
Savita Hallapanvar, an Indian woman residing in Ireland was 17 weeks pregnant was told her foetus wasn’t growing and the only alternative her to survive was termination of the pregnancy. However since Ireland was a catholic country, abortions are illegal and they refused to remove the foetus tillit had a heartbeat. This led to Septicaemia resulting in her death.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/savita-halappanavar-death-irish-woman-denied- abortion-dies_n_2128696.html
http://in.news.yahoo.com/savita-s-family-blames-archaic-irish-law-for-her-death.html
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Europe/Thousands-rally-in-Ireland-after-Indian- woman-denied-abortion-dies/Article1-959507.aspx
Jacinth Saldanha, a nurse at London's King Edward VII Hospital committed suicide a few days after being involved in a hoax that involved leaking out of information about the British Royal family. Saldanha answered the phone when two Australian disc jockeys called seeking information about Prince William’s wife Kate, who was being treated for severe morning sickness. The DJs impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, and Saldanha was tricked into transferring the call to another nurse, who revealed private details about the duchess' condition. The DJs have subsequently accepted responsibility for the prank while maintaining that the decision to air the news was that of their authorities. They have expressed sorrow on the outcome of the prank.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/13/inquest-nurse-in-british-royal-hoax- call_n_2290838.html
- 1)What is it that grabs our attention as viewers?
- 2) How do we see information?
- 3) How quickly do we jump to conclusions and on what basis?
- 4) Do we check all the sources before we come to a decision?
- 5) Would we as Indians have reacted to these situations with the same intensity if the people involved had been of another nationality?
- 6) Are we concerned about the “image” of an Indian when such incidents get global publicity?
- 7) Are we saying that a prank took Saldanha’s life? If yes, what is the definition of a prank?
8) What role does bias play in our perspectives?
9)How do we define patriotism?
Since there was a public hue and cry about the supposed unjust treatment by the Norwegians against Indians, shouldn’t we be ashamed when it was proved that the charges were true?
Secularism v/s religion. As Indians do we realise that in spite of the pivotal role of religion in our lives, we take secularism for granted?
How far is too far? (In connection with the Royal Hoax incident)
8) What role does bias play in our perspectives?
9)How do we define patriotism?
Since there was a public hue and cry about the supposed unjust treatment by the Norwegians against Indians, shouldn’t we be ashamed when it was proved that the charges were true?
Secularism v/s religion. As Indians do we realise that in spite of the pivotal role of religion in our lives, we take secularism for granted?
How far is too far? (In connection with the Royal Hoax incident)
Is the Internet Warping Our Brains?
this is your brain on google
http://www.good.is/posts/is-the-internet-warping-our-brains
New research from Columbia University psychologist Betsy Sparrow suggests that Google, your favorite search engine turned email host turned social network, might actually be making you less likely to absorb information. Sparrow's study, "Google Effects on Memory: Cognitive Consequences of Having Information at Our Fingertips," found that people who were confident they could use the internet to access some bit of information in the future were less likely to recall that information themselves. However, they were more likely to recall how to go about accessing the information if necessary. Sparrow calls it "outsourcing data," letting the internet take care of some stuff so we can save our brains for things that can't be Googled, like parents' birthdays and coworkers' names.
Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily, says Sparrow. For instance, for years people in the educational community have known that rote learning—that is, forcing children to memorize facts and dates—is a poor way to educate. If that's the case, allowing computers to do some of the memorizing for us might be a way to focus more on the more philosophical aspects of learning.
"Perhaps those who teach in any context, be they college professors, doctors or business leaders, will become increasingly focused on imparting greater understanding of ideas and ways of thinking, and less focused on memorization," Sparrow told Time.
Of course, while you might think that this research suggests people on the internet are using less of their brains than those not online, you'd be wrong. Back in 2008, the neuroscientist Gary Small discovered the difference in brain activity between a person reading a book and a person searching for information on Google. According to Small, the person searching the internet was using a lot more of their mind than the person simply reading a book. Like Sparrow, Small says he's not willing to say if the difference is bad or good, just that our minds react entirely differently when stimulated by the internet as opposed to other forms of media.
this is your brain on google
http://www.good.is/posts/is-the-internet-warping-our-brains
New research from Columbia University psychologist Betsy Sparrow suggests that Google, your favorite search engine turned email host turned social network, might actually be making you less likely to absorb information. Sparrow's study, "Google Effects on Memory: Cognitive Consequences of Having Information at Our Fingertips," found that people who were confident they could use the internet to access some bit of information in the future were less likely to recall that information themselves. However, they were more likely to recall how to go about accessing the information if necessary. Sparrow calls it "outsourcing data," letting the internet take care of some stuff so we can save our brains for things that can't be Googled, like parents' birthdays and coworkers' names.
Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily, says Sparrow. For instance, for years people in the educational community have known that rote learning—that is, forcing children to memorize facts and dates—is a poor way to educate. If that's the case, allowing computers to do some of the memorizing for us might be a way to focus more on the more philosophical aspects of learning.
"Perhaps those who teach in any context, be they college professors, doctors or business leaders, will become increasingly focused on imparting greater understanding of ideas and ways of thinking, and less focused on memorization," Sparrow told Time.
Of course, while you might think that this research suggests people on the internet are using less of their brains than those not online, you'd be wrong. Back in 2008, the neuroscientist Gary Small discovered the difference in brain activity between a person reading a book and a person searching for information on Google. According to Small, the person searching the internet was using a lot more of their mind than the person simply reading a book. Like Sparrow, Small says he's not willing to say if the difference is bad or good, just that our minds react entirely differently when stimulated by the internet as opposed to other forms of media.
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