Enrichment: Perspectives About Brain Processes

We have devoted much time to concepts and examples  surrounding Critical Thinking and Metacognition.    We have also examined some fascinating brain research that connects the physical part of the brain to extraordinary, metaphysical and even philosophical phenomena.  Based on the NOVA documentary, Secrets of the Mind, you may discuss any  segment that you found most interesting and informative. Also state  how/why  that information was meaningful to you  and to the core of  thinking critically.   

The Right and the Good

Virtually everyone, at one time or another, has to make decisions based on either  The Right Thing to Do or The Good  Thing to Do.  From what we have discussed, there certainly is a difference between the two, and the differences are  reflected  by  our viewpoints based on Ethics, Morals and Values. 

Describe a dilemma that you may face in  your chosen career where you have two choices…one being the Right Thing to do, and the other being the Good Thing to do. State the dilemma, two options and explain which is the Right Thing and which is the Good Thing---and why.

 You do not have to state your choice, and remember you are to  describe examples of  Right and Good---not  Wrong, Evil or Bad.

Unsolved Historical Mysteries

Choose ONE  of the three episodes concerning Presidents Garfield, Zachary Taylor or Richard Nixon, viewed this week that involved the use of "Forensics in the White House." 

 Write about the 

1.  Problem or Question Presented
2. The Hypotheses put forth by experts
3.  The Evidence presented
4. The Result or Conclusion that was given by the experts
5.  If  YOU Agree or Disagree with the Stated Conclusion 

Write at least 75 words.

IT'S GOLDEN!

Most of us know it as the Golden Rule:  “Do Unto Others…”

Philosophers refer to it as the Law of Reciprocity…

Kant called it the Categorical Imperative…

Fundamentally, it is a universal principle of Ethics, which keeps us from harming others at least, and at best, tells us to embrace the humanity of everyone.

Go to page 292 in our text.  There are seven major Religions listed and their interpretation of the Rule.

Discuss how these statements are SIMILAR and how following any of the individual interpretations contribute to a life worth living and to Universal  Good.  

Cognitive Errors

Cognitive errors, errors in logical reasoning such as an irrational thought, can disrupt the life of the most ordinary person.  Read the entry on page 117 in our text and respond to question number 1  in 75-100 words.

Discuss why/how ordinary people may "fall into" such beliefs. What circumstances could contribute to irrational beliefs? What are some methods to help yourself or someone else dispel these types of beliefs?  Feel free to give your opinion on any and all options. 

The Truth is Out There---But What is it?

Whether you believe in UFOs and "little green men" or not, it's difficult to ignore all of the speculation, media hype and even docu-dramas touting or denying the existence of other intelligent life in our universe.  This blog invites you to read two viewpoints on the issue of the existence of Unidentified Flying Objects.

Your task is to read two essays in our text  by two researchers of this phenomena. Their credentials are listed at the beginning of the articles.  Read pages 126-130.  Then on page 131, use question number 1 as YOUR blog prompt. Respond on the basis of these two articles, and not from outside reading, tv specials or the like.   Please keep your response to 90-100 words.

The Dragon's Lair

You have recently viewed the documentary “Here Be Dragons” with Brian Dunning, where you experienced several examples of ambiguity, not just in the information given, but in the presentation as well.  Whether you agreed or disagreed with the particular issues Dunning was critical about is not the focus of today’s  blog. 

What you are requested to consider are the particular instances in Dunning’s program  where you noticed the fallacy of ambiguity, earmarked by  “proofs” of hypocrisy, equivocation ,amphiboly, accent, and division. (See highlights on page 138 for a vocabulary refresher).   You may one or more examples, at your own discretion. Please keep your blog entry between 75-125 words.