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.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Using information from the articles on pages 57-60 in our text, discuss the differences between human thinking and artificial intelligence using facts from the articles and your personal opinion. You may even give examples from entertainment media such as the films "AI," and "I Robot" or others.  75-100 words.  

THE MOZART EFFECT

According to the article, "The Mozart Effect," found in our text on page 47, we are informed about some interesting study results regarding the effects of different kinds of music. Read the brief article, use the questions that follow as prompts to produce your blog entry of 90-100 words.  

Feel free to offer opinions and experiences  as well as facts.  

2 Authority Figures and Obedience

ANSWER EITHER A or B in approximately 75-100 words.  Give reasons or explanations for your particular suggestions. Also, think of how your suggestions may “backfire”  and tell what the consequences might be.

A.      Imagine that you are a participant in Milgram’s study of obedience. What would you have done if you had protested and the experimenter in charge answered, “The experiment requires you to continue?”

B.      What options or other choices might have been available to  the  experimental  student “prisoners”  in the Stanford University 1971 experiment  where students assumed roles of “guards and prisoners?”  

Welcome to The Thinkers' Edge, a blog forum exclusively  for students in my Philosophy 250 Analytical Reasoning and Critical Thinking class. 
Your assignment is to respond to each one of the weekly blog prompts that will appear on this site.  Please respond in a paragraph format between  75 -100 words.
 Think about what you are writing as this site represents what you know, as well as how well you say it.You may write independently or respond to a peer’s current commentary on the topic.  Remember, what you publish is public information, so—make sure your comments are appropriate and respectful to others.  You may disagree with other points of view, but do so in a mature, scholarly manner.
Blogging is using  technology, a crucial skill that will enhance your learning and broaden your ability to communicate seriously, and professionally.  It can be a fun activity, it is part of your homework responsibility and it will also count toward a percentage of your final grade.
Now go directly to the first blog and introduce yourself. 

Enjoy!
Professor  Miuccio

All About You!

Introduce yourself. Your First Name and Last Initial are sufficient. Please add your class ID# (e.g.:PHIL 250- 901, 902, 904 or 905) Tell about your major and why you chose it. Tell something unique about yourself or something you are interested in.  Remember, this is an internet blog and the information you share is published, so please keep it appropriate.  Also, as most students are here for a professional career education, remember, your Public Image is also your Professional Image, and you want it to show your best qualities and thinking ability. 

Write approximately 50 words for this one!
professor mjm