April 28-May 4
Mathematics is an easy step to make from reason and logic, at least, at first glance. We don't often think of it this way, but mathematics is often thought of as the most abstract of the Areas of Knowing...simply because we primarily discuss, learn, and discover mathematics in metaphors called "equations."
One of the things we will be talking about over the next couple of weeks is the question: Is mathematics a a reflection of reality or do we apply mathematics to our reality? Galileo argued that nature was the first mathematician, as mathematics can be found nearly everywhere in nature.
The video above (only 9 minutes long!!) is an example of mathematics being found not only in nature, but in human beings in the form of the golden ratio. Is there really a mathematical equations to how attractive people are?! Does that link back to survival and Darwin's ideas of why we love who we love? Can these things possibly be connected?
For the blog this week:
1. Watch the video and comment on your thoughts regarding it.
2. Write about some unexpected places you've found mathematics recently, or with your ToK lens firmly in place. You can create a list or write about one place you found math in a little more depth.
3. Also, please answer one of the questions below--
a. Do you think mathematics is created or discovered? Explain.
b. Do you think there is such a thing as an inborn ability to think mathematically? Or is it a learned skill?
c. I think therefore I am, says Descartes. Is this a math equation? Perhaps a proof or theorem? Please explain your thinking.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Blog 12: For every rhyme a reason...
April 21-April 27
For this blog-post, please read, then respond to EITHER 1 OR 2 OR 3 OR 4, AND 5:
1) Is there a time when you've applied reason and logic to a topic about which you were 'on the fence' and/or changed your mind about after using reason and logic? What was the topic or issue and what path did you take to changing your thinking about it? What topic/issue are you writing about for your paper?
OR
2) Is there an instance you can think of when you purposely ignored reason and logic? OR, is there a time when ignoring reason and logic is a good idea/more productive than letting it seep into your knowledge of the world? Do you ever see people in positions of power ignoring reason/logic? Who?
OR
3) How much, in your opinion, do ethics contribute to reason and logic? Do you think ethics should stay out of reason and logic, or is that possible? Is "right" and "wrong" more of an ethical process or a logical one?
OR
4) Is there such a thing as truths that are "self evident"? If so, think of one that you believe is a good example. If not, then why would such phrasing exist, especially in places such as the Declaration of Independence? Also, is there such a thing as 'free will'? Can you come up with an example that fits in a syllogism?
AND
5) Since we are nearing the end of the WAYS of KNOWING, spend some time thinking about how you know in the world. If you were to put the Ways of Knowing in order of how you personally utilize them in your knowledge of the world, what would be first, second, third, and fourth? A simple list will do, but if you feel explanation is necessary, you're welcome to add it.
For this blog-post, please read, then respond to EITHER 1 OR 2 OR 3 OR 4, AND 5:
1) Is there a time when you've applied reason and logic to a topic about which you were 'on the fence' and/or changed your mind about after using reason and logic? What was the topic or issue and what path did you take to changing your thinking about it? What topic/issue are you writing about for your paper?
OR
2) Is there an instance you can think of when you purposely ignored reason and logic? OR, is there a time when ignoring reason and logic is a good idea/more productive than letting it seep into your knowledge of the world? Do you ever see people in positions of power ignoring reason/logic? Who?
OR
3) How much, in your opinion, do ethics contribute to reason and logic? Do you think ethics should stay out of reason and logic, or is that possible? Is "right" and "wrong" more of an ethical process or a logical one?
OR
4) Is there such a thing as truths that are "self evident"? If so, think of one that you believe is a good example. If not, then why would such phrasing exist, especially in places such as the Declaration of Independence? Also, is there such a thing as 'free will'? Can you come up with an example that fits in a syllogism?
AND
5) Since we are nearing the end of the WAYS of KNOWING, spend some time thinking about how you know in the world. If you were to put the Ways of Knowing in order of how you personally utilize them in your knowledge of the world, what would be first, second, third, and fourth? A simple list will do, but if you feel explanation is necessary, you're welcome to add it.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Blog 11: Reason and Logic
April 14, 2013 (due April 20, 2013)
The responses from the last blog were really interesting to read! I especially liked the many and varied approaches to the video and to the poem--it goes to show how unique you all are in your interpretations of what is presented to you; let this be a reminder that everyone has a unique experience with different pieces of literature, media, stimulus, and conversation. Katy mentioned wanting to devote some class time to the Disney video and I truly hope that we can! I will try!
For this week's blog, please respond to one of the following (or the video, or someone else's comments):
1. “Lack of logic annoys. Too much logic is boring. Life escapes logic, and everything built on logic alone is artificial and limited. Therefore is a word that the poet must ignore, that exists only in the mind” (Andre Gide). To what extent do you agree?
2. Why are fallacious arguments often plausible and convincing? When, where, and by whom are they formulated? Are there circumstances under which the use of informal fallacies can be justified, for example, in public advertising campaigns aimed at persuading us to donate money for good causes?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of reason and logic in trying to have a logical debate, argument, or conversation with someone who is not educated in logic/reason? Where do you see the pitfalls of this interaction? Where do you see the advantages? What ways of knowing are present in this imaginary (or perhaps, much too real and recent!) interaction?
4. Man has such a predilection for systems and abstract deductions that he is ready to distort the truth intentionally, he is ready to deny the evidence of his senses only to justify his logic.
The responses from the last blog were really interesting to read! I especially liked the many and varied approaches to the video and to the poem--it goes to show how unique you all are in your interpretations of what is presented to you; let this be a reminder that everyone has a unique experience with different pieces of literature, media, stimulus, and conversation. Katy mentioned wanting to devote some class time to the Disney video and I truly hope that we can! I will try!
For this week's blog, please respond to one of the following (or the video, or someone else's comments):
1. “Lack of logic annoys. Too much logic is boring. Life escapes logic, and everything built on logic alone is artificial and limited. Therefore is a word that the poet must ignore, that exists only in the mind” (Andre Gide). To what extent do you agree?
2. Why are fallacious arguments often plausible and convincing? When, where, and by whom are they formulated? Are there circumstances under which the use of informal fallacies can be justified, for example, in public advertising campaigns aimed at persuading us to donate money for good causes?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of reason and logic in trying to have a logical debate, argument, or conversation with someone who is not educated in logic/reason? Where do you see the pitfalls of this interaction? Where do you see the advantages? What ways of knowing are present in this imaginary (or perhaps, much too real and recent!) interaction?
4. Man has such a predilection for systems and abstract deductions that he is ready to distort the truth intentionally, he is ready to deny the evidence of his senses only to justify his logic.
-- Fyodor Dostoevsky, 1821-81
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