Science, Brains, Humanity
Paul Grobstein
Liberal Arts Honors Program
, City College of New York
Science 10001, Man and Nature: Life
Second Class (click for
first class
)
December 8, 2004
Is there anything in
our discussion of the brain
that makes one think differently about what humans are? who one is oneself? And does it seem to have any implications for
What is science?
Where does it come from?
Is it good for humanity?
Stories from the
on-line forum
area.
Reminders
from first class
Brain as explorer
Brain as story teller
Brain as creator
Science as exploring, story telling, creating (and ingredient for ... )
Note
No "true" or "right", only "
less wrong
"
Loop similar to brain
Everyone equiped to be an explorer
Story telling = summary of observations, the creative crack
Products create new possibilities
Point is exploration, mandate is "profound skepticism"
"Good" for humanity? Ethic?
Science in Society
: science as a social activity
Note
Both individual stories and collective stories
Science in Society:
the interplay between individual and cultural stories
Science is a part of culture
A reflective/deliberate change agent ... for individuals and cultures?
Non-hierarchical
?
Science in the universe
Exploration at cosmic scales of space and time
Life and then brain an accelerator of exploration
Science a further accelerator, if we can learn to use/accept it?
Further reading
Getting It Less Wrong, the Brain's Way: Science, Pragmatism, and Multiplism
A Vision of Science (and Science Education) in the 21st Century: Everybody "Getting It Less Wrong" Together
Variability in Brain Function and Behavior
If you're particularly interested, have a little extra time, want to join in another conversation as well, have a look at
"
Writing Descartes: I Am, and I Can Think, Therefore ...
"
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