Fun math site

Althought we won't talk about math for a while, I just found this neat little site about math and its influence in some everyday aspects. Take a look at some of the articles if you have a chance and I think you'll gain an appreciation for the utility of math in some interesting cases.

Preview of a future class

This article discusses what logicians refer to as logical fallacies. In particular, it discusses the political use of rhetorical device called "the straw man" fallacy. We'll discuss this fallacy and others in class very soon.

Blog Assignment - Worthy of Respect or Condemnation

A man faces the death penalty in Afghanistan for converting from Islam to Christianity. Is this a cultural tradition worthy of respect or violation of one man's rights that should be condemned? Create a rational argument for your perspective on your blog site.

Something fun

I don't know my Slithering from my Dumbldor, but I'm guessing many of you do. See how you do on this Harry Potter quiz.

Science and philosophy - Blog Assignment

Philosopher Alexander Rosenberg argues that philosophy only addresses two issues: (1) the questions that science (physics, biology, psychology, etc.) cannot answer and (2) the reasons for that incapacity. Write a blog entry assessing Rosenberg's stance. Is it true? How do we use the Ways of Knowing to assess this claim? Does science offer answers for the other Areas of Knowledge? Does this imply that science will ultimately find answers for all questions? Or, feel free to take Rosenberg's contention in any direction you see fit.

(This blog entry was inspired by E. O. Wilson's book Consilience. We might read this next year.)

Art and philosophy - Blog Assignment

Instructions:
1. Look at picture
2. Think about picture
3. Write blog entry explaining picture

Why crappy music sells

With the Grammys just finishing, this article attempts to answer the question, why does Maria Carey keep winning awards for making "music"?

Combining areas of knowledge

Here is an essay from the NY Times detailing the connection between Mozart and Einstein. It's a nice account of how one area of knowledge can inspire achievements in another.