critical thinking films
WEEK ONE
Star Trek Metaphor
Surfing the Matrix
Bertrand Russell on Clear Thinking
Geometric Philosophy
The Oceanic Metaphor
Russell's Teapot
Surfing Cover [Break]
FILM EXAM QUESTIONS | 1
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 11632.
1. Drawing from the Star Trek metaphor, and using your own life as a template, describe three or more incidents from your life where you reacted as "Spock", "Kirk", and "Scotty." Feel free to tell it in story form.
2. Drawing from the film, Surfing Matrix, and using our own life as a template, describe two or more incidents from your own life where you experienced an unusual coincidence. How would Bertrand Russell or a skeptic explain it rationally?
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WEEK TWO | wait for class to see these films
Voodoo Voodoo
Calvino's Shuffle
Godel's Paradox
We are all scientists
FILM EXAM QUESTIONS | 2
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 999.
1. Drawing from the movie "we are all scientists" describe several incidents in your own life where you thought and acted scientifically. Be sure to detail how your thoughts or actions were scientific.
2. Using the movie "voodoo voodoo" as your prompt, have you in your life ever used a "magical formula" (from prayers to mantras to chants to childhood rhymes, etc.) to secure what you wanted or to protect yourself, etc? Feel free to tell your recollections in story form. How would you today rationally explain how and why it worked?
3. Calvino's shuffle is an important metaphor. Why should it be a guiding principle when claiming something for certain? Give examples.
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WEEK THREE | wait for class to see these films
The Shiva Nature of Science
Maya
The Feynman Imperative
Ivash's Caution
Gumby Land
FILM EXAM QUESTIONS | 3
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 0987.
1. Provide two or more examples of "Gumby Land" thinking in your own life or from someone you know. Feel free to tell it in story form.
2. Describe two or more examples from your own life where you have been caught by "maya" and how did you extricate yourself from such a delusion? You may also use examples from others you know.
3. How would "Feynman's Imperative" help you to think more scientifically in the future? Now, how would Ivash's caution help you in not being so cynical?
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WEEK FOUR | wait for class to see these films
UFO'S AND THE CHANDIAN EFFECT | 1
UFO'S AND THE CHANDIAN EFFECT | 2
THE BHRIGU SAMHITA: THE WORLD'S OLDEST ASTROLOGICAL RECORD
INNER VISIONS AND RUNNING TRAINS
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 0922.
1. Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Or, do you know of someone who claims to have had one? How would you explain it rationally? Does the Chandian Effect apply?
2. Think of your own astrological sign and find a horoscope that pertains to you. Does it fit? How would a critical thinking explain it?
3. If an intelligent alien did indeed visit this planet and came over to your house, what do you think he would find most odd about human behavior?
WEEK FIVE | wait for class to see these films
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 97654
1. The NEUROETHICAL ARGUMENT FOR VEGANISM
1. Explain the neuroethical argument for vegetarianism. Do you agree or disagree with it? Be sure to support your answer.
2. What is the remainder conjecture? Give an example of how it works.
3. If there is a genetic connection between us and a grain of wild rice, how should such information influence or impact our worldview?
EXTRA CREDIT
1. In the Scopes trial of the mid-1920s, teaching the theory of evolution was regarded by many as too controversial to teach in high school. Why are certain religions so resistant to Darwinian evolution? Describe, in brief, the Scopes trial.
2. Why was Clarence Darrow an agnostic? Read this book to find out why.
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WEEK SEVEN | wait for class to see these films
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 97ddd
Question 1: What are the strongest arguments for the universe being a computational simulation?
Question 2: Do we read more or less today? Why? Explain your generational view on reading books
Question 3: What technology do you use most? Explain your attraction to it.
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WEEK EIGHT | wait for class to see these films
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 97dddef
1. Quantum Superposition
2. Photosynthesis
3. The Kirpal Statistic
Find the above films on the Neuralsurfer Vision channel.
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1. Why is understanding quantum mechanics and its implications important for understanding how life evolves?
2. What is the Kirpal Statistic?
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WEEK NINE | wait for class to see these films
DIRECTIONS: Your (total) examination must be a minimum of 300 words. After you have finished the timed test, take your paper home and edit it (or add to it) and place on your website by Sunday night (no later than 10 p.m.). Also copy and paste your answers to the class forum that same day/night. Be sure to write this code down on your paper as well on your post to the website (not necessary for the forum): 97ddddd
1. Sam Harris: The Moral Landscape
Question: Provide a critical review of Sam Harris' viewpoint. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
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WEEK TEN | wait for class to see these films
Question: How can the reasoning that Professor Greene demonstrates throughout his lecture help us to think more realistically about "improbable" events in our own day to day lives?
code: 8763