The Phenomenal Self Model
There is no permanent human self.
The self is a constructed model via evolution.
This self is genetically constructed.
People who were born without arms and legs were tested and
their sense of self is embedded in their brain.
Part I
Part II
Note Plato's forms. Hume on 'self'. Buddhism's anatta.
References:
1. Thomas Metzinger: The Ego Tunnel
2. Thomas Metzinger: Being No One
3. http://www.philosophie.uni-mainz.de/metzinger/
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Autodidacticism
Autodidacticism (also autodidactism) is self-education or self-directed learning.
An autodidact is a mostly self-taught person, as opposed to learning in a school setting or from a full-time tutor or mentor.
The word "Autodidacticism" finds its origin in "Didacticism", an artistic philosophy of education.
A person may become an autodidact at nearly any point in his or her life. While some may have been educated in a conventional manner in a particular field, they may choose to educate themselves in other, often unrelated areas.
Self-teaching and self-directed learning are not necessarily lonely processes. Some autodidacts spend a great deal of time in libraries or on educational websites. Many, according to their plan for learning, avail themselves of instruction from family members, friends, or other associates, although strictly speaking this might not be considered autodidactic, unless the emphasis is placed on collecting specific information as opposed to being guided in a general course of study by a teacher figure.
Inquiry into autodidacticism has implications for learning theory, educational research, educational philosophy, and educational psychology.
Autodidacts: Scientists, historians, and educators
Michael Faraday, the chemist and physicist. Although Faraday received little formal education and knew little of higher mathematics, such as calculus, he was one of the most influential scientists in history. Some historians[14] of science refer to him as the best experimentalist in the history of science.
The cognitive scientist Walter Pitts of MIT was an autodidact. He taught himself mathematical logic, psychology, and neuroscience. He was one of the scientists who laid the foundations of cognitive sciences, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics.
Mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan and Newton's contemporary Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz were largely self-taught in mathematics, as was Oliver Heaviside. Ramanujan is notable as an autodidact for having developed thousands of new mathematical theorems despite having no formal education in mathematics, contributing substantially to the analytical theory of numbers, elliptic functions, continued fractions, and infinite series.[15]
Nathaniel Bowditch was a colonial period American mathematician who wrote the American Practical Navigator.
Physicist and Judo expert Moshe Feldenkrais developed an autodidactic method of self-improvement based on his own experience with self-directed learning in physiology and neurology. He was motivated by his own crippling knee injury.
The natural historians Alfred Russel Wallace (co-discoverer of natural selection) and Henry Walter Bates both 19th-century British scientists.
"Darwin's Bulldog" Thomas Henry Huxley, a 19th-century British scientist.
The social philosopher Herbert Spencer, a 19th century British scientist.[citation needed]
Gerda Alexander, Heinrich Jacoby, and a number of other 20th-century European innovators worked out methods of self-development that stressed intelligent sensitivity and awareness.
Joseph Campbell exemplified the autodidactic method. Following completion of his masters degree, Campbell decided not to go forward with his plans to earn a doctorate, and he went into the woods in upstate New York, reading deeply for five years. According to poet and author Robert Bly, a friend of Campbell's, Campbell developed a systematic program of reading nine hours a day.
Vincent J. Schaefer, who discovered the principle of cloud seeding, was schooled to 10th grade when asked by parents to help with family income. He continued his informal education by reading, participation in free lectures by scientists and exploring nature through year-round outdoor activity.
Buckminster Fuller, a self-proclaimed comprehensive anticipatory design scientist, was twice expelled from Harvard and, after a life-altering experience while on the edge of suicide, dedicated his life to working in the service of humanity and thinking for himself. In the process he created many new terms such as "ephemeralization", "dymaxion", and "Spaceship Earth".
Jane Jacobs wrote books about city planning, economics, and sociology with only a high school degree and training in journalism and sternography, plus courses at Columbia University's extension school.
While Karl Popper did receive a college education, he never took courses in philosophy, and he did his initial work in the philosophy of science during the late 1920s and early 1930s while he was teaching science and math in high school. He then turned to the social sciences and attempted to transform them as well, again without any formal training or official mentoring. The best source for this story is Malachi Hacohen's book "Karl Popper: The Formative Years, 1902-1945".
Benjamin Franklin
Socrates
Descartes
Avicenna
Thomas Alva Edison
Eric Hoffer
William Kamkwamba, inventor
George Green, mathematician and physicist
Robert Franklin Stroud, ornithologist while imprisoned
Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autodidacticism
An autodidact is a mostly self-taught person, as opposed to learning in a school setting or from a full-time tutor or mentor.
The word "Autodidacticism" finds its origin in "Didacticism", an artistic philosophy of education.
A person may become an autodidact at nearly any point in his or her life. While some may have been educated in a conventional manner in a particular field, they may choose to educate themselves in other, often unrelated areas.
Self-teaching and self-directed learning are not necessarily lonely processes. Some autodidacts spend a great deal of time in libraries or on educational websites. Many, according to their plan for learning, avail themselves of instruction from family members, friends, or other associates, although strictly speaking this might not be considered autodidactic, unless the emphasis is placed on collecting specific information as opposed to being guided in a general course of study by a teacher figure.
Inquiry into autodidacticism has implications for learning theory, educational research, educational philosophy, and educational psychology.
Autodidacts: Scientists, historians, and educators
Michael Faraday, the chemist and physicist. Although Faraday received little formal education and knew little of higher mathematics, such as calculus, he was one of the most influential scientists in history. Some historians[14] of science refer to him as the best experimentalist in the history of science.
The cognitive scientist Walter Pitts of MIT was an autodidact. He taught himself mathematical logic, psychology, and neuroscience. He was one of the scientists who laid the foundations of cognitive sciences, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics.
Mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan and Newton's contemporary Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz were largely self-taught in mathematics, as was Oliver Heaviside. Ramanujan is notable as an autodidact for having developed thousands of new mathematical theorems despite having no formal education in mathematics, contributing substantially to the analytical theory of numbers, elliptic functions, continued fractions, and infinite series.[15]
Nathaniel Bowditch was a colonial period American mathematician who wrote the American Practical Navigator.
Physicist and Judo expert Moshe Feldenkrais developed an autodidactic method of self-improvement based on his own experience with self-directed learning in physiology and neurology. He was motivated by his own crippling knee injury.
The natural historians Alfred Russel Wallace (co-discoverer of natural selection) and Henry Walter Bates both 19th-century British scientists.
"Darwin's Bulldog" Thomas Henry Huxley, a 19th-century British scientist.
The social philosopher Herbert Spencer, a 19th century British scientist.[citation needed]
Gerda Alexander, Heinrich Jacoby, and a number of other 20th-century European innovators worked out methods of self-development that stressed intelligent sensitivity and awareness.
Joseph Campbell exemplified the autodidactic method. Following completion of his masters degree, Campbell decided not to go forward with his plans to earn a doctorate, and he went into the woods in upstate New York, reading deeply for five years. According to poet and author Robert Bly, a friend of Campbell's, Campbell developed a systematic program of reading nine hours a day.
Vincent J. Schaefer, who discovered the principle of cloud seeding, was schooled to 10th grade when asked by parents to help with family income. He continued his informal education by reading, participation in free lectures by scientists and exploring nature through year-round outdoor activity.
Buckminster Fuller, a self-proclaimed comprehensive anticipatory design scientist, was twice expelled from Harvard and, after a life-altering experience while on the edge of suicide, dedicated his life to working in the service of humanity and thinking for himself. In the process he created many new terms such as "ephemeralization", "dymaxion", and "Spaceship Earth".
Jane Jacobs wrote books about city planning, economics, and sociology with only a high school degree and training in journalism and sternography, plus courses at Columbia University's extension school.
While Karl Popper did receive a college education, he never took courses in philosophy, and he did his initial work in the philosophy of science during the late 1920s and early 1930s while he was teaching science and math in high school. He then turned to the social sciences and attempted to transform them as well, again without any formal training or official mentoring. The best source for this story is Malachi Hacohen's book "Karl Popper: The Formative Years, 1902-1945".
Benjamin Franklin
Socrates
Descartes
Avicenna
Thomas Alva Edison
Eric Hoffer
William Kamkwamba, inventor
George Green, mathematician and physicist
Robert Franklin Stroud, ornithologist while imprisoned
Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autodidacticism
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Purpose of Your Life
Objective
One fundamental question that most human beings faced is;
What is the purpose of life?
or What is the meaning of life?
In the absence of rational explanation, many has turned to some God's assigned and other supernatural purpose of life. While supernatural or mystical purpose of life do assist human being in living their lives, they can be abused as in suicide bombers and other negative acts of humans.
As such it is critical to establish a 'purpose of life' that is positive aligned to the core purpose of humanity and not controversial purposes.
A Life Tyranized By Unconscious Fear
For the majority of human beings, the purpose of their life had been and is tyranized & driven by unconscious FEARS and terrors that lurks within their mind. i.e. The Primordial Fear of Mortality , Terror Management Theory , Cognitive Dissonance, and other Cognitive Biases.
Purpose of Life Based on Facts
It is important that we establish the purpose of life based on facts rather than based on speculations as driven by fears and terror stated above.
The Facts
To understand humanity's Purpose within the Universe, one will need to be familiarized with the following;
Know Thyself
The Core Purpose of Life
Threats to the Human Specie
The Survival Instinct
The Common Spiritual Path of All Humans
God is a necessity for many but does not exist objectively
Reconciling religion and god with 'purpose of life'
Knowledge Expansion
Technological Progress
Space Exploration
Evolution of homo-sapiens
KIV - to list others and explain
Purpose of Life
It is critical that we analyze the purpose of human life into two significant purposes and roles; i.e.
1. Basic self-existence
2. Progressive existence
This two functions of existence and role for a human within humanity is very important.
1. Basic self-existence - Basic Role
The fact and process of reproduction of a human being is basically a fundamental role of every human. The birth of every human being is a potential to serve the core purpose of humanity. The basic purpose of every human is to ensure they maintain their survival at all costs. Thus when one is able to survive one's life cycle, one is already aligned and has serve humanity's purpose regardless of any reputable contributions to mankind.
This will enable every human to have a sense of purpose and meaning in life. This is necessary as not every one born on Earth can be an Einstein, Leonardo, Edison or Bill Gates.The additional responsibility other than basic existence is for any human being to avoid being negative or hinder humanity's progress. Examples are religious bigotry and other crimes against humanity.
One need to be a team member of TeamHumanity and at the minimum support the team if one is not able to contribute for various reasons.
2. Progressive existence
The other more significant role of any human is to be aligned to Humanity and its core purpose and contribute positively to it within one's capability and competency.
Implications
It is crucial that every human understand their role and purpose of life within the infinite universe to enable humanity to sustain its Core Purpose of Life.
It is possible for any deranged religious fanatic to press the nuclear button and destroy humanity in exchange for some speculated eternal life and rewards in a supernatural heaven promised by his God. We have already seen this possibility in the Jim Jones case.
Related Posts
Know Thyself
The Underlying Drive of Humanity
One fundamental question that most human beings faced is;
What is the purpose of life?
or What is the meaning of life?
In the absence of rational explanation, many has turned to some God's assigned and other supernatural purpose of life. While supernatural or mystical purpose of life do assist human being in living their lives, they can be abused as in suicide bombers and other negative acts of humans.
As such it is critical to establish a 'purpose of life' that is positive aligned to the core purpose of humanity and not controversial purposes.
A Life Tyranized By Unconscious Fear
For the majority of human beings, the purpose of their life had been and is tyranized & driven by unconscious FEARS and terrors that lurks within their mind. i.e. The Primordial Fear of Mortality , Terror Management Theory , Cognitive Dissonance, and other Cognitive Biases.
Purpose of Life Based on Facts
It is important that we establish the purpose of life based on facts rather than based on speculations as driven by fears and terror stated above.
The Facts
To understand humanity's Purpose within the Universe, one will need to be familiarized with the following;
Know Thyself
The Core Purpose of Life
Threats to the Human Specie
The Survival Instinct
The Common Spiritual Path of All Humans
God is a necessity for many but does not exist objectively
Reconciling religion and god with 'purpose of life'
Knowledge Expansion
Technological Progress
Space Exploration
Evolution of homo-sapiens
KIV - to list others and explain
Purpose of Life
It is critical that we analyze the purpose of human life into two significant purposes and roles; i.e.
1. Basic self-existence
2. Progressive existence
This two functions of existence and role for a human within humanity is very important.
1. Basic self-existence - Basic Role
The fact and process of reproduction of a human being is basically a fundamental role of every human. The birth of every human being is a potential to serve the core purpose of humanity. The basic purpose of every human is to ensure they maintain their survival at all costs. Thus when one is able to survive one's life cycle, one is already aligned and has serve humanity's purpose regardless of any reputable contributions to mankind.
This will enable every human to have a sense of purpose and meaning in life. This is necessary as not every one born on Earth can be an Einstein, Leonardo, Edison or Bill Gates.The additional responsibility other than basic existence is for any human being to avoid being negative or hinder humanity's progress. Examples are religious bigotry and other crimes against humanity.
One need to be a team member of TeamHumanity and at the minimum support the team if one is not able to contribute for various reasons.
2. Progressive existence
The other more significant role of any human is to be aligned to Humanity and its core purpose and contribute positively to it within one's capability and competency.
Implications
It is crucial that every human understand their role and purpose of life within the infinite universe to enable humanity to sustain its Core Purpose of Life.
It is possible for any deranged religious fanatic to press the nuclear button and destroy humanity in exchange for some speculated eternal life and rewards in a supernatural heaven promised by his God. We have already seen this possibility in the Jim Jones case.
Related Posts
Know Thyself
The Underlying Drive of Humanity
Monday, October 5, 2009
Impending Catastrophe to Humanity
1997. From The Conversations With Harold Hanson Channer - Guest Dr. Michio Kaku, Professor of Theoretical Physics.
It May Take a Catastrophe Before People Wake Up
Michio Kaku:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mXW3dl8ARI
It May Take a Catastrophe Before People Wake Up
Michio Kaku:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mXW3dl8ARI
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Damasio: Emotions are Primal
Emotions are Primal
Antonio Damasio
Antonio Damasio argues that even though emotions are viewed as a human trait, they are probably one of the earliest evolutionary advancements.
He explains that emotions are "a way to live for as long as possible", asking "if you were a gene, what would you do?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTu-G3vwkXU
Full Video at:
http://fora.tv/2009/07/04/Antonio_Damasio_This_Time_With_Feeling
Note Selfish Genes - Richard Dawkins
Antonio Damasio
Antonio Damasio argues that even though emotions are viewed as a human trait, they are probably one of the earliest evolutionary advancements.
He explains that emotions are "a way to live for as long as possible", asking "if you were a gene, what would you do?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTu-G3vwkXU
Full Video at:
http://fora.tv/2009/07/04/Antonio_Damasio_This_Time_With_Feeling
Note Selfish Genes - Richard Dawkins
Tne Neuroscience of Emotions
The Neuroscience of Emotions
Dr. Phillippe Goldin
( A google talk Video)
Extract:
The ability to recognize and work with different emotions is fundamental to psychological flexibility and well-being.
Neuroscience has contributed to the understanding of the neural bases of emotion, emotion regulation, and emotional intelligence, and has begun to elucidate the brain mechanisms involved in emotion processing.
Of great interest is the degree to which these mechanisms demonstrate neuroplasticity in both anatomical and functional levels of the brain.
The Neuroscience of Emotions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tShDYA3NFVs
Dr. Phillippe Goldin
( A google talk Video)
Extract:
The ability to recognize and work with different emotions is fundamental to psychological flexibility and well-being.
Neuroscience has contributed to the understanding of the neural bases of emotion, emotion regulation, and emotional intelligence, and has begun to elucidate the brain mechanisms involved in emotion processing.
Of great interest is the degree to which these mechanisms demonstrate neuroplasticity in both anatomical and functional levels of the brain.
The Neuroscience of Emotions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tShDYA3NFVs
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Futurism - Science and Philosophy
Objectives
To ensure the survival of the human specie, we need to take into the consideration the various approaches of futurism (scientific and philosophy).
Futurism - what is
Futurism is a term referring to writers of speculative fiction, scientists, and philosophers who propose and promote alternative technologically-advanced lifestyles based on the latest scientific discoveries.
They tend to share interests in life extension, artificial intelligence, robotics, cryonics, the search for extraterrestrial life, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology all as means to enhance human evolution.
As a result, many contemporary futurists call themselves "transhumanists."
Futurists often confront traditional ethical systems based on religion.
Implications
The Earth will not exists or sustain life indefinitely. Humanity need to explore into the domains of futurism to extend life on Earth or in other planets in the universe. Though the threat of human extinction may not materialize in the near future (next 1000 years), contingency planning is nevertheless essential.
References and Links
http://www.fact-index.com/f/fu/futurism__philosophy_.html
Physics of the Impossible - Michio Kaku
Physics of the Impossible - wiki
To ensure the survival of the human specie, we need to take into the consideration the various approaches of futurism (scientific and philosophy).
Futurism - what is
Futurism is a term referring to writers of speculative fiction, scientists, and philosophers who propose and promote alternative technologically-advanced lifestyles based on the latest scientific discoveries.
They tend to share interests in life extension, artificial intelligence, robotics, cryonics, the search for extraterrestrial life, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology all as means to enhance human evolution.
As a result, many contemporary futurists call themselves "transhumanists."
Futurists often confront traditional ethical systems based on religion.
Implications
The Earth will not exists or sustain life indefinitely. Humanity need to explore into the domains of futurism to extend life on Earth or in other planets in the universe. Though the threat of human extinction may not materialize in the near future (next 1000 years), contingency planning is nevertheless essential.
References and Links
http://www.fact-index.com/f/fu/futurism__philosophy_.html
Physics of the Impossible - Michio Kaku
Physics of the Impossible - wiki
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