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SandraGandarez's picture

Transforming the unknown into the known

Submitted by SandraGandarez on Wed, 09/22/2010 - 10:33pm

In Solnit's "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" she has a quote on page 5 saying, "But they transform the unknown into the known, haul it in like fishermen; artists get you out into that dark sea." They being scientists. She describes everything in terms of being lost and quite frankly reading the book provides that emotion for you sufficiently. She describes scientists beginning their journey in the dark sea but making their way back by transforming that unknown into the knows, I'm assuming this means discoveries and experimental data. I don't see it that way at all since many of todays science is based on theories and hypothesis' which aren't the known, but more like the assumed.

Owl's picture

Fact vs. Truth

Submitted by Owl on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 3:04am

Hi class,

Hannah Silverblank's picture

“To Speak of Tales and Fables": The Imposition of Narrative in Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: and Other C

Submitted by Hannah Silverblank on Thu, 05/13/2010 - 6:47pm

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jrlewis's picture

The Menu of Wits: A Five-Course Prix Fixe Meal

Submitted by jrlewis on Thu, 05/06/2010 - 11:23pm

If a course syllabus is a menu for a classroom experience, then here is my summary of the House of Wits Course 2010.  Each dish is a culinary representation of the James family member it is matched with opposite.  Anyone with allergies to pragmatism or relativism should avoid the preparations of William James.  They will result in a strong reaction.  They are arranged in reverse chronological order as the course primarily was.  Note how all the dishes work together... do they form a coherent meal?  Are their clashes in flavor?  Repetition?  All this is designed to bring out the family dynamics of the James.  Enjoy the meal!!!  And feel free to comment on your favorite dishes and personalities. 

 

 

jrlewis's picture

Philosophy and Recipes

Submitted by jrlewis on Fri, 04/23/2010 - 6:00pm

What to do with William James? william james His writings on psychology formed the primary textbook for that discipline.  The school of philosophy he developed, pragmatism appeals to philosophers and scientists alike.  Jacques Barzun identifies him as an American hero.  So it would seem that the works of William James have been assimilated into American culture and intellectual life.  If this is true, then what is the point of reading his original writings?  Or why should one use “The Writings of William James: A Comprehensive

aseidman's picture

If the Medium Fits

Submitted by aseidman on Fri, 04/23/2010 - 12:39pm

 

Preface and Explanation

 

The following paper originally included photographs of pages from Marjane Sartrapi’s graphic novel “Persepolis.” I used these images to demonstrate my points to the reader. Upon glancing over the images, however, it occurred to me that I might make an even more effective point by attempting to describe the images in prose, rather than to demonstrate them in their original form.

aseidman's picture

Captain Walter Arnold, Subjectively Realized

Submitted by aseidman on Fri, 04/23/2010 - 11:48am

 

For this project, I took one of what Gertrude Stein calls her “plays,” and considered what would happen if I were to try to stage and direct it. After reading through it, I attempted to break it down into characters, lines, and to imagine a setting in which it would logically take place.

But first, let’s look at “Captain Walter Arnold” just the way Gertrude Stein wrote it, without any additional directions from me.

 

Captain Walter Arnold

By Gertrude Stein

 

Do you mean to please me.

I do.

Do you have any doubt of the value of food and water.

I have not.

Can you recollect any example of easy repetition.

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