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I started this semester talking about my background as a biology major at Haverford. As a student interested in the sciences, I find my focus often geared towards looking for reasonable, rational, logistical answers to posed questions. That’s often what biology and scientific research aims to do, at least from what I have experienced. Furthermore, my previous courses in biology and psychology have often focused on the molecular and genetic aspects of whatever topic being taught. This course had quite a different spin from these characteristics, and I think this immediately became clear in many of our complex, almost philosophical discussions. This different style incorporated the discussion that I have found more prevalent in my non-science courses while generally keeping it focused to a particular NBS-related topic. I think this change was somewhat unexpected and personally difficult at times, but also rewarding. People definitely brought up things I had never considered before, and the weekly topics allowed me to learn about a number of subjects I had never given intense thought to previously.

As for what understandings of mine have changed throughout the course, I’m not really sure. I can specifically speak to my own group’s presented topic (psychedelic drugs and treatment potential) more so than the others, just because it’s the most present in my mind. Throughout my life, I’ve been raised to think those types of drugs (e.g. LSD) are “bad” drugs. There seems to be the qualitative judgment associated with good drugs and bad drugs, and the psychedelics on which we presented have never been shown in a positive light. However, after doing the research, the short-term and long-term side effects do not appear so horrible, especially if the drugs are used in a controlled setting. Furthermore, their potential to help people suffering from various illnesses or pains seems quite great. There doesn’t seem to actually be tons of research support their current class I description, and yet it’s also difficult to get good research on the other side supporting their use in medical treatments. Learning more about this topic definitely changed my own views about psychedelic drugs and how we truly need to learn more about their incredible potential.

This course opened up an infinite number of questions to be continued in further discussions. There are way too many pose, so instead I’m going to quickly discuss some of the major themes I’ve taken away from our conversations. 1) Individual diversity is crucial to recognize in almost every facet of life. 2) One can never truly understand what another person (or animal for that matter) is experiencing, feeling, or thinking. 3) Satisfactory definitions are difficult to generate. 4) The interplay between biology, psychology, and sociology are incredibly close (or at least fundamentally related).

Thanks to everyone for some interesting discussion over the past few months and I’m looking forward to hear what the rest of you have to share between now and Tuesday…