SELF COMPASSION

Being kind to yourself or self compassion is fundamental for physical as well as mental well being but is often overlooked. Beating oneself up over every little thing; torturing oneself over every little mishap does untold and lasting damage to the psyche and eventually, to physical health. Do your research and write about what self compassion is and why it is so important.

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         Take the test: https://self-compassion.org/test-how-self-compassionate-you-are/

·         Self compassion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kfUE41-JFw

Videos to watch and take notes from:

·         The three components of self compassion https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/the_three_components_of_self_compassion

·         Overcoming objections to self compassion https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/overcoming_objections_to_self_compassion
      Self compassion skills https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV9VeNE_R1g (Video contributed by Burak Özçiftçi)

Reading material to make notes on

·         Self compassion  https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/

·         What keeps us from being kinder to ourselves? https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/The_5_Myths_of_Self-Compassion.Psychotherapy.Networker.Sept_.2015.pdf

·         How to cultivate more self compassion https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201703/how-cultivate-more-self-compassion 

·         Encouraging self compassion may help people with chronic pain https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/10/17/encouraging-self-compassion-may-help-people-with-chronic-pain-live-more-active-happier-lives/

·         Self compassion https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/self-compassion    

Listen to a lecture

·         Self Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUMF5R7DoOA
        Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/   

THE CAUSES OF ALTRUISM

Why do people rush into burning buildings to help strangers? Why do they give to charity? Why do they dive into the sea to save a drowning stranger? Philosophers have long wondered about the causes of altruism and now it is your turn. Do your research and write an essay about the causes of altruism.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Altruism https://prezi.com/azj6n5oecbv_/altruism/  

Reading material to make notes on

·         Super altruists show heightened emphatic brain activity when witnessing strangers in pain

https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/09/05/super-altruists-whove-donated-a-kidney-to-a-stranger-show-heightened-empathic-brain-activity-when-witnessing-strangers-in-pain/  

·         Why do human beings do good things? The puzzle of altruism  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-darkness/201310/why-do-human-beings-do-good-things-the-puzzle-altruism

·         Pure altruism http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2007/06/pure_altruism.html

·         Is pure altruism possible? https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/is-pure-altruism-possible/

·         The psychology of altruism https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-20/edition-8/psychology-altruism  

Videos to take notes from

·         The science of altruism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brqg4HA3mUI

·         Why some people are more altruistic than others? https://www.ted.com/talks/abigail_marsh_why_some_people_are_more_altruistic_than_others/transcript

·         How to let altruism be your guide https://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_how_to_let_altruism_be_your_guide/transcript
      Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

THE FACTORS AFFECTING MEMORY

A good memory and effective recall are paramount for everyone and especially students but what factors affect memory? What factors have a detrimental effect on memory? Do your research and find out and then write your essay.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         11 Surprising factors that mess with your memory https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/18/11-factors-affect-memory.aspx

·         7 Common causes of forgetfulness https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/7-common-causes-of-forgetfulness-201302225923

Reading material to make notes on

·         What factors affect memory recall? http://www.readfast.co.uk/what-factors-affect-memory-recall/  

·         Are you having memory problems? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-resilient-brain/201405/are-you-having-memory-problems

·         What causes forgetfulness in young people? https://www.bustle.com/articles/84320-what-causes-forgetfulness-in-young-people-7-reasons-you-keep-losing-your-keys-explained

·         Causes of forgetfulness in young people https://healthable.org/causes-of-forgetfulness-in-young-people-and-how-to-handle-it-naturally/  

Videos to take notes from

·         The surprising link between stress and memory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyg7lcU4g8E&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=TED-Ed+Subscribers&utm_campaign=14189e8a9a-2013_09_219_19_2013_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1aaccced48-14189e8a9a-49528177&mc_cid=14189e8a9a&mc_eid=346d4bbf04

·         Factors influencing memory https://study.com/academy/lesson/factors-influencing-memory-definition-types-examples.html#transcriptHeader (You need to subscribe to watch the complete video but it is worth it)

·         Top Brain Foods | Memory Improvement Nutrition | Foods good for Memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdPaFRN4BsA

·         Sleep and memory consolidation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwhdvGAib6k
       Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BOREDOM

Boredom is often conceived as a negative emotion with detrimental consequences but this is not necessarily the case. Do your research to discover both the disadvantages and the advantages of boredom and write an essay.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Why you're trying to beat boredom the wrong way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJeBZECoir0&t=173s
Why boredom is good for you http://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p06ld805/why-it-s-good-to-let-boredom-into-your-life

Reading material to make notes on

·         Is boredom bad for your health? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/14/boredom-is-bad-for-health

·         Psychology: Why boredom is bad…and good for you http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20141218-why-boredom-is-good-for-you

·         The surprising benefits of boredom https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201407/the-surprising-benefits-boredom

·         Negative effects of boredom http://www.toolsforhealthandwellness.com/negative-effects-of-boredom

Videos to take notes from

·         The good of boredom  http://mindsonline.philosophyofbrains.com/2017/2017-session-2/the-good-of-boredom/

·         The value of boredom https://www.yourtango.com/experts/brittney-lindstrom/benefits-boredom-science-happiness-creativity-ethics (Scroll down a little for the video)

·         How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas https://www.ted.com/talks/manoush_zomorodi_how_boredom_can_lead_to_your_most_brilliant_ideas?language=en

·         Boredom – a  source of inspiration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GIUgPBysis&t=125s
      Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

ARISTOTLE GOT IT WRONG: WE HAVE A LOT MORE THAN FIVE SENSES

Unthinkable: Philosophers need to grapple with the ‘symphony of senses’ being discovered by science

By: Joe Humphreys

Published: The Irish Times, May 16 2017, https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/aristotle-got-it-wrong-we-have-a-lot-more-than-five-senses-1.3079639

Thanks are due to Oya Özağaç who found this text and forwarded it to me

Level of difficulty: ** (This is an easy level two; to be frank, it is between the two levels)

BEFORE YOU READ

·         Molyneux's Question - Can It Be Solved?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TdFAHtqPbs

·         Barry Smith: We have far more than five senses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdfpwCghIw

QUESTIONS

1.   Barry Smith says “That was a good question.” Why does he say this?

2.   How does the writer reach the conclusion that armchair philosophers are taking a simplistic view of the question? By…

3.   The story of the wine proves that one sense / two senses / more than one sense / many senses may be involved in the way we perceive objects or substances. Mark as many as necessary.

4.   Aristotle is given as an example of a philosopher …

5.   Stand up and extend your arms forward. Now lift first one foot then the other rapidly. Now try it with your eyes closed. Is there a problem? Why?

6.   You are asked to help with a large suitcase. You go over prepared to lift it but it turns out to be empty and very light. Why might you lose your balance? Your ….. has been misdirected.

7.   What conclusion can we draw from the examples in the text and the ones in questions 5 and 6?

8.   Consider the example of the aircraft. If the experience were a purely visual one,…

9.   It is a mistake to base perception on vision because whereas with other senses you don’t…., with vision you do.

 10.We understand from the example of the cup that both…and …are necessary to correctly perceive the cup.

11. What general conclusion can we draw from the text about how our perceptual system works?

12. Barry Smith differs from other philosophers in that he believes that…..can be helpful to philosophy rather than a hindrance. As such it should / it shouldn’t be disregarded.

WRITING TASK

Write an essay or a paragraph discussing the reasons why we should accept that we have more than five senses.

ARISTOTLE GOT IT WRONG: WE HAVE A LOT MORE THAN FIVE SENSES; KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES

This wonderful text addresses an age old philosophical problem yet it is written in a very straightforward and relatively simple way unlike most philosophy texts. As such, it can be tackled by adult learners who really want to get their teeth into a complex issue.

1.   Because it forces people to rethink their assumptions about perception

2.   By assuming that perception is merely sight

3.   More than one sense, many senses

4.   Who started from the wrong construction of the phenomena, then produced a very clever piece of philosophy which was worthless because it was not actually getting to grips with how things really were.”

5.   Yes there is. Your sense of balance has gone wrong

6.   Sense of effort

7.   There is a symphony of senses, and they are often so well-orchestrated with each other that we don’t notice their operation.

8.   The front of the plane would not seem higher

9.   A permanent visual scene

10. Visual and tactile information

11. The senses take multiple sources of information and then sum up what’s going on out there.”

12. Science, it shouldn’t be

THE DANGERS OF TRIBALISM

Thomas Paine famously said “The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” These words have never been more relevant according to many. Do your research and write an essay on the dangers of tribalism.  

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Why toxic tribalism is destroying our society and what to do about it https://medium.com/@zaiderrr/why-toxic-tribalism-is-destroying-our-society-what-to-do-about-it-e05c3391d143

Reading material to make notes on

·         Tribalism remains man’s most dangerous instinct https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/camillo-zacchia-phd/identity-politics_b_13744352.html

·         The threat of tribalism https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/10/the-threat-of-tribalism/568342/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=magazine&utm_content=20180920&silverid-ref=MzEwMTkwMTIyMTcwS0

·         How political tribalism can be explained using social science https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2018/mar/27/how-social-science-can-help-us-understand-moral-tribalism-in-politics

·         Tribalism overrules reason and makes difficult times more dangerous https://bigthink.com/risk-reason-and-reality/how-tribalism-overrules-reason-and-makes-risky-times-more-dangerous

Videos to take notes from

·          The dangers of tribalism https://kevindelaplante.com/the-dangers-of-tribalism/

·         Our tribal intelligence https://kevindelaplante.com/025-why-tribal-literacy/ (Scroll down for the video)
    Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Superior cognitive skills are what have made countless intellectual achievements, innovations and discoveries possible. They enable us to correctly judge situations, grasp  their implications and see their significance. They provide the opportunity to make the world a better place. However, scores on reading comprehension and maths have been dropping over the years. Does this mean we are not as sharp as we used to be? Do your research and find out why we are losing some of our cognitive skills and what can be done about it.  It is suggested that you do this research over a couple of days. When you are ready, write your essay.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Cognitive function: definition and assessment https://study.com/academy/lesson/cognitive-function-definition-assessment-quiz.html  (Register for the full video; it is a wonderful site)

Reading material to make notes on

·         Nutrition and early brain development http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/updates/nutrition-and-early-brain-development

·         Air pollution causes huge reduction in intelligence, study finds https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/air-pollution-causes-huge-reduction-in-intelligence-study-reveals

·         Air pollution linked to decline in cognitive performance https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/air-pollution-linked-to-decline-in-cognitive-performance-64725

·         Preserving deep reading in a digital world https://www.uis.no/news/interview-with-maryanne-wolf-preserving-deep-reading-in-a-digital-world-article125661-8865.html?articleID=125661&categoryID=8865

·         What you read matters more than what you might think https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prime-your-gray-cells/201606/what-you-read-matters-more-you-might-think

·         Skim reading is the new normal https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/25/skim-reading-new-normal-maryanne-wolf

Videos to take notes from

  Maryanne Wolf on the reading brain https://vimeo.com/16368111
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com/