Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Assignment #2 Popular Science

Popular science is everywhere these days. And it has replaced the true meaning of science and it's importance to understanding the world and how it functions around us.  New York Times writer Edward Rothstein explores this development, and I agree with him that the "science" in museums are constructed to attract the masses.  The so-called experiments in these museums that allow the visitor to partake in, are insignificant and aimed to bring the consumer back for more.  Popular science is also in the movies,t.v. shows, magazines, and books.  One popular television show related to this is "MythBusters" on the Discovery Channel. I admit it is entertaining to watch, however I'm sure it isn't a true learning experience when it comes to real science.  They conduct many different experiments to reveal the truth behind many urban legends and myths.  It's difficult to believe the outcomes of their experiments when they aren't repeating as often a science experiment should.  The science of "MythBusters" is absolutely "dumbed down" to appeal to pop culture and increase television ratings.  The show may be giving me some sense of "awe", but then again I could just be confusing "awe" with amusement.  By giving in to all these popular science systems and not really understanding real science, I'm only poisoning my intelligence.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Science or Humanities Person? Assignment #1

"In 1959, the British scientist and novelist C.P. Snow argued that there was almost an unbridgeable divide between "the two cultures" of the humanities and the sciences"

Hello all. I'm Jennifer Morgana, an almost quarter of a century year old LaGuardia student.  I'm currently going to school full time, and pursuing an associate's degree in Liberal Arts-Social Sciences and Humanities.  Does that answer the question on whether I'm a science or humanities person? Not necessarily.  On the weekends I work as a certified Emergency Medical Technician, which is categorized under the science and medical field.  I've actually worked full time for 5 years as an EMT.  So as you can see, there is some interest in science there.  However, science and math are definitely not my strongest areas academically.  Thus, I am going the humanities route in earning my associate's degree here at LAGCC.

I've always had an interest in both the sciences and humanities.  Science has always been an interesting and challenging topic which has led me to one of my many life experiences as an EMT.  It is extremely important for me to apprehend basic life support because it is constructive and life saving.  Being acquainted with the inner workings of your anatomy,  recognizing signs and symptoms of an illness or injury, and competently intervening is very stimulating to me.  However, there is a difference between being fascinated by something and being proficient in the subject.  I would say that most people today think positively about science/technology because there are much more advances and breakthroughs in our present time than ever before.  More and more people today are also accepting science as a way of understanding their world regardless of what some religions allege.  The pieces to the world's puzzle are coming together more rapidly as science and technology progresses.

I will be graduating this coming summer, and yet I still do not know what my career and major will be.  I have applied to senior colleges majoring in social work,occupational therapy, education, and nutrition through the CUNY transfer services.  This is an indicator of being a little of both a science and humanities person.  But I must say, I've always been more confident in reading and writing as opposed to the math and sciences.  I also have quite an interest in music. I've participated in the school chorus from kindergarten to my senior year in high school.  In fact, my major in high school was music.  I appreciate all genres of music and am open to listening to music I'm not familiar with.  Social science in the humanities area is much more favorable to me because I am capable of identifying,nurturing, and advising people.  I feel this way because I'm a well-rounded individual with many different experiences in life.  The humanities consists of literature, the arts, and social sciences.  People think positively about these forms because they enrich one's life in satisfying ways.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Welcome

Hello all! Welcome to my Critical Thinking Blog for LIB200. I hope you will find it to be interesting and insightful.