Free Unconcious
I really enjoyed all the cognitive value association experiments we explored in class some weeks ago. If used properly, its like mind control. The way Juice was paired with Hitler forever planted a notion of suspicion in my mind, and Danielle is all the more angelic because of her compassionate match. So, really, how much control do we have over our impressions and thoughts? Some common idioms come to mind: you are what you eat, home is where the heart is, and a quote from Mr. Vonnegut: “Be careful what you pretend to be because you are what you pretend to be.” The idea has been around awhile, and psychology is now bringing evidence to support the concept of subconscious influence on conscious perceptions. For instance, for all you Bible lovers out there, in 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul suggests we “take captive every thought” and subjugate it to Christ so that we can recognize philosophies contrary to the “knowledge of God.” Also, in Proverbs 4:23, the author commands the student to “guard your heart” as “everything you do flows from it.” Though I often hear this verse from peers in regard to romantic encounters, the context fails to uphold such an appropriation of wisdom. It seems the scripture is explaining the path to a wise lifestyle and contains suggestions for preserving righteousness. Anyway, all of this was going through my mind in class that day (I know, its a lot. what can I say?), and I happened to recall a commercialized idea that applies the concepts presented by the research. It’s easy to find online. If you search “Mind Movies” into Google you’ll find a host of products or suggestions for self enhancing subconscious training through repetition of positive statements about dreams or goals. Cool, right? Well, still during this class period, my incredible mind postulated innumerable possibilities for the enhancement of learning through the tailoring of specific non-conscious stimuli in the learning environment. I’m tired of reading motivational posters. That takes conscious effort. How about we modify the language of instructional pamphlets, train teachers to use positive value enforcing language, and extend recess for all ages (I know, its hard to fathom how that last one relates, but trust me, I spent a whole class period delving into the mysteries of the mind)? I regret that I am unable to list all the incredible possibilities here, as I failed to translate my time-sensitive ideas to a medium before the end of class. But, we all know that a collection of minds supersedes any lone individual, and paired with the priming on the unconscious, I foresee amazing reforms. Basically. I found the possibilities to be exciting.
Earl Popp on Categories of thought- Kant
1:38 pm, 09.20.10
If you think he is right, I guess that means you have concepts! And it seems you’re so self aware of these concepts to almost cause a panic! I suppose it is nice to understand how you think. I really like how you did some self searching to draw these conclusions. I guess what I’m trying to say is: nice post.
Earl Popp on Descartes and a revisitation of Plato
1:31 pm, 09.20.10
So, you can totally find a free download pdf version of Discourse on Method online. I have a copy on my pc back home. The text makes more sense when someone helps you to understand the meaning behind his words. You sound like you would enjoy the read. Every time I look over it, I want to try new things. It’s liberating.
Earl Popp on The box we call home
10:10 pm, 09.06.10
If we are constrained by paradigms, would it even be wise to try to transcend such restrictions? Jesus Christ may bring truth to our little caves, but that doesn’t mean we’ll always accept it or know what to do with it. A lot of times we use our paradigms to make Jesus fit nicely in our cave.
You write words well, I enjoyed reading the post!
Earl Popp on The Fruit of the Golden Mean
12:50 pm, 09.06.10
Personally, I delight in the notion that perhaps the Greeks were on to something with all their theories and philosophies regarding enlightenment. Maybe God looked down upon it and saw that it was pretty good. So He sent Jesus to make it better, or more well defined.
I love the connection you chose to emphasize in your post. Excellent choice.
Earl Popp on Happiness
12:42 pm, 09.06.10
Alyssa, I love you’re discussion of happiness in Greek times versus the present. As much as I wish the Greeks didn’t sound so legalistic and definitive towards happiness, we can’t afford the luxury of personal inquiry, as they’re all passed.
The way you summarize happiness today causes me to believe that relativism reigns. I also feel that happiness is the vanity of our age… If happiness once took a lifetime to achieve, perhaps the Greeks were referring more aptly to what we may understand as joy. Happiness being a good feeling brought on by a stimuli, and joy being and inexplicable good feeling. The first is as an event, the second, a condition. Thoughts?