Clipmarks | Human-nature Clips

Neo-Coms are the threat

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:32:28 GMT

clipped by: jatfla
clipper's remarks: This article makes so much sense!!

Neo-coms are the threat

After the Berlin Wall fell, many Western analysts thought the successor to the Soviet Union would willingly give up its satellite states and move inexorably toward democracy.

Then-president George H.W. Bush, who had been head of the CIA and ambassador to China, felt we were moving to "a new world order."

Many in the State Department, especially secretary of state James Baker, felt that the "end of the Cold War" meant an end to the special status of Israel in Middle Eastern affairs, not dreaming that the rise of radical versions of Shi'ite and Sunni Islam exported by Iran and the Saudis might make the country more valuable than ever.

But history does not move in straight lines or dialectical patterns to suit liberal social scientists or Marxist social theorists. Rather, it repeats itself or moves in cycles, based not only on economic factors but those of custom, culture, religion and human nature.

Milgram and human nature

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:37:00 GMT

clipped by: Red Pen

Clip Source: www.psychologytoday.com

Despite the variety of research Milgram produced, his obedience studies continue to overshadow his other work. Milgram's book Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View has been translated into 11 languages.

Milgram's warning—that when an individual "merges...into an organizational structure, a new creature replaces autonomous man, unhindered by the limitations of individual morality, freed of human inhibition, mindful only of the sanctions of authority"—has much resonance.

We didn't need Milgram to tell us we have a tendency to obey orders. What we didn't know before Milgram's experiments is just how powerful this tendency is. And having been enlightened about our extreme readiness to obey authorities, we can try to take steps to guard ourselves against unwelcome or reprehensible commands.

Will on Georgia

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:12:14 GMT

clipped by: sillysam

Clip Source: townhall.com

McCain, like Republicans generally, reveres Ronald Reagan. But such reverence seems to involve an obligatory sunniness, which suits neither McCain nor this moment. A great political thinker of the last century, Raymond Aron, was right: "What passes for optimism is most often the effect of an intellectual error." McCain must convince voters that Obama's complacent confidence in the taming abilities of soft power is the effect of liberalism's scary sentimentalism about a dangerous thing, human nature, and a fiction, "the community of nations."

McCain is hardly the change many people have been eagerly waiting for, but Putin is part of the change we must confront. Until Russian tanks rolled into Georgia, it seemed that not even the Democratic Party could lose this election. But it might if McCain can make it turn on the question of who is ornery enough to give Putin a convincing, deterring telephone call at 3 a.m.

Why Bogart's Kiss Is Your Kiss, His Soda Your Soda

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:23:16 GMT

clipped by: einbar
clipper's remarks: Mirror neurons help explain how we connect to each others' emotions.

Clip Source: discovermagazine.com

Within the brains of humans, apes, and monkeys is a small set of neurons that simulate in real time the actions of others. When you see Humphrey Bogart lock lips with Ingrid Bergman, the same brain cells fire as when you kiss your honey. When you hear your coworker crack open a soda, in your brain it’s as if you’d opened the can yourself.

Since their discovery in monkeys less than two decades ago, mirror neurons have been called into service to explain just about everything that makes us human—from empathy and language to politics and pornography. Are these cells really the be-all and end-all of human nature? In one of the first books on the subject, neuroscientist Marco Iacoboni clearly explains what we do know (and how) and what we don’t know (or can’t). Want to learn what mirror neurons have to do with Super Bowl commercials, violent video games, autism, addiction, and even free will? This is your book. Watching someone else read

Clip Source: www.amazon.ca

Why the World Still Needs Philosophy

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:33:21 GMT

clipped by: MyNameIsLuka

Clip Source: www.oycf.org

It is in this context that I claim that genuine philosophy has a vitally important role in preserving and fostering the conditions for human flourishing. Today, most academic philosophers pride themselves on their cleverness in creating and solving abstract puzzles that are of no interest to any beyond a few dozen colleagues. Yet, in doing so they remain smugly ignorant of the true nature of what they 'profess' to teach. The best and simplest definition of the subject matter of philosophy is the art of self -knowledge. Without an adequate appreciation of what Plato called "Poros" and "Penia", that maddening combination of abundant potentiality and infinite craving that human nature consists of, even the wealthiest among us will be forever incapable of love or happiness.

There is overwhelming evidence that, beneath their masks of precocious cynicism, the students of the 21st century are desperately looking for meaning and hope.

Tags: pedagogic models

The Technology of Mind and a New Social Contract

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:09:23 GMT

clipped by: einbar
clipper's remarks: "We need to prepare for these new technologies so that they change the world in ways we want rather than just stumbling into a world that we don't."

Clip Source: static-p3.fotolia.com

Clip Source: jetpress.org

Abstract

The progress of biology, neuroscience and computer science makes it clear that some time during the twenty- first century we will master the technologies of mind and life. We will build machines more intelligent than ourselves, and modify our own brains and bodies to increase our intelligence, live indefinitely and make other changes. We live together according to a social contract, consisting of laws, morals and conventions governing our interactions. This social contract is based on assumptions we rarely question: that all humans have roughly the same intelligence, that we have limited life spans and that we share a set of motives as part of our human nature. The technologies of mind and life will invalidate these assumptions and inevitably change our social contract in fundamental ways. We need to prepare for these new technologies so that they change the world in ways we want rather than just stumbling into a world that we don't.

Social Science is not Science

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:13:39 GMT

clipped by: willhelm
clipper's remarks: "Their desire to hold on to that illusion causes them to resist many sorts of new information which conflict with their ideas. That is very human, but it ain't science.
Indeed, what goes on in the social sciences would make for a fascinating sociological study."

I have long held the view that social sciences are profound bullhockey, if I may use a technical term.

If you research the foundations of these "disciplines" you will find that they are all based in a materialist foundation and seek to confirm that foundation through the masterful manipulation of descriptive and inferential statistics.

It is time we recognize that sociology and much of the psycho-pop babble we are subjected to is nothing more than materialist propaganda.

Clip Source: maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com

Our Editor forwarded me this 1992 paper by Tooby and Cosmides, The Psychological Foundations of Culture, (here in pdf, without the typos), which he found at Overcoming Bias. I wish I had known about this paper years ago.

It's a dense and scholarly critique of what is known as "The Standard Social Sciences Model." The authors argued that this dominant model is obsolete and failing, resulting in a reactionary anti-scientific movement in the social sciences.

I found it particularly interesting that the authors suggest that the clinging to an obsolete model has more to do with emotion than logic - a "fear of falling off the world." Similarly, they indicate that social scientists are emotionally attached to their blank-slate, meliorative views of human nature (there is no "human nature" - environment is everything, and thus people, culture, and society can be perfected - by them, natch).

Is Polygamy Ok?

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:12:37 GMT

clipped by: xpersianx

Clip Source: geniusbeauty.com

Scientists have recently discovered that polygamy is part of our human nature. This way we can find the reasons behind the fact that many of us get involved in the so-called love triangles. Sexologists explain this tendency by saying that each of us has three centers of love emotions. Each centre is responsible for, respectively, passion, attachment, and romantic relationships. Hence, this is the reason why any person can have not only one but two or even three objects of affection.

The abovementioned centres need not to be triggered towards the same person. For instance, you can enjoy having conversations with one partner, but enjoy sex with the other one. What brings us to this “lust” is nothing else but the versatility of our human nature.

The current common-law trend marriage proves this. This trend once again shows: humans are naturally polygamous – since the common belief says that relationships which are not sealed by law provide extra freedom of action.

Tags: polygamy

Critical Neuroscience: popularisation and ideology

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:38:48 GMT

clipped by: abailart
clipper's remarks: Good to see that scientists themselves are raising concerns to do with the mishmash of mass media titbits about neuroscience that act ideologically to reinforce dominant social ideas pertaining to power, human nature and the political economy.

Clip Source: neuroanthropology.net

During the Critical Neurosciences Workshop in Montreal,

Various analyses were presented: Is it the five varieties of the cultural brain? How neuroscientists and psychiatrists play to the popular press and get played by Big Pharma? Pointing out how the media can get neuroscience so wrong while reinforcing stereotypes? A round-up of the growing pains and inevitable limitations of science, and its emerging connections to the business world?

the emphasis on critical. Drawing on the Frankfurt school and its analysis of science as a core part of modernization and on Foucault and how ideologies and power shape the practice of science, a major theme of the overall conference was to examine how political economy and societal ideals shapes both neuroscience and its impact on society. Neuroscience can reinforce stereotypes, offer tools to companies who seek only profit, and rarely question its own assumptions as it proudly proclaims some aspect of human nature confirmed by its science.

Tags: neuroscience, ideology, media representation

Why is Rush so popular & effective

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:25:26 GMT

clipped by: jatfla
clipper's remarks: Nice little article about a man who has held the Conservative movement together and gives us hope. When I first heard him, it was on TV many years ago. My jaw dropped as I heard someone say exactly what I thought & felt but with credibility and facts to back up what he was saying. He is an astute student of American history/politics and still has the values of the generations past of America. Plus he's optimistic and I rarely am. :~(

Clip Source: www.americanthinker.com

Why is Rush Limbaugh so popular and effective?

Journalists and leftists love to hate Rush Limbaugh, all the while consumed with envy of his success. Journalists are an insecure and unhappy lot these days, and for good reason, as further budget cuts and layoffs loom.

Number one on the list is Rush's passion, followed by his ability to make the complex understandable, his sense of humor, and his willingness to stick with his beliefs, whether popular or not.

He brings to his on-air analysis an understanding of the media, politics, human nature, history, the market, and many other factors. Often he is able to see past the façade people and organizations erect to disguise or soften their intent because he recognizes patterns he has understood and noted before.

Humans to live on Mars 'within 25 years'

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:44:06 GMT

clipped by: tabsey
clipper's remarks: What would it be like working for a mining company on Mars?

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

A professor of planetary science says humans could be living on Mars within 25 years.

Professor Jeff Taylor from Hawaii's Institute of Geophysics and Planetology is addressing a conference in Perth today.

He says humans could be living on the moon within 15 years, and if basic life supports like oxygen and water can be secured, humans could colonise Mars within 25 years.

Professor Taylor says it is human nature to want to explore and colonise new areas and humans may go to Mars for economic reasons, or to secure additional energy supplies.

He says once people start living on the moon, new businesses will be established.

"Whether that's going to be servicing and building telescopes or servicing satellites in orbit around the Earth, including communication satellites deep in synchronous orbits, or any other commercial ventures including space tourism," he said.

Professor Taylor says the first step would be to secure basic life supports on the planet.

Tags: i, still, call, australia, home

The five deadliest viruses known to man (and machine)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:52 GMT

clipped by: mafia001
clipper's remarks: LoveLetter began appearing as a Valentine's-style message in e-mail inboxes all over the world in May 2000. The subject line was ILOVEYOU and the message read "kindly check the attached LOVELETTER coming from me." Attached to the e-mail was a program which, when the recipient opened it, immediately forwarded the message on to everyone in their address book, gradually clogging the world's networks. LoveLetter was one of the largest "mass mailers", and also used social engineering - the tactic of exploiting human nature - to devastating effect, in this case by pulling on the recipient's heartstrings.

Clip Source: technology.timesonline.co.uk

The five deadliest viruses known to man (and machine)

LoveLetter began appearing as a Valentine's-style message in e-mail inboxes all over the world in May 2000. The subject line was ILOVEYOU and the message read "kindly check the attached LOVELETTER coming from me." Attached to the e-mail was a program which, when the recipient opened it, immediately forwarded the message on to everyone in their address book, gradually clogging the world's networks. LoveLetter was one of the largest "mass mailers", and also used social engineering - the tactic of exploiting human nature - to devastating effect, in this case by pulling on the recipient's heartstrings.

Snooping Surveillance Cameras

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:18:19 GMT

clipped by: robertbidgood
clipper's remarks: Legal Voyeurism on the web.
These links are found by search engines and are open to the public whether on purpose or just forgot to lock the door so to speak.

Everybody is some what a voyeur... it is human nature to watch .

Clip Source: clipmarks.com

Tags: camera, security, snooping

A short video critique of the film Hancock

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:54:21 GMT

clipped by: jimbo1000
clipper's remarks: I enjoyed this short conversation, charming people

Clip Source: www.damaris.org

Culturewatch.tv: Hancock and Human Nature

Film title: Hancock

Director: Peter Berg

Screenplay: Vy Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan

Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Jae Head, Eddie Marsan

This programme features Tony Watkins and Nicola Lee discussing the film Hancock

Tags: film, critique

Trawlermen Cling on as Oceans Empty of Fish - And the Ecosystem Is Gasping

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:31:56 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: I saw what the trawles and longliners did to the tuna fishery in Hawaii.

It would, of course, be better for everyone if these unsustainable practices could be shut down gently without the need for a crisis or the loss of jobs, but this seems to be more than human nature can bear. The EU has a programme for taking fishing boats out of service - the tonnage of the European fleet has fallen by 5% since 1999 - but the decline in boats is too slow to overtake the decline in stocks. Every year the EU, like every other fishery authority, tries to accommodate its surplus boats by setting quotas higher than those proposed by its scientific advisers, and every year the population of several species is pressed a little closer to extinction.

The fishermen make two demands, which are taken up by politicians in coastal regions all over the world: they must be allowed to destroy their own livelihoods, and the rest of us should pay for it.

Clip Source: www.commondreams.org

Europe is propping up an unsustainable industry in an extreme example of short-termism that our children will pay for

All over the world, protesters are engaged in a heroic battle with reality. They block roads, picket fuel depots, throw missiles and turn over cars in an effort to hold it at bay. The oil is running out and governments, they insist, must do something about it. When they’ve sorted it out, what about the fact that the days are getting shorter? What do we pay our taxes for?

The fishermen warn that if something isn’t done to help them, thousands could be forced to scrap their boats and hang up their nets. It’s an appalling prospect, which we should greet with heartfelt indifference.

The indefinite strike called by Spanish fishermen is the best news European fisheries have had for years. Beam trawlermen - who trash the seafloor and scoop up a massive bycatch of unwanted species - warn that their industry could collapse within a year. Hurray to that too.