Blog #6

Denis Dutton and The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure and Human Biology. 

This is the main text source that my research paper is ultimately going to be about. This non-fiction source was written by Dutton to really give a new look on science and humanism. He uses Charles Darwin to strengthen his beliefs on how people interpret and digest artistic culture and the humanities. Denis Dutton calls this "Darwinian adaptation."

Blog #5 Midterm

Excerpt from Essay #1, similar to midterm selection choice 2. 

Many try to comprehend the way science and technology is implemented in humanities. In the past, the two topics were unheard of being placed coinciding the other. With the advancement in technology and the positive ideas and feelings towards “futurism,” science and technology has been implemented in humanities and film. Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene and Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species: graphic novel contrasts the ideas behind science and humanism and have also been used in many fiction works.

The Selfish Gene, published in 1976, expressed that these “selfish genes” that humans carried were naturally selected. This idea that neglects altruism, ultimately defines humans as on a mental aspect for survivorship, or success as “survival of the fittest” (Dawkins 169-71). Another factor contributing to the theory of the selfish gene is the need to find solutions using the least amount of energy, or obtaining a solution benefiting the most positive results. For example, in The Selfish Gene, Dawkins quotes Peter Atkins whom stated, “This is exactly what the behaviour of light passing into a denser medium. But how does light know, apparently in advance, which is the briefest path? And, anyway, why should it care?”(Dawkins 172). Let’s assume for the sake of the argument that the human selfish gene is light. The selfish gene or light is part of the frontal lobe in the human brain and greatly attributes to the decision making process and overall personality of the individual.

Charles Darwin developed what is the most studied theory on genetics and specie environment adaptation. Although individuals that take a more religious approach to the theory of life might consider On the Origin of Species: graphic novel to be threatening, or even fictitious, many would say Darwin’s theories are aweing and inspiring. Darwin’s theories have become the foundation to countless studies, theories and have contributed to advancement in the pursuit of learning more about life itself; the history and the future of it (Keller 131). 

Blog Post #4

The Promise and Peril of Robots in Film, TV and Real Life: Friends or Foes?

After viewing the YouTube clips on artificial intelligence and scientific progression in technology, I have to admit how frightening the experience was. Although many of us as viewers have not physically encountered one of these robotic "humans," since that is what the scientists that built them intended for them to be, the very idea of their existence was utterly intimidating. The original prototypes that were built to perform human like movements seemed to produce an non-harmful and somewhat cute reaction from the class audience. However, once the actual humanistic features began to evolve and we saw hair, skin, finger nails and actual expressions, the fear began to instill upon some. 

As we looked into different sources, such as film and texts, I noticed the love/hate relationships society has created for robotics and artificial intelligence. Ray Kurzweil has a technoromantic opinion when it comes to his story The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology and neglects concern for the overall theory that in time, robots will surpass human intelligence. In Phillip K. Dick's, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? there is an uncertainty that I reaped from the graphic novel. Would robotics even matter if they were indistinguishable from us? Throughout the graphic novel, I noticed that towards the end, one of the main robotic characters, a female develops some signs of emotional traits. If they appear to have feelings of happiness, sadness and remorse, does that not make them human? 

David Gelernter, in “Dream Logic, the Internet and Artificial Thought” has opposing ideas about robotics and feels that they will never equate to humans. Along with his negative beliefs on robotics, come supporting sources such as "Terminator" and "The Blade Runner." Although the film "The Blade Runner" is nearly identical to the graphic novel in the course pack, there was a different interpretation made by the producer, making the robots in the film easily distinguishable from humans. They could not answer certain questions and lacked experience with many situations. The concluding negative idea to me based on these three sources is that robots, even if they know what actions proceed to certain emotions, cannot control their behaviors as a human is nurtured to do. These creations will end up causing harm and destruction. 

Blog #3 Determining a Research Topic

After going over all of the possibilities I could expand my mind and learn more about, there was one form of essay that really struck my attention. Not only does it interests me in the sense that there are so many documents and resources that can contribute to the topic, but it will be one of the more challenging topics since I am not considered an "artsy, humanities" driven individual. The idea for this research paper is going beyond the 'Two Cultures,' of course implying science/technology and humanism/art. The additional primary source that will heavily contribute to the research paper is Denis Dutton's The Art instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution. I find that this non-fiction book in particular might have information exceeding a "hue" that will help me in getting readers to understand that there is a strong connection between the two cultures.

As I have started mildly entering myself into the art community, I have noticed in some artists’ pieces such as Salvador Dali that although in the early 20^th century, there are some astoundingly futuristic ideas that complement the ideas of science and advancement. In art history, may lay the secrets of science and to me this does not mean literally, but figuratively. Learning how to decipher art and the break-down of details can open huge windows of the emotional history of that time period. What I look forward to reap with this assignment is to really produce something brilliant with the challenging task at hand and understand for myself where the merge in the two cultures lies and when did it come together. Overall, instead of focusing on actual paintings, I will be discussing Darwinian adaptation theories and how the ideas can be applied to humanism.

Blog Post #2

Many try to comprehend the way science and technology is implemented in humanities. In the past, the two topics were unheard of being placed coinciding the other. With the advancement in technology and the positive ideas and feelings towards “futurism,” science and technology has been implemented in humanities and film. Popular science has become more awing and inspirational to many individuals world wide because of both its convenience and the opportunities it has with it. The field itself is a booming topic, filled with occupational and research related opportunities. 

Shows such as Breaking Bad and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, give viewers the opportunity to see how science can be applied to real life situations. In Breaking Bad, main character Walter White is a husband, father and high school chemistry becomes involved with drugs such as "meth." In this suspenseful popular science show, chemistry is looked at positively from viewers as appealing, and relating, for some I suppose that "cook" themselves.Combining educational science such as chemistry, or forensics with action, drama and other genres that appeal to the public entertainment industry makes a successful show.

Popular science motivates many now to continue pursuing education and has many reconsider the field of work and education that they initially chose. If technological advancements continues to progress, then many people will want to become a part of it because of its high demand and popularity. Whether the ultimatum of preference lies in becoming a chemist like Walter White, or becoming a Pathologist in the forensic science field because of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, or Dexter, the inspiration came from popular science.