CategoryReviews

Thomas Kuhn’s Paradigm Theory: A Useful Framework for Explaining Scientific Progress or a Contradictory Concept?

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The paradigm theory proposed by Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions explains that science develops through crises and revolutionary changes in the status quo. In this process, the incommensurability and contradictory comparability of paradigms has been criticized, and debates continue to center on incompatibility, incommensurability, and untranslatability.   Thomas...

Thomas Kuhn’s Theory of Scientific Revolutions: Does Normal Science Really Exclude Criticism and Only Shift Paradigms in Times of Crisis?

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Thomas Kuhn describes the development of science as repeating the process of normal science, in which the existing paradigm is maintained and studied, and scientific revolution, in which critical debate leads to a new paradigm. However, FireAvent argues that Kuhn’s argument does not fit with historical examples, and that even during periods of normal science, critical debate and the...

Thomas Kuhn’s Paradigm Theory, Is Scientific Knowledge Really Independent and Continuous?

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Criticize Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory to explain the continuity and interdependence of scientific knowledge. Dr. Perelman’s solution of the Poincaré conjecture highlights the close connectivity of scientific knowledge.   In The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn proposes that scientific theories are not continuous and do not develop gradually, nor is their...

Thomas Kuhn’s Theory of Scientific Revolutions: Can Normal Science Contribute to a New Paradigm?

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Thomas Kuhn argued that science advances through paradigm shifts, or scientific revolutions, but there are questions about whether the results and methods of normal science are valid in a new paradigm. This article examines the validity of Kuhn’s argument by comparing it to disprovationalism.   Before Thomas Kuhn, people thought that science progressed by accumulating knowledge by...

Thomas Kuhn’s Paradigm Theory on Scientific Progress and Incomparability

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Focusing on Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory, I explain the discontinuity of scientific progress and the concept of incomparability of paradigms. I also criticize Kuhn’s views and discuss the possibility of comparison between paradigms and scientific progress.   The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, which contains Thomas Kuhn’s paradigmatic propositions, was published in...

How has Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of science influenced the development of science?

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Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific progress consists of paradigm shifts rather than the accumulation of knowledge. His theories emphasize revolutionary changes in science, as opposed to traditional views of science, and have had a significant impact on the direction and efficiency of scientific research.   Thomas Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions are indispensable...

Can Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory be applied to biology?

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Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory has been applied mainly in physics, but it is worth discussing whether it is valid in biology. In genetics, the theory works well, but in the case of evolutionary theory, it may not be appropriate for reasons of invention.   In everyday life, the word “paradigm” is very common. When the way of explaining a situation changes significantly, people usually...

Does Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory explain the development of science as a revolutionary shift, or does it support a relativistic view of science?

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Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions argues that scientific knowledge does not simply accumulate, but rather develops revolutionarily through paradigm shifts. Kuhn’s theory has been controversial from both a positivist and relativist perspective and has led to a new debate in philosophy of science about the search for truth.   Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of...

Have science and religion evolved to complement each other throughout human history, or have they been in conflict?

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Science and religion have existed as opposing perspectives from the origins of humanity to the present day, each establishing its role through its understanding of nature and transcendent beings. While advances in science have improved our lives and uncovered many mysteries, religion still addresses humanity’s inner anxieties and questions of ultimate meaning. Even in modern times, the...

How do democracy and science and technology interact today, and what impact can scientists’ political participation have on society?

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This article analyzes the role of science and technology in modern society, where the values of equality and democracy are emphasized, and discusses the impact of science and technology on democracy based on the arguments of Professor Roald Hoffmann. It challenges Hoffmann’s position on whether science inevitably contributes to democratization and whether scientists need to be involved in...

Can Genetic Engineering Design Children Without Violating Human Dignity and Free Will?

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  Advances in genetic engineering have made it possible to select and enhance a child’s genes, but this could threaten core values of human dignity and free will. Professor Michael Sandel argues that genetic engineering is an overreaching intervention that attempts to mold a child’s life to the parent’s intentions, which he characterizes as “transforming love” rather than...

How did Europe capitalize on scientific, climatic, and geographic advantages to form a world dominating empire?

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Europe was able to expand its empire and dominate the world through a variety of factors, including advances in science and technology, climatic and geographic conditions, and the effects of disease. The scientific mindset that came with the Industrial Revolution played an important role in this process, but geographical advantages and the unintended contributions of pathogens were also crucial...

Why are claims that milk is unhealthy exaggerated and biased?

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Milk is a complete food, which means it contains a wide range of nutrients, and there are many studies that show its health benefits. Many of the claims made by anti-milk advocates, such as over-marketing, causing osteoporosis, and cancer, are exaggerated or limited to a few cases of overconsumption, and in moderate amounts, milk is beneficial.   A long time ago, the world was rocked by the...

Will Homo sapiens evolve into a new humanity with biotechnological advances, or will it be brought to an end by science and technology?

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Homo sapiens is the only surviving member of several past human species. We have advanced science and technology through the Cognitive Revolution and the Agricultural Revolution, but advances in biotechnology have raised the possibility that it could lead to our extinction. We must now consider whether this technology will lead to our evolution or our demise.   Are we the only species on...

Why did the Scientific Revolution allow Western powers to dominate the world and colonized nations to suffer cultural oppression?

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The Scientific Revolution allowed humanity to advance by leaps and bounds, which allowed Western powers to expand their imperialism and dominate colonized nations. But in the process, colonized nations were oppressed, exploited, and had their cultures destroyed. While there were some positive aspects of imperialism, there was violence and suffering behind it.   From tens of thousands of...

The Fable of the Ant and the Beanstalk: Is it still relevant in the modern world or does it need a new interpretation?

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The fable of the ant and the beanstalk conveys a lesson about hard work and laziness, but it’s worth questioning whether its lessons are still relevant in the modern world. Sacrificing too much for the future or pursuing pleasures in the present can both cause problems, and it’s important to find balance and harmony in your life.   The Ant and the Beanstalk is a classic...

What is happiness: Can it be quantified through biochemical and social factors?

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  This article explores what happiness is and whether it is determined by biochemical factors such as hormones or has deeper connections to social and environmental factors. It discusses whether hormone levels, such as serotonin, can be an objective measure of happiness and whether national happiness can be measured through a happiness index.   Introduction We often ask ourselves. Am I...

How can Yuval Noah Harari’s complementarity between religion and science be interpreted in the modern world?

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  Yuval Noah Harari defines the relationship between religion and science as complementary, arguing that religion gives superhuman legitimacy to social structures. He believes that science can coexist and collaborate with religion, rather than oppose it, and explores the positive impact that both fields have on each other in modern society.   Science and religion according to Yuval Noah...

Can human cloning truly increase social utility from a utilitarian perspective?

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This article analyzes human cloning from a utilitarian perspective, arguing that the sacrifice of many lives in the cloning process and the social roles of cloned humans are likely to decrease utility in the long run.   In Chapter 1 of his book The Genetic Revolution and Human Rights, the American philosopher Hilary Putnam articulates his reasons for opposing human cloning. He proposes the...

Why do genius and imitation in Perfume symbolize trends and innovation in the modern world, and what is the role of Giuseppe Baldini?

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Patrick Süskind’s novel Perfume explores issues of genius and imitation in 18th-century France, and is emblematic of how trends and innovation work in the modern world. In the story, Giuseppe Baldini is a man who fails to make creative breakthroughs and falls behind trends, and his anguish mirrors the pressures and crises that modern people feel.   Patrick Süskind’s 1985 novel...

In Entropy: A New Worldview, will thermal death spell the end of humanity, or are technological advances and alternative energy the answer?

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This article discusses the book Entropy: A New Worldview by Jeremy Rifkin. In this book, Rifkin takes a critical look at the sustainability of modern civilization and industry based on the second law of thermodynamics, the law of entropy. The text introduces the possibility of humanity’s demise due to increasing entropy, which Rifkin argues is likely, but also offers counterarguments and a...

Does the law of entropy mean the end of society and civilization?

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Jeremy Rifkin’s Entropy warns of energy consumption and the end of civilization through the law of entropy, but there is a counter argument that technological advances can slow the increase in entropy by making it possible to acquire energy.   In Entropy, Jeremy Rifkin applies the second law of thermodynamics, the law of entropy, not only to the scientific realm but also to society at...

Book Review – Hillary Whitehall Putnam, The Genetic Revolution and Human Rights (Genetic Modification, Hope or Peril?)

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Advances in genetic modification technology have led to controversies such as human cloning. Weighing the positive and negative effects this technology will have on humanity, it requires a careful approach that takes into account moral and social issues.   As human lifespans continue to increase, the field of biotechnology is making great strides, and biotechnologists are working tirelessly...

Are values essential to modern science and technology or an unnecessary ideological burden?

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  This course explores the role of values in atomism and science and technology through the lens of Heisenberg’s Part and Whole. While Kurt’s argument denies the need for values in science and technology, the author emphasizes the importance of values in the relationship between humans and science and ethical issues.   Heisenberg’s book, “Parts and Whole,” begins with...

Is scientific progress the result of accumulated research or revolutionary paradigm shifts?

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This course discusses the question of whether scientific progress is the result of a gradual accumulation of research achievements or a revolutionary paradigm shift. Focusing on Thomas Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions, it explores the nature of scientific progress by explaining the relationship between steady-state and revolutionary scientific development, as well as its...

The Agricultural Revolution, a real breakthrough for humanity, or the price of lost freedom and abundance?

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While the Agricultural Revolution brought stability and progress to humanity, it has also been criticized for causing us to lose the abundance and freedom of the hunter-gatherer era. This raises the question of whether the Agricultural Revolution was a true development or the biggest hoax in history.   Before the Agricultural Revolution, Homo sapiens lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. We...

Does science seek absolute truth, or is it simply a process of shifting perspectives and paradigm shifts?

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This article explores the development of science by focusing on Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory. It questions whether science seeks absolute truth or merely phenomena explained by new perspectives, and reconsiders the nature and goals of scientific inquiry.   As I read about the philosophy of science, I became aware of the debates about how science accumulates knowledge and progresses...

Will future humans enjoy greater happiness than today due to increased wealth and advances in scientific understanding of happiness?

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It is likely that future humans will enjoy greater happiness than we do today due to increases in the total amount of wealth and advances in the scientific study of happiness. Wealth is positively correlated with happiness to some extent, and biochemical research is uncovering ways to induce happiness. This will make future societies happier overall.   Humans have long strived to lead happy...

How can noble love be the seed of tragedy, and what is the meaning of love in ‘Goethe’s ‘Urfaust’?

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Love is often perceived as a noble and beautiful emotion, but in Goethe’s Urfaust, love becomes a major factor in the doom and tragedy of the main characters. Goethe uses love as a tool to expose the inherent vulnerability of human beings, to cause moral turmoil and tragedy, but also to offer the possibility of repentance within it.   When we think of love, we think of something...

Can cosmetic surgery help close the appearance gap and create a fairer and happier society, or is it another tragedy that reinforces appearanceism?

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This article addresses the issue of judging people by their appearance and discusses how the normalization of cosmetic surgery can reduce appearance discrimination and create a fairer society. It offers an alternative perspective, arguing that closing the appearance gap through cosmetic surgery could reduce social inequality and discrimination and make humanity happier.   Is it really fair...

Was it inevitable that the male-dominated societies that followed the Agricultural Revolution were built on misogyny, or was it a mere coincidence?

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Misogyny is deeply entrenched in the social structures that favored men after the Agricultural Revolution. Yuval Noah Harari argues that misogyny is not inevitable, citing three factors: strength, violence, and women’s biological roles. However, he emphasizes that misogyny still persists in society and that efforts to eliminate it need to be balanced so that they don’t lead to...

As a woman and an Asian, how does Pauline Chen balance family life with success as a surgeon?

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Pauline Chen is an Asian woman who has managed to balance her success as a surgeon with family life. With her academic background at Harvard and Yale and her surgical skills, she has become a role model for many female medical students. Through her deep reflections on life and death, she emphasizes the role of a doctor and demonstrates what true dedication is.   I read a book about the life...

How does social status anxiety affect me and how can I overcome it?

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  This article, Status Anxiety, explores the causes and solutions to social status anxiety. It specifically analyzes anxiety stemming from expectations of equality and uncertainty about the future, and suggests ways to alleviate it through philosophical value judgments and artistic approaches.   My motivation for reading Status Anxiety I read this book when I was transitioning out of...

Does scientific progress truly increase the meaning of human life, or is it just the pursuit of happiness?

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This article discusses whether scientific advancement should be limited to the mere pursuit of happiness, or whether it should move toward increasing the meaning of life. Focusing on the perspective of Yuval Noah Harari, we explore the difference between “happiness” and “meaning in life,” and try to suggest the direction of true progress.   Scientific and social progress has always seemed...

Why don’t we talk about death, and why do we only realize its meaning at the end of life?

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  Despite the fact that death is a natural part of being human, we tend to shy away from it and consider it taboo. But when we face it and embrace it, we discover the true meaning of life. In Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilych, the fear and denial of death, and the process of accepting it, leads us to realize that life and death are connected.   A society that doesn’t...

In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari argues that technology and science can make us gods, beyond fiction!

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In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari argues that advances in technology and science can make humans divine. However, his approach to dividing the line between fiction and reality with the concept of suffering is highly subjective and calls for a deeper exploration of the relationship between fiction and reality.   In the title of Homo Deus, “Deus” is the word for God, and Yuval Noah Harari, the...

What’s more important in scientific research: the part or the whole? (Focusing on the debate between Heisenberg, Burton, and Dirac)

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This article is a reflection on which is more important in scientific research: partial understanding or holistic connections, based on a discussion of Heisenberg, Burton, and Dirac’s approach to science. I support Dirac’s incremental approach and emphasize that we should aim for the correct understanding of natural phenomena.   Parts and Whole is a record of conversations...

Book Review – The Case Against Perfection (Genetic Design of Children: Is It Morally Permissible?)

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Discusses the moral aspects of designing children, centering on the ethical issues of genetic manipulation. It introduces various opinions on whether it is for the benefit of the child, not the parents’ desires, and whether it does not violate human dignity.   In recent years, science and technology have been advancing at a tremendous rate. In order for these advances to be widely...

Is Scientific Progress Revolutionary, Not Accumulative? (Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions and the Meaning of Paradigm Shifts)

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  Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions emphasizes that scientific progress is not simply the accumulation of knowledge, but revolutionary change through paradigm shifts. This theory has influenced not only science, but also social sciences, economics, and other fields, and has led to a rethinking of the direction of modern scientific research.   New perspectives on...

Yuval Noah Harari predicts the rise of superhumans: how will human dignity and liberalism change in a future controlled by algorithms?

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  Yuval Noah Harari predicts a future society in which algorithms will replace most jobs and a small group of “superhumans” will control them. He warns that this could threaten human dignity and liberalism, and advocates a cautious approach to the development of algorithms and artificial intelligence. However, he argues that the failure of eugenics and non-economic reasons make the rise of...

Did Heisenberg fulfill his mission as a scientist in history, or is he not free of ethical responsibility?

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Heisenberg remained in Germany to continue his research amid the chaos of World War II. He fulfilled his responsibilities as a scientist by seeking political compromise, but he was unable to avoid the ethical dilemma of indirectly contributing to the development of weapons of mass destruction.   When I first opened Heisenberg’s The Part and the Whole and looked at the table of...

Is Science a Continuous Progression or a Revolutionary Shift? (Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions and Paradigm Shifts)

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In The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn argues that scientific progress is driven by abrupt paradigm shifts rather than gradual accumulation. Research based on a particular paradigm is “normal science,” and when the accumulation of anomalies breaks down the existing paradigm, a new paradigm emerges and a scientific revolution occurs.   Before the invention of the automobile...

What can Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle teach us about social judgment and ethical choices?

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Drawing on Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, this course explores how a mindset that distinguishes between parts and wholes affects scientific, social, and ethical judgment. Through a variety of examples and philosophical discussions, he shows how to make rational decisions in complex situations and emphasizes the importance of setting objective criteria.   When you think of...

In a modern world where humanity relies on machine civilization, is it possible to talk about sustainability without ignoring the law of entropy?

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Jeremy Rifkin argues that modern mechanical civilization promotes energy waste and increased entropy, which will eventually lead to the end of humanity. He criticizes materialism and proposes a new worldview that follows the law of entropy, but lacks a discussion of the positive aspects of technology and sustainable development.   In Jeremy Rifkin’s book, entropy is defined as “in...

Is animism a true belief in the equality of animals and humans, or is it just an anthropocentric interpretation?

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The claim that animism, as presented in Eugene Noah Harari’s Homo Deus, treats animals and humans as equals is contradicted by the anthropocentric interpretations of actual tribes. This article discusses how animism is a faith that is interpreted according to human interests rather than animal respect, and raises the need to think about true animal respect.   In Yuval Noah...

Is human domination of the planet a result of communication and cooperation, or is it an evolutionary trait of intelligence and tool-making?

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Yuval Noah Harari emphasizes the ability to communicate and cooperate as the reason for human domination of the planet, but it can be argued that intelligence, tool-making, and walking upright also played a role. Human ingenuity cannot be explained by communication and cooperation alone, but rather by a combination of evolutionary traits and a variety of abilities that have evolved in the face of...

Why does Richard Dawkinson’s The Selfish Gene reinterpret evolutionary theory as unity?

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Richard Dawkinson’s The Selfish Gene argues for the selfishness of genes, but explains that integration is a more appropriate interpretation of how genes evolved. The integration of genes can better explain natural selection and the cooperative behavior of living things.   In his book The Selfish Gene, world-renowned scientist and author Richard Dawkinson presents a new paradigm for...

In the Japanese film Love Letter, how do the main characters overcome the shackles of their past through letters to each other?

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  This article analyzes the narrative of the film Love Letter based on Vladimir Propp’s character function theory, and explores how the main characters overcome the bondage of their past memories through letters to each other and return to their daily lives.   Introduction We’re often asked questions like this in our lives. “What’s your favorite movie?” It’s a...

Why does Michael Moore criticize the problems of American capitalism and advocate for its restoration through democracy?

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Michael Moore’s films critique the structural contradictions of American capitalism, highlighting issues of poverty and labor. Rather than denying capitalism itself, he argues that we should use democracy to correct its negative aspects and move toward a better capitalism.   I have a favorite filmmaker. He was very influential in changing the healthcare system in the United States...

Movie Review – Cries and Whispers (How do the sisters’ cries and whispers reveal their inner pain?)

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Unlike loud cries, the sisters’ whispers in the movie delicately express their pent-up fears and feelings of alienation, and serve as a powerful medium for sharing their deepest feelings with each other.   We usually think that suppressing our inner voice and repeating ourselves in whispers is bad for problem solving and mental health, but in movies, shouting is often represented by...

What can we learn from the movie The Act of Killing about societies where mass murderers are celebrated as heroes?

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The Act of Killing examines the 1965 Indonesian coup d’état from the perspective of the perpetrators, who are hailed as heroes for the massacres they led in the name of anti-communism. The film sharply exposes the violence of social structures and power, and asks what lessons we can learn from it.   During the 1965 coup in Indonesia, the military secretly killed more than one million...

In a future where genetic modification is allowed, will humans be doomed to an unfortunate class system?

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The movie GATTACA sheds light on the benefits and risks of genetic manipulation and raises concerns about the possibility of an unequal world in which genes determine human class in the future.   I watched the movie GATTACA. From the first moment I saw the title, it stuck with me. GATTACA, which is also the name of a top aerospace company in the movie, is a combination of the human DNA...

How can the movie Inside Out shed light on hidden grief and the importance of honest emotional expression in the modern world?

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The movie Inside Out sheds new light on the importance of grief, exploring why it’s important to express emotions openly in a society that often suppresses them and what positive changes we can expect from it.   I’ve never been a fan of animation, but I mustered up the courage to go to the movie theater to watch Inside Out on my own after my friends highly recommended it. When I...

The Hunt explores the dangers of confirmation bias, stereotypes, and witch hunts from a psychological perspective as one man’s life is destroyed by small lies and collective prejudice!

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The Hunt explores the dangers of confirmation bias, stereotypes, and witch hunts from a psychological perspective as one man’s life is destroyed by small lies and collective prejudice. The movie makes you think deeply about how destructive the biases and misconceptions we face in our daily lives can be and what it takes to overcome them.   The Hunt is a movie that has a lot to offer on...

How will humanity change if AI perfectly mimics human genes and memes?

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In the movie Transcendence, the main character is reborn as an A.I. and gains transcendent knowledge, which leads to a loss of humanity. If A.I. can perfectly mimic human genetic information and cultural elements, it is necessary to philosophize about how human identity and raison d’être will change.   In the movie Transcendence, Will Caster, a genius scientist, succeeds in...

Is it all a carefully planned game? What message did the movie Saw want to leave us with?

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  Saw (2004) is a movie of tense psychological battles and shocking twists! Let’s take a deep dive into the hidden meanings and messages the movie is trying to convey.   What kind of movie is ‘Saw’? Saw is a franchise that spans 10 movies in total, including 3D. In fact, it’s probably better categorized as a B-movie than a mass market movie. I don’t think...

What is relativity as seen in the movie Interstellar?

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The movie Interstellar explores wormholes and black holes and crosses the boundaries of time and space. But what does the movie have to say about Einstein’s theory of relativity? Let’s explore the core of relativity through the scientific concepts in the movie.   Interstellar is a movie about the search for a habitable planet in space to overcome the problem of food shortage on...

Is enhancing human performance a true progress or a dangerous path to dehumanization?

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“In ‘ Homo Deus,’ author Yuval Noah Harari argues that technological advances will lead to improved human performance, but this can have side effects such as biological discrimination, ethical issues, and the loss of genetic diversity. We need to think carefully about whether enhanced performance is truly necessary for humans and whether it can guarantee a good life.   “Yuval...

Paradigm Shifts in Scientific Revolutions, Are We Ready for a New Paradigm?

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Thomas Kuhn’s concept of paradigms can be applied not only to science, but also to social sciences, economics, psychology, and many other fields, and paradigm shifts are characterized by short-lived revolutions. We must prepare for the emergence of a new paradigm by waiting for counterexamples to accumulate against the current paradigm.   Thomas Kuhn introduced the concept of paradigms...

Is science a process of accumulation or a series of innovations driven by paradigm shifts?

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Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific progress is not simply the accumulation of knowledge, but rather paradigm shifts. New paradigms complement or replace existing theories, and similar shifts occur not only in science, but also in many other fields, such as society and the arts.   Science used to be understood as a process of accumulating facts, but Thomas Kuhn went beyond this traditional...

Why money doesn’t always equal rank in professional sports, and how the Oakland Athletics’ Moneyball strategy turned that on its head!

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In professional sports, money tends to dictate rankings, but the Oakland Athletics overcame this by using a new analytical approach called sabermetrics to win 20 straight league titles. The movie Moneyball is based on this true story and follows William Beane’s challenge to find a new way to succeed through change and belief.   In the current world of professional sports, it seems that...

How far should animal rights be respected in the mechanization of production?

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Yuval Noah Harari’s Homo sapiens inspired us to reflect on the issue of animal rights. In the past, survival was the priority, but nowadays there is a growing social concern for animal rights and their suffering. It is not only important for animals to survive, but also to fulfill their instinctual needs, and we need to discuss how humans and animals can coexist together.   I read...

In The Selfish Gene, is human nature determined by genes or shaped by environment and choice?

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In this lesson, we will examine Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene, a theory that explains human nature as the behavior of genes, and discuss how the interaction of genes, environment, and autonomous choice affects human behavior.   The term “selfish gene” has been cited in various fields of life sciences in recent years. In my opinion, Richard Dawkins is a scientist who has captured...

Will supranational corporations replace the state, or will the role of the state remain important?

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Alvin Toffler predicted that supranational corporations would replace the state by diminishing its role, but the sovereignty of the state and its ability to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens remains important. Globalization is erasing the boundaries between countries, but the role of the state in protecting the rights of its citizens and the pursuit of profit are inherently different...

Which choice is more important for maintaining human free will and reality: the red pill or the blue pill?

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Considering the choice between virtual reality and reality given in the movie The Matrix1, this course explores whether living in virtual reality can preserve human free will and reality. It addresses the conflict between sensory control in the virtual world and authentic existence in the real world, and discusses the importance of intrinsic choice.   The world of the movie The Matrix 1 is...

How did Coco Chanel establish herself as a fashion revolutionary and still influence modern women?

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This article focuses on the life of Coco Chanel and her fashion philosophy, retracing her personal life and journey as a designer through the film Coco Before Chanel. It sheds light on the design innovations Chanel pursued and the impact she had on the fashion world, and explains why she is still so beloved.   Although Coco Before Chanel was not a box office success, Coco Chanel was a...

Can true talent only be discovered by pushing people to the limit, or can praise and encouragement bring out the best in them?

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The movie follows Andrew Neiman as he develops as a drummer through blood, sweat, and hard work under the tutelage of his harsh professor, Terence Fletcher. The movie raises questions about whether Fletcher’s harsh teaching philosophy is right and whether genius is born or made, and the suspenseful plot leaves a lasting impression on the audience.   The movie Whiplash was written and...

Why does Richard Dawkins’ theory of the selfish gene fail to explain all of the complex behaviors of animals?

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In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins argues that genes determine animal behavior, but his theory doesn’t fully explain complex behaviors, such as learned behavior in monkeys or parental favoritism. In addition, the unproven existence of genes responsible for specific behaviors and several logical holes undermine his theory’s persuasiveness.   In his book The Selfish Gene, Richard...

Chocolate-sweet and bittersweet, The Kite Runner: Is Amir a true hero or a man trying to assuage his guilt?

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The Kite Runner is a novel about the coming of age of the protagonist, Amir, and it leaves you with a bittersweet feeling that stems from guilt. Amir’s actions seem brave, but they read more like personal guilt relief than true atonement.   Chocolate is sweet. Anyone can put a piece of chocolate in their mouth and feel an instant rush of sweetness. But what makes chocolate more popular...

Is adultery a sin in the modern world, or is it an area of personal freedom that should be respected?

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This article explores the question of whether adultery can be considered a sin based on Homo Deus. Considering dictionary definitions, modern humanistic values, and legal changes, we discuss why adultery is no longer considered a sin.   Read Homo Deus, Part 2, Chapter 7, The Humanist Revolution, which discusses extramarital affairs and adultery. In this section, the most interesting...

If solar energy is infinite, why do we still need to conserve energy?

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Drawing on Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, this article explores the importance of energy in capitalist societies and questions whether solar energy and mass-energy equivalence make it possible to obtain infinite energy. It goes on to discuss three reasons why we should conserve energy, pointing out current technological limitations and the efficiency of energy conversion.   Yuval Noah...

If AI surpasses human intelligence and consciousness, will we retain our uniqueness?

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In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari explores the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, and the possibility of AI surpassing humans in all areas. He asks whether consciousness will preserve our uniqueness, or whether it will eventually render us obsolete. In response, I argue that consciousness may not be what makes us special, and that artificial intelligence may eventually...

Is it morally justifiable for parents to determine a child’s future through genetic design?

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  Advances in genetic manipulation technology have allowed parents to design their children. While this has positive aspects, such as disease prevention, it also has the potential to distort the nature of life and violate a child’s human rights. The debate over whether genetic design is morally justified continues, and society needs to be prepared for the abuse of the technology...

Who has the right to choose death, and does true love mean holding on or letting go for the ones you love?

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is the story of a man who loses his will to live due to paralysis and the woman who becomes his caregiver, asking questions about life and death, choice, dignity, and the true meaning of love.   It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that kept me glued to the pages for an entire day. It’s Jojo Moyes’s epic novel Me Before You. When I...

Are the low-entropy societies proposed by Jeremy Rifkin’s Entropy a viable solution to the problems of modern civilization?

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  This article provides a critical analysis of Jeremy Rifkin’s Entropy. It points out logical fallacies in the author’s views on modern medicine, the development of third world countries, and international organizations, and questions whether his proposed transition to a low-entropy society is a realistic solution.   Introduction Humans have always wondered about the future...

Is religious criticism of the Origin of Species a denial of science or an argument for coexistence between evolution and creationism?

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Darwin’s Origin of Species has historically caused great friction with religion, and the debate between evolution and creationism continues today. This article will cover religious criticisms of Darwin’s theory of evolution and scientific responses to them, and explore a compromise where the two theories can coexist.   At the end of the 19th century, Charles Robert Darwin’s...

The Death of Ivan Ilyich explores why it is only when we face death that we understand the nature of life!

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As we consider what I would do today if I were to die tomorrow, we explore how our instinct to fear and avoid death affects the way we live, and how we must consider not only well-being but also well-dying in order to truly live. Through the story of Ivan Ilyich, we examine the connection between death and life, and how facing death allows us to rediscover the meaning of life.   I once...

Guido in ‘8 and 1/2’: Can he find his artistic identity through the pain of creation?

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The movie 8 and 1/2 follows director Guido as he tries to find his artistic identity through the pain of creativity and inner conflict. Guido’s journey goes beyond mere failure and signifies his maturation as a human being, and the movie delves deeply into the inner struggles of an artist and the complexity of the creative process.   Guido, a renowned filmmaker, is mentally and...

Book Review – Homodeus (What is the meaning of the end of Homo sapiens?)

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In this blog post, we’ll discuss the development and future of biotechnology, the meaning of the end of Homo sapiens, and the definition of Homo sapiens.   Marvel’s First Avenger, Captain America, has muscles and strength that humans don’t have. Many people envy Captain America’s strength, and now it’s not hard to have them if you have the money. This is thanks...

In the movie The Three Stooges, how did Farhan follow his dreams in the face of societal pressure?

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In the movie The Three Stooges, Farhan is forced to follow his father’s and society’s expectations to become an engineer, but he refuses to give up on his dream of becoming a photographer and ultimately fulfills it. The movie delves deeply into the balance between social pressure and personal freedom from a psychological perspective, and provides important lessons through the...

A boy pursues his dream of becoming a ballerina amidst a turbulent coal mine strike – but was Billy Elliot’s choice the right one?

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Billy Elliot, a young boy living in a coal mining town in England, becomes enamored with ballet instead of boxing and pursues his dreams despite strikes and conflict. The story of Billy Elliot, who pursues his passion despite his father’s disapproval, is a deeply moving portrait of what it means to grow up in a world of social and artistic contrasts.   In 1984, a boy named Billy Elliot...

Toy Story 3, a movie about parting with childhood toys, reminds us that we too will eventually have to say goodbye to the things we love!

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Toy Story 3 is a movie about growing up and maturing, and the relationship between Andy, the owner, and his toys is a story of life change. The toys meet new owners, and Andy matures as he parted ways with his precious memories. The emotion of separation is reminiscent of the relationship between parents and children.   When I was younger, I went to the movies with my mother and uncle. I was...

Is the sacrifice of animals for the advancement of science and technology justified, and shouldn’t humans seek development that lives alongside nature and animals?

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Humans have a long history of sacrificing animals for the advancement of science and technology, but some question whether this is justified, and argue that humans should seek sustainable development that respects animals and nature.   For thousands of years, humans have been constantly advancing science and technology and changing their lifestyles. At least within the framework of human...

How does the vulnerability of women and the fear of the unknown affect human anxiety and how we respond to it in Alfred Hitchcock’s Birds?

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Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is an in-depth exploration of human anxiety and fear through the lens of female vulnerability and the fear of the unknown. The film shows how this anxiety affects our behavior and thinking, revealing our instinctive response to fear.   Alfred Hitchcock is revered for his mise-en-scène, and his work has been recognized for his psychological thrillers and his...

Why does Forrest’s integrity and best effort in Forrest Gump remind us of the value of life?

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Through Forrest Gump’s life of overcoming obstacles, success in war, sports, and business, the movie Forrest Gump shows how doing your best in a given situation can pay off.   The movie Forrest Gump opens with a monologue from a man. This man is the main character of the movie, and his name is Forrest Gump. He seems like an ordinary man living in a small town, and as he reminisces...

Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine: Is America’s gun problem a matter of legal regulation or fear and mistrust?

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Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine argues that America’s gun problem goes beyond mere legal regulations and reflects deeply ingrained fear and mistrust in society, and calls for greater social change.   I don’t live in the United States, and I don’t plan to. But sometimes I imagine myself living in the United States. The reason I stop myself from doing so is...

How did Raf Simons innovate the tradition of the House of Dior by fusing minimalism and haute couture?

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This article is an analysis of the documentary Dior and I, which is an in-depth exploration of how Raf Simons reconciled and innovated his minimalist philosophy while respecting the traditions of the House of Dior.   As far as I’m concerned, and as far as I know, a documentary is a factual, informative film. However, since a documentary has a director and cannot show a vast amount of...

Is ‘Scissorhands’ a blend of origin story, hero myth, fantasy melo, and horror parody?

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  ‘Scissorhands’ is a movie that harmoniously combines an origin story, a modified hero myth, a fantasy melody, and a horror parody, criticizing the small-minded life of modern society and bringing beauty to the world through a sad love story.   Introduction The Scissorhands is a very rich movie. There are so many elements in it. Contrary to what we often remember...

Why should robots with emotions be recognized as entities deserving of the same respect as humans?

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A discussion of why robots with emotions should be respected as human-like beings, drawing on the movie A.I. to explore the potential for robots as agents that can provide emotional comfort to humans.   Machines are getting smarter. It may not be too far in the future before machines, and more specifically robots, have the ability to be intelligent and make their own decisions. The 2001...

Why are romantic comedies loved by the public and what is the balance of conflict and humor?

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  When spring arrives, theaters are filled with romantic comedies, and audiences experience love amidst the humor and conflict of the genre. Through different approaches, such as screwball comedy, romantic comedies balance love and social conflict with a middle-of-the-road aesthetic.   Introduction As spring slowly makes its way into the colors of the season, theaters are beginning to...

How does Death Note combine elements of fantasy, mystery, and thriller to create a unique narrative?

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  This article analyzes the characteristics of the fantasy genre and explores how Death Note combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and thriller to create a unique narrative. It examines the film’s genre characteristics, focusing on elements such as wonder and fantasy, reality reconfiguration, cerebral battles, and suspense.   Characteristics of the fantasy genre When you hear the...

Do advances in science and technology empower human free will, or do they impose a new fatalism by DNA?

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  The myth of Oedipus and the movie Gattaca explore the limits of humanity from a fatalistic perspective. It warns that human endeavors to transcend the fate determined by oracles and genetics, as well as advances in science and technology, could lead to a new fatalism, and asks whether there is a possibility of true free will.   To begin, I’d like to introduce you to the myth of...

Technology and the Surveillance Society: How far should we go in terms of personal data collection and restrictions on our freedoms?

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This article uses the world of Minority Report to explore the dangers of a surveillance society as technology advances. It discusses the potential for personal information to be collected and misused in exchange for convenience, the limitations of data leaks and surveillance systems, and questions whether this future is a good one.   You walk into a department store to buy a new pair of...

Can erasing memories give us a fresh start and true happiness, or will fate eventually bring us back?

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The movie Eternal Sunshine centers around the technology of memory erasure and the love between the two main characters, Joel and Clementine. The movie explores the impact of memories on our identity, questioning whether erasing memories can free us from hurt and pain, and whether we can achieve true happiness.   Valentine’s Day, 2004. A man wakes up, his name is Joel Barish...

What is the true value of art in the modern world, and how do we perceive and consume it?

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This article explores the nature and value of contemporary art, the identity of the artist, and our responsibilities as consumers through the movie “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” and delves into the impact of art on society and individuals.   The title of Exit Through the Gift Shop made me think a lot. I started by thinking about why a gift shop would be in the title, and why did the director...

Why does Mima try to find the real “me” in Perfect Blue, but end up losing herself in the confusion?

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Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue explores the identity confusion and psychological struggles of Mima, the main character, as she transitions from idol to actress. The movie explores the complexity of identity by skillfully blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, creating endless confusion for the viewer, and showing how Mima loses herself in her quest to find her true self.   I was...

Will we ignore the problem of global warming and end up in an irreversible situation, or will we act now to save our future?

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In the movie An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore exposes the seriousness of global warming, citing population growth, economic and environmental imbalances, and late recognition as the main causes. He warns of water shortages and ecosystem destruction due to rising carbon dioxide emissions and shrinking glaciers, and offers actionable solutions to combat them, such as using public transportation and...

When Heroes Transcend Laws and Ethics, Why Do We Condone Unethical Behavior Because They’re Heroes?

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  This article discusses the reality that heroic characters in superhero movies commit crimes with disregard for the law and ethics, yet their actions are condoned because they are heroes. Using Ant-Man as an example, the article analyzes how the unethical behavior of heroes is hidden from the audience or rationalized in movies, and offers a critical perspective on this.   Introduction...

Who does the name Frankenstein really belong to? What is the real name of the monster we know and what caused his tragic birth?

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The name “Frankenstein,” commonly known as the name of the monster, is actually the name of the doctor who created it. The nameless monster, created using the brain of a criminal, is a tragic result of a lack of research and a lack of meaning, illustrating the dangers of rushing into scientific endeavors.   Do you know who ‘Frankenstein’ is? If you think of a green monster with a...

Why does horror fantasy expose real-life oppression in fantasy, and how does the tragedy of Grounouille in Perfume illustrate this?

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  Horror fantasy is a genre that subverts real-life oppression into fantasy to reveal hidden desires. The film Perfume embodies the characteristics of horror fantasy by fantasizing the repression of love and existence through the material of smell and expressing it through Grounouille’s tragic life and serial killing.   About horror fantasy Horror fantasy is a subsystem within the...

Is happiness without emotion truly happiness, and how does the use of drugs to control human emotions affect social norms and value judgments?

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The movie Equilibrium examines the need for emotion and discusses how the development of drugs to control emotions and their use impacts social values and individual freedom.   In the movie Equilibrium, humanity establishes a unified government of Libria after World War III. About five minutes into the movie, soldiers are shown arresting the person hiding the Mona Lisa and burning the Mona...

In The Shawshank Redemption, why is hope the driving force behind the characters’ overcoming and a message of hope for the audience?

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In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, the main characters Andy and Red overcome the hardships of prison and move on to a new life through their desire for freedom. Andy’s hope improves his situation in prison through education, while Red overcomes his suicidal thoughts through a promise to Andy. Hope also resonates with audiences by delivering a positive and hopeful message.   In the...

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