Critical Thinking Blog #3: Research Paper Topic Brainstorming

            In regards to my research paper topics, I have narrowed it down to two topics.  I have chosen to write about the first or second research paper idea. The ‘imaginative’ text that I have chosen to analyze the presentation of science and/or technology would be Plowing the Dark by Richard Powers. I am interested in exploring: the boundaries between virtual and real spaces, the purpose of consciousness, the extent of an individual’s imagination and how virtual reality is presented of in my research paper. As Bradley Smith writes in “Mosaic (Winnipeg)”, the distinction between realities and virtually can be conceived as that, “…nature is real, and that which can be said to exist in the minds of humans is artificial”. Naturally, his notion of the constitution of reality causes people to question the limits of human consciousness.  In order to discuss the impact of upcoming science and technology I plan to mainly use the following works of literature: The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology by Ray Kurzweil,  Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, and “Skilled Work, Without the Worker” by John Markoff,. In particular, the promising research in genetics, nanotechnology and robotics has led many to believe that a prosperous future is in store for us. Richard Feynman writes, “But I am not afraid to consider the final question as to whether, ultimately, in the great future, we can arrange the atoms the way we want; the very atoms, all the way down!” (Kurzweil 213). Ray Kurzweil may have included this quote in his novel to cause his readers to contemplate the many intriguing implications of having the knowledge and expertise to manipulate the world to our own desires.

Critical Thinking Blog #2: Popular Science Today

The overall tone of the new Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey TV show seems to be optimistic about certain humanistic values. In particular, these values are focused on finding out that our place in the Universe is largely insignificant. Nevertheless, learning more about our place in the Universe has been informative to me. In Neil deGrasse Tyson’s discussion on the origins of life, he articulates:   

Nobody knows how life got started. Most of the evidence from that time was destroyed by impact and erosion. Science works on the frontier of knowledge and ignorance. We’re not afraid to admit what we don’t know. There’s no shame in that. The only shame is to pretend that we have all the answers. Maybe someone watching this will be the first to solve the mystery of how life on Earth began.

In regards to this quote, Neil deGrasse Tyson suggests the science can be used to further our understanding of the origin of life on Earth. As a result, using scientific knowledge to figure out the nature of Universe can bolster some humanistic values by discerning the reason why humans are able to utilize logic and reason. While watching the first episode of Cosmos, I became aware of the limits of our understanding of the observable universe and the unique properties that can be used to conceptualize the notion of a multiverse. When Dr. Tyson theorizes that our observable universe “is but one tiny bubble in an infinite ocean of other universes… a multiverse”, it caused me contemplate on magnitude of such a statement. My contemplation was brought about by the concept of an “infinite ocean”, such an idea brings about a sense of wonder and awe when imagining what can be achieved in such a place.

Welcome to My Blog

Currently, I am studying Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science at LaGuardia Community College.

For quite some time now, I have sought knowledge in the hopes of materializing my thoughts into reality. As a result, I have come to enjoy engrossing myself in studying the theory and applications of computing.
At this point in time, my ideal career would be a Computer and Information Research Scientist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology and find new uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other uses”.  In order to achieve this idealistic career I plan to attain a M.S. in Computer Science and advance to the Ph.D. program.  Choosing this path will allow for me to figure out what my research interests are before fully committing my efforts to the Ph.D. program.  

Due to my aforementioned interests, I would consider myself as a science person. I chose to study Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science because it applies directly to my study of  the theory and applications of computing. As a result, I have been able to consistently do well in my computer science, mathematics and natural science courses. I think that most people in the United States today feel positively about science/technology today. However, this is contingent on their perceived value of specific topics in science and technology.