Let's continue with the idea of putting com theory and theory in a larger context. How does it relate to us? We defined theory earlier in such a way that it allows as we all have theories. We all have explanations of how things work. Got a theory of how relationships work? This definition helps us see how theory is not something in big, thick book, but something that we all have.
Do you have theories? Do you strive to understand the world? There is a precursor to having theories. You have curiosity.
Curiosity is "the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness" (Dictionary.com). See how curiosity is a precursor to theory and theory development. If one is not curious about the world, then were is the need for theory.
If interested and have Spotify, listen to Larry Wilmore and Neil deGrasse Tyson talk about curiosity (starts about 12:10 or so).
Let's explore curiosity and theory a little more by way of magic. Ever watched a magic trick and became curious? "How'd they do that?" When you ask yourself this question you are seeking a theory to explain the trick.
Back to the magic show:
To practice your curiosity muscle, check out this Lance Burton magic trick. Ask yourself, how'd he do that?
Seriously, stop and think about how he did what he did? What's your theory/explanation? Figure out some detail. Write down your explanation. Draw a diagram.
Did you think it through very carefully? Go back, if not, and theorize.
And, only once you've carefully thought about a possible explanation, then check out the next video. This is a video that I put together to explain the trick. Or maybe it was real magic? That's a theory, too.
Is this a good theory? Again, how do you judge a theory? What does Occam's razor have to do with this?
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Sunday, September 23, 2018
MediaTheory: Theories, Evolution and the Flat Earth (W2-P1) Fa18
Most com theory textbooks jump right into the middle of com theory without providing much context. How does relate to us? How does theory relate to concepts of science and to research. We need this larger context.
One way to begin a discussion of communication theory is to start with the general concept of theory. What is a theory? One way to do this is to start with a discussion of theories that we are already familiar with.
For our discussion of communication theory let's start with a basic definition of the word theory and a common example from biology and we'll mix in a little flat-earth theory as well.
A theory is an explanation for how something works, how something happens.
To get a good grasp of what a theory is, let's start by looking at a theory from the field of biology, a theory you may have picked up in high school or college biology.
One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos
. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection. As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution.
Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.
As presented in the videos, the theory of evolution is an explanation of the wide-variety of life on planet Earth.
Flat-Earth Theory
Now let's move to a different kind of theory, a theory that explains the world and our place in it by saying the Earth is flat, not round. What are your initial reactions to that idea?
This may lead to the idea that there are good theories and bad theories, better explanations of the world we observe and not so good explanations. How does one judge theories? How does one critique?
Let's go back to Dr. Sagan and see how he approaches the flat earth theory.
Dr. Sagan was a famous science communicator often appearing on TV from the 1970s to the 1990s to explain scientific concepts.
Let's update things now. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson follows in Dr. Sagan's footsteps as today's famous science communicator. You may have seen Dr. Tyson on TV or on the web.
Dr. Tyson offers his critique of the flat-earth theory.
How did he critique the flat earth theory? How do you judge a theory?
Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.
One way to begin a discussion of communication theory is to start with the general concept of theory. What is a theory? One way to do this is to start with a discussion of theories that we are already familiar with.
For our discussion of communication theory let's start with a basic definition of the word theory and a common example from biology and we'll mix in a little flat-earth theory as well.
A theory is an explanation for how something works, how something happens.
To get a good grasp of what a theory is, let's start by looking at a theory from the field of biology, a theory you may have picked up in high school or college biology.
One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos
. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection. As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution.Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.
As presented in the videos, the theory of evolution is an explanation of the wide-variety of life on planet Earth.
Flat-Earth Theory
Now let's move to a different kind of theory, a theory that explains the world and our place in it by saying the Earth is flat, not round. What are your initial reactions to that idea?
This may lead to the idea that there are good theories and bad theories, better explanations of the world we observe and not so good explanations. How does one judge theories? How does one critique?
Let's go back to Dr. Sagan and see how he approaches the flat earth theory.
Dr. Sagan was a famous science communicator often appearing on TV from the 1970s to the 1990s to explain scientific concepts.
Let's update things now. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson follows in Dr. Sagan's footsteps as today's famous science communicator. You may have seen Dr. Tyson on TV or on the web.
Dr. Tyson offers his critique of the flat-earth theory.
How did he critique the flat earth theory? How do you judge a theory?
Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.
Friday, July 27, 2018
MyFavMusic: Just listened to the "Universal Soldier" by Buffy Sainte-Marie on the "Medicine Songs" album. Added to my "FOLK FAVS - 1000 Recordings" playlist on Spotify
Fav track from album: Universal Soldier
By Buffy Sainte-Marie
From the album Medicine Songs
Added to FOLK FAVS - 1000 Recordings playlist by William Hart on July 27, 2018 at 10:26PM
See info on 1000 Recordings
Listen on Spotify
My musical interests on Tumblr
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