March 18, 2015
We have been talking about evolution recently, and have introduced the notion of "flow" as described by both the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and the Constructal Law formulated by Adrian Bejan.
What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics? It is a law of the "flow" of energy through systems that happens naturally. It's the on-going and constant self-balancing activity inherent in the universe. Though it has been widely interpreted to mean "increasing disorder," this turns out to be an anecdotal snap shot of the a far large process of ordering. Check out these websites for the historical and technical review and evolution of understanding. The understanding itself is leading to increasing order, though we have travelled through a period of disorder to reach it!
Continuing our investigation into free will, I share below readings that give a glimpse into the workings of the brain.
The first is about how worms demonstrate free will. (Yes, worms!) (Annotated PDF here.)
The second is an excerpt of some chapters from Wendy Williams' book Kraken about the giant squid. It turns out that they have giant neurons whose workings are extraordinarily similar to the human neurons. These chapters tell the story.
The above readings provide background and context for the neuroscience of the human brain.
A final reading which we will discuss next week is an excerpt from Princeton neuroscientist Michael Graziano's book, Consciousness and the Social Brain.
What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics? It is a law of the "flow" of energy through systems that happens naturally. It's the on-going and constant self-balancing activity inherent in the universe. Though it has been widely interpreted to mean "increasing disorder," this turns out to be an anecdotal snap shot of the a far large process of ordering. Check out these websites for the historical and technical review and evolution of understanding. The understanding itself is leading to increasing order, though we have travelled through a period of disorder to reach it!
- Rod Swenson, "Thermodynamics, Evolution and Behavior." (Access annotated PDF version here.)
- The Law of Maximum Entropy website. (Access annotated PDF version here.)
Continuing our investigation into free will, I share below readings that give a glimpse into the workings of the brain.
The first is about how worms demonstrate free will. (Yes, worms!) (Annotated PDF here.)
The second is an excerpt of some chapters from Wendy Williams' book Kraken about the giant squid. It turns out that they have giant neurons whose workings are extraordinarily similar to the human neurons. These chapters tell the story.
The above readings provide background and context for the neuroscience of the human brain.
A final reading which we will discuss next week is an excerpt from Princeton neuroscientist Michael Graziano's book, Consciousness and the Social Brain.
Here is the Freakonomics video, "Visualizing Mortality," presented by Hans Rosling.
Here is Hans Rosling's TED Talk on "Global Population Growth" - associated with education - that we talked about.
As a bonus, I just found this radio podcast by Behaviorial Economist Katherine Milkman on "When Will Power Isn't Enough." Here is the PDF if you prefer to read.
Below is a snapshot of our whiteboard at the end of class.
Here is Hans Rosling's TED Talk on "Global Population Growth" - associated with education - that we talked about.
As a bonus, I just found this radio podcast by Behaviorial Economist Katherine Milkman on "When Will Power Isn't Enough." Here is the PDF if you prefer to read.
Below is a snapshot of our whiteboard at the end of class.
