March 25, 2015

Here are further chapters from A. Newberg, et al, Why God Won't Go Away.  These chapters deal brain architecture, myth-making and ritual.

Here is the introduction to the Altruistic Brain Theory from Dr. Donald Pfaff's recent book, The Altruistic Brain, How We are Naturally Good.

Open questions from this class:

1. Further discussion on a working definition of ethics - not as something we "ought to do," but rather as something that is intrinsically rewarding for us to practice doing.  Might we reconcile Aristotle's notions of "happiness" (eudaimonia) and "balance" with Plato/Socrates understanding of "justice"?
2. As to the chaos we see around us, and the harmonies we long for, here is a vision - starling murmuration.  Do you think they practice this?  Is it choreographed or improvised? 
   

Here is the whiteboard for today's class: