How useful are the humanities, and to what end? (Johann N. Neem, Process)
An historian asks about the ways the humanities are suitable for modern society.
3
03, 2017
28
02, 2017
Science and (the absence of) happiness
Science and (the absence of) happiness: to what degree do science and technology condition our sense of happiness? During the last few generations humankind has made an extraordinary advance in the natural sciences and in their technological application and has established humanity's control over nature in a way never before imagined.... People are proud of these achievements, [...]
26
02, 2017
DNA and dynasty: tracing history through science (Andrew Curry, National Geographic)
Modern DNA analysis reveals clues to changes in Native American society beginning in the ninth century CE.
22
02, 2017
Humanities in the Age of Big Data
Humanities in the Age of Big Data: an historian tries to unravel the consequences for ourselves and our way of life. Dataism is a new ethical system that says, yes, humans were special and important because up until now they were the most sophisticated data processing system in the universe, but this is no longer [...]
18
02, 2017
Combining medical insights with ancient texts to understand past diseases
Combining medical insights with ancient texts to understand past diseases. Francesco Galassi, a paleopathographist, explains its promise: Palaeopathography is a unique opportunity for palaeopathology, since it allows the investigation of symptoms and signs of diseases, vital for medicine, yet unavailable when only studying ancient bones or mummies. This is especially viable with famous historical figures [...]
12
02, 2017
Singapore’s sciences require the humanities (Alfred Chua, Today Online)
Singapore's sciences require the humanities: how a leading university understands the need for engineers to train in the humanities. From the article: Technology and innovation may be the twin forces to power Singapore’s new economy but increasingly, social sciences and humanities are getting some unexpected attention and gaining importance in the workplace and helping policymakers [...]
12
02, 2017
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life David Attenborough wrote and narrated this informative documentary
8
02, 2017
The lily and the river
The lily and the river: how much do we presume about our knowledge of the future, and how firmly rooted is our knowledge of our origins? Two fables from Renaissance scientists and polymaths: The lily set itself on the bank of the river Ticino, and the current swept away both the bank and the lily. Leonardo da [...]
7
02, 2017
From Bethlehem to Bedlam: classifying the incurables through science (Amanda Ruggeri, BBC Culture)
From Bethlehem to Bedlam: classifying the incurables through science. What was founded as a place open to those in need became a palatial institution that housed those deemed mentally unsound. From the article: By the 17th Century, the asylum was well-known enough to appear in numerous Jacobean dramas and ballads. Often – as in Shakespeare’s plays [...]
4
02, 2017
Mountain shadows, mountain light
The balance needed for wholeness.