Mysteries of Stonehenge

CLICK HERE to visit National Geographic Magazine's recent exploration of Stonehenge and it's purpose or significance. Consider the knowledge claims made in this feature about what Stonehenge is/was and compare them against the various claims that have been made in the past (e.g. religious shrine, giant clock, monument built by aliens, etc.). What do you think you know about Stonehenge? How does that compare to the knowledge claims discussed in the National Geographic feature? It might be interesting, from a TOK perspective, to take their 10 question "Stonehenge Quiz" before reading the article. (CLICK HERE for the quiz.)

Which came first, language or perception?

The title of this post is intended to be a play on the old philosophical question, Which came first - the chicken or the egg? CLICK HERE to go to the New York Times article, "When language can hold the answer," discussing research findings on the role language may play in sense perception, including things as basic as recognizing colors. Use the article as a prompt to reflect on the relationship between these two Ways of Knowing.

Additional writings about this subject can be found at:
"Hues & Views: A cross-cultural study reveals how language shapes color perception"
"Do our languages shape the nuts and bolts of perception, the very way we see the world?" (Scroll down to the second response/entry on this page. Interestingly, this statement was made by Professor Boroditsky in response to the very TOK-ish question, "What have you changed your mind about?"
"Reframing: How language shapes perception" (this "article" is really a blog posting, and the blogger has an
interesting background/perspective that is worth thinking and reflecting about)

Just how gullible are you?

Visit the Museum of Hoaxes (www.museumofhoaxes) and take one of the "hoax photo tests" or one of the "gullibility tests." You will find the links for them in the second row of links at the top of the site's home page. Report your score and comment on: a) the significance and implications of your performance on the test, or b) test items you found interesting, confounding, or even that you disagree with the site's answer for.

'Demons in the Dark:' How science talks about UFO's

CLICK HERE to read a scientific perspective on the UFO sightings in a Texas town that were the focus of the February 2nd post on this blog.

Click here to view the video that accompanies this story on the Newsweek website.