The Power of Ideas

Merlin MCC | The Power of Ideas

Do ideas really matter?  If so, why and how?  Here is an insightful & awe-inspiring look from philosopher and filmmaker Jason Silva at some of the biological and cultural reasons behind the power of ideas…and why and how they have significance.  Buckle your seat-belts, kids…we promise you’re going to enjoy…

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Cognitive Science & Teaching Critical Thinking

Merlin MCC | Critical Thinking Image | Scholarly Articles

Teaching Critical Thinking: Some Lessons from Cognitive Science Tim van Gelder, College Teaching 53:1 (2005): 41-46. ABSTRACT:  This article draws six key lessons from cognitive science for teachers of critical thinking.  The lessons are: acquiring expertise in critical thinking is hard; practice in critical thinking skills themselves enhances skills; the…

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Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (In Clay)

Allegory of the Cave

Bar none…..one of the best adaptations of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave you’ll ever find.  Creative, imaginative, thought-provoking,  and just plain fun (it’s in clay after all!)…hmm, dare we say “Clayto?”  Enjoy and become enlightened by this Plato & Socrates inspired gem of a short film from the Bullhead Entertainment…

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Can Philosophy Make You a Better Leader?

Philosophy & Leadership

Philosophy is a powerful tool.  While many coaching and leadership programs stress communication and organization, few focus on the import of philosophical self-reflection.  But there is ample evidence that suggest they should.  A recent study in BMC Neuroscience revealed that a critical region in the brain (the ACC) is activated…

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What is Philosophy?

The Death of Socrates | Picture

Wondering what philosophy is?  Or why and how it is relevant?  The word ‘philosophy’ (philosophía) is Greek in origin and means a friend or lover (phílos) of wisdom (sophía).  Philosophy’s investigations are led by reason & the general maxim that the unexamined life is not worth living.  It pertains to…

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Reflective Equilibrium

reflective equilibrium

Have you ever wondered what it takes to think like a philosopher?  According to many, the capacity for reflective equilibrium is imperative.  According to Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York, it is a fundamental tool in the philosopher’s toolbox.  But what exactly is reflective equilibrium…

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