Tech stuff: Video #Jan.17 2014

     We learned so many things about making videos, so I decided to make a video instead of writing what we have done in this class. Below is the link to my video, so check it out now and I am really happy if you guys give me comments!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bzzitp6BBMJyWkxLcVotYllvbk0/edit

Discussion on Morioka #Jan.14 2014

      In this class, we discussed the topic so controversial and difficult to answer: organ transplantation.    I was especially interested in the perspectives among Japanese (maybe Asian) and Westerners on body and soul. In Asia, we regard them as one thing, so they are always required to be united. They affect on each other in many cases. On the other hand, Westerners think as body and mind are separated, they do not necessarily need to be the one. Therefore, much more organ transplantations are tend to be conducted than Japan. Rab said mind and brain are important, and body is just a lump of meat if a brain is dead. This comment represented Western way of thinking. Of course, brain would be the most important organ in our body, but I cannot say yes to organ transplantations without thinking our mind also. As I am Japanese, I strongly believe body and mind are one thing. Traditionally, in Japan, we try very hard to get them together: the union of body and soul. Thus, in my view, it is hard for me to always permit organ transplantation.

Tech stuff and Zotero #Jan.10 2014

Zotero is awesome. I can do many things in it: first, I can stock whatever information I need from books, news articles, journals, and movies. Also, I can make a note on each source, it's very convenient to remind me of the information I have to use in my work.
Secondly, making citations is much easier than any other stuff. Zotero makes not only bibliography but also citation, and this help me make them quickly. Furthermore, it is useful that I can transmit any contents in Zotero to wherever PC we want to send if Zotero software is installed.
Zotero must help me write my essay for sure!!

Discussion on Sandel #Jan.7 2014

We started discussing Sandel today. I'm satisfied with today's discussion: challenging, controversial and difficult to choose only one side! In my opinion, I disagree with bioengineering operations because it's not natural for human beings. Our ancestors have lived for a long long long time without such technology. The balance of this society have been shaped under natural selection. Therefore, this innovative technology may destroy our society itself. On the other hand, when I personally face the situation in which bioengineering is needed, I have no idea what I will choose for it. Not until I encounter such situation in real, do I realize this problem is really tough to choose.

I need continue to think about it.

First class of 2014 and intro. to Sandel #Jan.6 2014

A happy new year, you guys and let's have a wonderful time this year!!
Today, Although we were supposed to start discussing an article by Sandel about bioengineering, because many of us have not finish reading it, Rab kindly changed a curriculum of today's class. First, we confirmed 3B: Background, Biography, and Bias. It was very useful for me because I did not pay much attention to 3B, and was able to check it one more again. Then, we had a psychological test! The result of this test was partly reasonable to me and this made me surprised. My answers are below, so check it out and make comments if you like!

Favorite color: Black
Adjectives: cool, bracing, strong, solid, fundemental

Favorite animal: Cat
Adjectives: cute, independent, smart, agile

Favorite water: River
Adjectives: fresh, clear, long, relaxing

White room situation
Adjectives: uncomfortable, strange, surprising, scary

Tech stuff and home page for winter project #Dec.20 2013

At the beginning of today's class, Rab explained the reasons why discussions last class were quick. Here are the reasons: While Japanese students listen to others without interrupting until the end of their speech, people outside Japan do not hesitate to express own opinions during speaking. Therefore we especially Japanese may as well practice to think and express quickly. The second reason is that since our class time is limited and to use this time effectively, we should discuss as many topics as we can in a hurry. These reasons made sense so I'm satisfied with this explanation.
Then as today was Friday, Rab introduced many new useful stuff to find good resources. In fact, I have not found any information for my essay, so I'm sure to make use of them. Today's class was great in general.

Making groups and Shannon discussion #Dec.17 2013

As I couldn't decide my essay topic clearly, it was hard for at least me to choose which group is it appropriate for me in class today. Finally I belong to the group concerning development studies and international relations. Though, it's possible to change my essay outline as I research the contents related to my topic from many points of view. 
Today's Shannon discussion was not so interesting and effective because we had not so much time to think and discuss. I wanted to talk with groups about each ethical topic deeper, so today was a bit short to deepen our thoughts. In addition, I wanted time to share our ideas in whole class. Only three opinions were not sufficient for me to face such profound issues.
If we have more opportunities for discussion, I want more time talk about the topic.
And I felt that it was a bit too exaggerated to say the CWT was waste of time. If so, we do not have to do it. But we have to. I suppose this is because CWT has some significant points for us, though I'm not sure about it. So I'll research the meaning of the CWT.