Does the sun circle the Earth? Is slavery morally OK?

There was no homework this past weekend, which might have given you a chance to reflect a little more on the results of the survey we did in class on Friday. As you have probably already guessed, the results did not surprise me: I was expecting the sort of disagreement and variation in the answers that the results, for both groups 1 and 2, clearly show.

The disagreement among the members of the class is already apparent when we consider, for example, the very first survey statement, as seen in the tables below.

The sun circles the Earth, which is at the centre of the universe.

	Fact	Opinion	Both F and O	Neither F nor O
group 1	33.3%	33.3%	11.1%	22.2%
group 2	36.4%	18.2%	27.3%	18.2%

The sun circles the Earth, which is at the centre of the universe.

	True	False	Both T and F	Neither T nor F
group 1	0.0%	100.0%	0.0%	0.0%
group 2	0.0%	90.9%	0.0%	9.1%

("11 Responses," 2015 & "9 Responses," 2015) 

Although there is substantial agreement that the claim in the sincerely believed statement that "The sun circles the Earth, which is at the centre of the universe," is false, there is much less agreement, in fact no agreement, as to whether this sentence states a fact or an opinion, or both or neither. The disagreement, I suspect, comes from what we have already seen in our discussions in class to be a powerful source of misunderstanding and confusion: uncertainty or disagreement over what a term, whether a word or a phrase, means. Whilst the adjectives true and false seem OK at the moment, this first statement from the survey suggests that some discussion of the meaning of the terms fact and opinion is called for. So, what do you think? 

• What is a fact? What does the noun fact mean? 
• What is an opinion? What does opinion mean? 
• What connection, if any, exists between these two terms? 

As we also saw on Friday, in our discussion of expository versus pervasive writing, Zemach, Broudy and Valvona attach some importance to the concepts behind the words fact and opinion (2011, p. 11). And in fact, when we come to Unit 4 later this week, we will see that these authors emphasize the terms by putting them in bold formatting (p. 25). Their discussion on these pages of our text book suggests a couple of other questions worth some discussion: 

• What do Zemach, Broudy and Valvona think that the words fact and opinion mean? What do they think a fact is? An opinion? 
• Do we, or should we, agree with them? 
• Why or why not? 

Our agreement on the truth or falsity of the statements largely holds until we come to the moral questions, where it, too, begins to break down, as shown in the responses to the statement about slavery.

Slavery is normally morally acceptable.

	Fact	Opinion	Both F and O	Neither F nor O
group 1	0.0%	88.9%	11.1%	0.0%
group 2	9.1%	63.6%	18.2%	9.1%

Slavery is normally morally acceptable.

	True	False	Both T and F	Neither T nor F
group 1	0.0%	33.3%	22.2%	44.4%
group 2	0.0%	45.5%	27.3%	27.3%

("11 Responses," 2015 & "9 Responses," 2015) 

Which brings us to the next set of questions on which some discussion seems needed:

• What does it mean to say that a statement is true? 
• What does it mean to say that a statement is false? 
• And the related question for the noun: what is truth? 
• Another related question that might usefully be considered here is: what makes a statement true or false? 
• And how do we decide whether a particular statement is true or false, or something else? 
• Since these terms do not come up with the same explicit emphasis in Zemach, Broudy and Valvona, we probably need not worry about whether we think they are right or not. 

Finally, in our discussion on Friday, such terms as proof, evidence and knowledge also came up. 

• How do the concepts behind the nouns proof, evidence and knowledge fit in to the discussion here? 

All of the terms I've suggested we spend some time discussing here are basic to academic work, regardless of the field, so some clarity would be useful. In fact, I think that such notions as fact and opinion, true and false, proof and knowledge are important in pretty much every area of life where we think that reason and evidence matter, They deserve some clarification. 

So, what do you think? Please feel welcome to share your ideas in a comment, or two, or a reply, or two, below.

When you first comment or reply, remember to check the "Notify me" box  

  so you get an advice when a classmate contributes to the discussion. 

__________

Reference

Zemach, D. E., Broudy, D. & Valvona, C. (2011). Writing Research Papers: From Essay to Research Paper. Oxford: Macmillan. 

11 responses. (2015, June 12). Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/a/auathailand.org/forms/d/1NQp-uZ0YrOw4YpSADyC1zTLKW3uQKz0S9FhrwlbW-AY/viewanalytics

9 responses. (2015, June 12). Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/a/auathailand.org/forms/d/1ZEexqD8bFFJTHVHDPLEuqBEAsZf9T8DBlMYqpGom1sw/viewanalytics 

Choosing topics

1. I could write an essay about self-defense techniques for woman.
2. A possible topic for my essay is wonderful water parks in Thailand.
3. Another option is that my essay could discuss characteristics of different dog breeds.

1. I could write an essay about “Tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi”.
2. A possible topic for my essay is  “Body language of females”.
3. Another option is that my essay could discuss “Benefits of bananas for our health”.

Creating a Happy Birthday Card

First, I brainstorm ideas about how to create a happy birthday card. For example, I decide what materials should I use to make the card, what should I write on the card, and what tools I need for making it.

After brainstorming those ideas, I organize the materials and tools necessary for creating the happy birthday card. I buy colorful papers, and prepare scissors, glue and pencil. I print a photo of my friend who I whom I want to give her the card.

Then I draft my card by the pencil. I cut the paper in order to shape it as I want. I put the photo of my friend on the card and attach it by the glue. I write a text on the paper and decorate my card.

To review my card, I look at it carefully to find a mistake. I decide whether it is beautiful as I first design.

I revise my card by editing some mistakes. If there is an error in the text I write on the card, I correct it. If my card is not beautiful as I desire, I decorate it again.

Finally, my card is perfect enough to publish. So I ready to give it to my friend. She will be very happy when obtaining my happy birthday card.

Solving some mathematics problems.

First, I have to brainstorm idea how to solve the problem. For example, I have to think what the question exactly asks and what information in that problem is helpful. Moreover, I have to find theories and facts that may be used for solving that problem.

Then, I organize the idea and solution by choosing theories and facts I apply and putting them in the appropriate order.

To draft my solution, I explain my solution by using those theories and facts. Moreover, I explain why I use those theories and what I obtain from using the theories.

I review my solution by reading it again in order to see if there are errors and points that may not be clear. After that, I revise my solution by correcting the errors I find and giving more explanation if it is not clear.

Finally, I am ready to publish my solution. I hand in my solution to my teacher.

Creating a cat condo

A year ago, pet café was very famous in Bangkok. I have been to a cat café for several times. I found a very interesting plaything for my cat to climb on, sleep and scratch. It’s called cat condo. I wanted one for my cat but the cost is too high. Therefore, my brother and me decided to build a DIY cat condo.

The first step was brainstorming some ideas to build the condo. I searched the building process from an internet which told me such things as what materials and tools to use and how to do it. Next, I observed my cat behavior about what kind of floor that she likes and how high that she can jump. 

After that I organized the materials and tools. I went shopping at Homepro and Daiso shop. I bought a carpet, sisal rope, board, paper pipe and glue.

The next step was drafting. I started by referencing a photo I got from an internet. Then made a quick sketch of what I could do with the materials I had. Then, I built it.

I reviewed my cat condo by imagining the corner in my house to place this tower. 

Then I revised the structure of condo by making a few changes. I reduced the height of the tower and added a carpet on the first floor. I also changed its color to match with other furniture in my house. 

Finally, It was ready to publish. I placed it in the living room. My cat was very surprised. It came to explore its new place.  Today, the condo still be her favorite place to sleep and scratch.

Doing a research: developing a drought tolerant rice line

Rice is one of the most important cereal crops since it is staple food for more than half of population in the world and plant model for genetic and molecular studies. Drought is the most important limiting factor for crop production and it is becoming an increasingly severe problem in many regions of the world. That is one of the main problems of rice cultivation and production, especially during periods of low rainfall which affect the growth rate and the amount of yield. How do the scientists solve this problem? Absolutely, there are several approaches, but the one I would like to introduce is developing a drought tolerant rice line by genetic modification.

To develop this drought tolerant rice line, the first thing plant physiologists have to do is brainstorming the ideas about how to create it by reviewing the literature involving in drought responses and drought responsive genes.

After gathering the ideas, the next step is organizing them. The plant physiologists decide what gene should be modified so that plant can tolerate to the water stress and which method should be applied, set the hypothesis and design the experiment.

Then, they draft the experiment; isolate and modify the gene of interest and insert it into rice genome.

In reviewing step, the scientists test osmotic tolerance of the transformed rice. The rice is treated with drought stress. Then, its survival rate and other physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics are monitored.

Next, they revise the drought resistant rice line. If the rice line shows any undesired trait, they will make some modification of a gene construction inserted into the plant genome, for example, changing or modifying the promoter of gene.

Finally, the result of the experiment is published and the drought tolerant rice line is submitted to Rice Department.

Making a good cup of drip brew coffee

First, I brainstorm the methods about how to make drip brew coffee. For instance, I could add some condensed milk to make a Vietnamese's style coffee, or use different varieties of coffee beans to create the differences in taste or put some ice to make an iced coffee.

    After that, I organize the ingredient and equipment I need to make coffee: a handed grinder, a filter paper, big coffee cup, a jar, coffee beans and hot water.

    To draft my drip brew coffee, I slowly rinse the hot water from a jar and let it passes through the ground coffee beans contained in a filter until it drop into coffee cups.

     I review my drip coffee by considering how fast of water seeps through a paper filter.

    To revise my drip brew coffee is done by adjusting a few things. If water seeps too fast through ground coffee beans, I grind the beans to get much finer ground coffee. I could also reduce the amount of water or add some more ground coffee beans if the taste is weak.

    Finally, I publish my cups of drip brew coffee to my family in the morning after breakfast. I serve it with ice for anyone who prefer the cold one.

Building a LEGO car

I first brainstorm ideas and thoughts on the LEGO car I want. A good source for ideas is of course the internet which provide lots of LEGO car design. I usually gather as much ideas, information and car design as much as possible at this process.

After I'm happy with the brainstorming, I would organize the brainstormed ideas. Choosing the car design and picking the LEGO parts which needed for the design.

Then, I would begin drafting the LEGO car. Putting LEGOs together piece by piece, Insert a motor and battery to run the car.

Next, I review my LEGO car. I would try to run the car around, check if there is some flaws which needed to be fixed, for example, some LEGO parts will easily fall off due to the building quality.

After the reviewing, I revise it by adding more LEGOs usually to make the car looks better. But if the modification is needed to makes the car more stable, then I will add it at this process.

Lastly, I publish the car, maybe to go on a run or a race with my friends. 

During my time in the United States I really want travel across the country, probably first to San Francisco. I even figured out tentatively what the trip should be like and this is how I did it.

First of all I brainstormed what I want to do and where I want to visit. The Golden Gate is a must so it's on the top of my list. Then I organized all the activities in order to see what could be the in the same day, because I didn't want the trip to be too much energy-consuming. Now that I know how each day would be like, I started to draft the plan for the whole trip. At the point I also did a lot of research on the locations of the tourist attractions to see the possibilities of traveling from one place to another in a certain amount of time.

Then I reviewed the plan as a whole picture. And I saw that there were some days I'd spend too much time travelling because each places were far from one another. So I revised the activities based on the convenience of travelling that would save time on the road. Now that the activities were well-balanced and the wasting time were cut off, I published the plan for my friends to see if anyone would like to join my journey.

Taking a photo by a film camera

            Nowadays, many people take a photo by using a digital camera or smartphone which are easy ways to take a photo. However, I’ve fell in love with the classic style of taking a photo by film camera. I have many cameras but my favorite one is Lomo LC-A+. The camera doesn’t work until I put a film into it.

            The first step is to brainstorm ideas about what kind of subject I want to take. For example, I want to take a photo of person in day light. I need to decide what type of film to use. It can be used with a 35mm film like Kodak ColorPlus 200 which is the best and cheapest one or Fuji Superia 400 which give beautiful colors.

            Then, I organize the camera, film and other stuffs such as a tripot and a shutter release remote that I want to use. I draft the functions of camera to use it appropriate with each photo that I will take. In addition, I review that I put the film into the camera in the right position and check that the camera is set at the right ISO speed.

            I revise my camera’s program if an environment changes. For example, when I take a photo in the room which has no light enough, I need to reset shutter speed to make photo looks brighter.

            After I finish the whole roll of the film and develop it by a photographic processing. The pictures are shown on the developed film and then I could print them out or scan them to a computer. Finally, I publish  photos from my film camera by sharing them to other people on Facebook page.

The Biggest Loser- How I lost my weight

Last year, I was an unhealthy chubby girl who weighed about 70 kilograms from my party habit. However, this year is different. I have lost 10 kilograms after tweaking my lifestyle. So, I proudly present my weight losing steps through this writing assignment.

First, I brainstormed losing weight tips from my background knowledge and a nice famous clip vdo named “Good Shape Save Cost.”

Then I chose some tips that match my interest and background knowledge in losing weight from the clip and organized these mixed tips into my own losing weight steps. My slim-down steps are preparing my mind, having healthy happy meal and getting fit with a hot trainer in gym.

To draft my new aimed weight, I have to strictly follow with my own losing weight steps.

I weighed my weight  everyday to review the improvement. If I gained weight, my fitness trainer help me revised by forcing me to do some hardcore exercise.

Finally, I’m ready to publish my ideal shape to my friends and fanclubs on my facebook.

:)

Finding a restaurant to have dinner

Food is one of four main things of living. Nowadays all people wish to consume healthy and high quality food. They carefully choose a good place or restaurant to eat. Especially in the evening, people want to be relaxed from their works and find a great restaurant to eat or celebrate. Therefore, we need to know steps of finding a good restaurant to have great food.

First, I brainstorm ideas about what kind of food I would like to eat for dinner: Thai food, Japanese food, Italian food or Korean food. It depends on money and situation at that time. If I have enough money and want to eat salmon sashimi, I will decide to eat at the Japanese restaurant.

Second, I organize list of the restaurants. For example, I want to have lunch at Japanese restaurant. I will list the names of all Japanese restaurants that are located on convenient locations and provide good quality of food.

To draft the restaurant plan, I pick up one of the restaurants I have listed to find supporting reasons and make a decision.

Then, I review the restaurant I chose by searching the information about quality of food, service, location, decoration and reputation. If it lacks one of these factors, I will change my mind.

After that, I revise the restaurant plan by selecting another one of the remaining lists and searching for opinions of reviewers. When the quality of the restaurant reaches my need, I choose it immediately.

Finally, I am ready to publish the restaurant I have chosen. I will post its name, location and the price of food on my friends' group news, and persuade them to join me.  

Planning a trip to Japan

My friends and I plan and arrangement to Japan after we finish English Class. The first step is brainstorming such things as the number of friends that they are going to visit to Japan with me, what city to visit, finding an information about tourist attractions in the city, what hotel to stay while we are staying in the city, and an information about traveling.

Next, we make a reservation of the flight. We need to do it at first because we will get inexpensive tickets if we reserve in advance. I book the hotel on the Internet and estimate all expenses of the trip. These are all the organizing step.

Then, I draft the trip table which there is a schedule of the trip with the expenses. The schedule has date, time and places. In addition, there is time table of traveling such as schedule of buses and trains.

To review the trip table and details by my friends. If there is a mistake on the schedule or expenses, I will revise the trip table. Moreover, my friends can add activities that they would like to do in the trip table.

Finally, I am ready to publish the trip table. My friends and I hope that the trip to Japan is the best trip for us and we look forward to visit to Japan.

BUILDING A NEW PROCESS IN THE CHEMICAL PLANT

BUILDING A NEW PROCESS IN THE CHEMICAL PLANT

According to the growth of chemical products demand, most companies urgently plan to increase their production rates. The only way to increase the rate is to develop a new process that is more efficiency. In order to do that, the project engineer has to follow the instruction carefully. As I used to be a project engineer, I will tell you step by step what I had to do to create a new process.

First, I have a conference with my team and operators, workers, to brainstorm so I will have all necessary opinions from other people in the factory. Opinions from them are noteworthy because operators who work in their specific areas know first-hand what would be helpful for each specific part of the process. After knowing things to do from operators, I always brainstorm and talk with my team in order to share our ideas. As a result, I would have ideas from operators in every functions of the factory and plan from the team to do the next step.

After that, I organize workers, time, tools, new machines, and location that are necessary to install new machines in their appropriate places. After organizing them, everything would be in order and every steps would be in appropriate sequence.

Then I draft my new process by managing workers to carefully install all machines in their appropriate places that I have already designed. I usually manage the project to finish accurately on time. This is the most difficult step because electricity and utility systems in every machines are complicated. Skilled workers are essential to be participating in the installing team.  

After finishing installing all machines, I review the new process by running the whole machines together. I observe every parts of the process and machines in order to make sure there is no failure in my new process. I also check quality of the products that are made from this process to certify the new process.

I revise the process by search for problems. If there was a problem with my new process, I would quickly find the cause of that problem and suddenly fix it. I add some more devices that would help the process to run smoothly.

Lastly, I publish my new process. I present it to the owner of the company and let the factory run it. The new process can provide the company with a large amount of money after running it.