MotG Wk 1: Discussion "Where Would We Be Without...?"

[Dwynwen]

What if DaVinci had never been born? Would advances in technology and medicine have been delayed? Where would we be today?

 

--Most things would probably just be delayed. Some things might turn out less well than if DaVinci designed them. A few things probably would not be invented, and we'd miss out. Mostly, though, the world would miss out by not having his genius and contributions, especially the art world.

[Dwynwen]

Socrates

(c. 469 BC – 399 BC)

 

Considered by many to be the father of Western philosophy, Socrates is responsible for contributions to the fields of ethics, logic, pedagogy (e.g. the Socratic method), and others. Since he never wrote his ideas down, we have learned them through the writings of his most famous student, Plato.

 

Questions for Day 4:

1.) Have you ever been in a class where the Socratic method was used? If so, was it a helpful learning method for you?

 

2.) Have you taken philosophy classes before? If so, how did you like them?

 

3.) We know of Socrates' ideas through the writings of his student, Plato. How would you feel if the only record of your ideas came from the lecture notes of your students?

[Ledinna Sedai]

What if DaVinci had never been born? Would advances in technology and medicine have been delayed? Where would we be today?

 

I also think they've just been delayed, although some things wouldn't have turned out the same as he thought. There would've probably been somebody else getting the same ideas a little later, even though I don't think the all those skills would've been on the same person then. But I think Da Vinci made the world easier and more enjoyable for us who came after him.

 

 

Questions for Day 4:

1.) Have you ever been in a class where the Socratic method was used? If so, was it a helpful learning method for you?

 

I know what it is, but haven't been in a class that it was used. I think it would be really interesting, though.

 

2.) Have you taken philosophy classes before? If so, how did you like them?

 

Although I've read about philosophy (i.e Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder), I actually haven't taken a class yet. They'll start next year, so I'm eagerly waiting for that.

 

3.) We know of Socrates' ideas through the writings of his student, Plato. How would you feel if the only record of your ideas came from the lecture notes of your students?'

 

It feels weird, and to be honest, it also would make me a little jealous. I would also be worried because nobody could ask their questions straight from me, and they maybe wouldn't get what I really meant.

On the other hand it would make me glad to know, that those my ideas were passed forward. And it would prove that my students really listened to me, and that would feel good too ;)

[Leala]

What if DaVinci had never been born? Would advances in technology and medicine have been delayed? Where would we be today?

 

Ah, DaVinci. A fascinating artist. He truly defined the term 'Renaissance Man'. Anyway.

 

If he had never been born, I probably would have written my high school paper on Michelangelo! lol No, but seriously. I tend to agree with everyone else. Technology would have happened...just a bit slower without him. We might be a little behind where we are now, but I don't think we would have noticed...in an alternate Earth, was there another incredibly mad genius that sparked an even bigger leap in technology and medicine?

 

Okay, I'm going to stop now.

[Leala]

1.) Have you ever been in a class where the Socratic method was used? If so, was it a helpful learning method for you?

 

Yes, I have. But not 100%. I try to use it in my own classes too. It is helpful. Instead of feeding the information to students, it forces them to find the knowledge in their own minds and prepares them for tests and such. It's not exactly fool-proof, but nothing is.

 

2.) Have you taken philosophy classes before? If so, how did you like them?

 

Yes. I have taken an introduction to philosophy class, and one in ethics. The introduction to philosophy went right over my head. It might have been because it was a night class, and I was a freshman, though. The Ethics class was taken toward the end of my under-grad journey, and I took away a lot more from it than the other. The difference in teachers may have also been a factor, now that I think about it. But another is that I had simply grown in those four years it took to get from freshman to senior.

 

3.) We know of Socrates' ideas through the writings of his student, Plato. How would you feel if the only record of your ideas came from the lecture notes of your students?

 

I think...that would be the epitome of what a teacher wants. For their students to take away something from their class that they want to share with the world. Something that completely blows their mind. Even when my students come back to me and tell me that they recently used something they learned in class, that makes me proud. If I had a student like Plato...I think I would start bawling.

[Red2111]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

 

2006. Bubba introduced me to the series as i introduced him to HP. we made an exchange, he'd read HP if i agreed to read WoT; i'm glad i decided to keep my word, even thogu i started with the Pre-quel and didn't find the book all that interesting

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters?

 

the diversity of them and how each has both a great side and flaws as well.

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

 

i was originally part of an HP community. i saw Bubba surfing the "book discussion" section of DM one day and decided to join, as my HP commuity had dispersed after teh release of tDH's and i was looking for a new internet home

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

 

honestly, DM. without the WoT, Jason woudl have never started up this great site. with out this great site, i likely woudln't have discovered Sanderson, or even read half the other books i have due to reader recomendations. also without DM, i wouldn't have a group of great people on here i consider to be my friends nor would i know how to play Mafia.

 

another is that unlike LotR's (which i could never get into due to the dryness) WoT has given me a branching off series to move from young adult fantasy liturature to adult fantasy and broaden the authors i read

 

 

1.) The phonograph was the first device able to reproduce recorded sound. Imagine what your life would be like without the ability to listen to recorded music. What would that be like for you?

 

depressing. Music was and still is my escape and the main way i channel away negative feelings. heck, if it wasn't for music, i'd even have a hard time gettign to sleep at night, as i need either the radio/music playing or TV on to help destract my otherwise buisy mind

 

2.) Although other inventors tried to design motion picture cameras, Edison's model was the first that actually worked. How has this invention impacted your life?

 

it's given me enjoyment and pleasure.

 

3.) As an experiment, try going for an entire day without using light bulbs. Were you able to do it? How long did it take before you started going crazy and wanted to just flip on a light?

 

i didn't do this experiment, but i'd say i could probably go until dark.

 

 

What if DaVinci had never been born?

 

well then my fav ninja turtle would have a different name *sulks* and history would be missing some of it's best art work imo

 

Would advances in technology and medicine have been delayed?

 

yes, they woudl have been delayed but imo eventually someone else would have invendte dthe same things (just a bit differently)

 

Where would we be today?

 

not as advanced technologically, both in medicine and mechanical. we'd also be missing many great works of art, not only from DaVinci himself but from artists who got inspiration from him.

 

he also had alot to do with the science movement in the 1500's when the Church was killing scientist and labeling them as Herotics. if not for DaVincis involvement both in the Church and in this movement then alot of the methods and laws we take for granted today may have not survived the Churchs idocacy

 

 

1.) Have you ever been in a class where the Socratic method was used? If so, was it a helpful learning method for you?

 

no or if it was, we were never told the proper name for it

 

2.) Have you taken philosophy classes before? If so, how did you like them?

 

nope. but i imagine (given how much i like to think on the "what if" and discuss 'out of the box' type things) that i'd enjoy it

 

 

3.) We know of Socrates' ideas through the writings of his student, Plato. How would you feel if the only record of your ideas came from the lecture notes of your students?

 

wouldnt' like it at all. as then my ideas woudl be warped by his interpretation of my ideas (of whcih could honestly be totaly backwards) as well as whether ot not he liked me *nods*

[Guest]

Questions for Day 4:

1.) Have you ever been in a class where the Socratic method was used? If so, was it a helpful learning method for you?

Yes I have, and no it was not really helpful. Maybe it was just the nature of my peers that made it not work, but it was just a loud debate with unintelligent people making assertions and arguments that did not make any sense and interrupting or shouting down others who did not agree and the instructor had to step in a lot to make it focused for a little while. Haha, I seriously just walked out of the room if it did not get civil, it was so frustrating!

 

2.) Have you taken philosophy classes before? If so, how did you like them?

Oh yes I took an introductory course to philosophy because I love thinking about the nature of the universe, and it was the best! The instructor absolutely loved me because I was one of the only three people who put my opinion out on the work we read and thoroughly enjoyed everything we discussed. I still have the course anthology and I like reading through it now and then.

 

3.) We know of Socrates' ideas through the writings of his student, Plato. How would you feel if the only record of your ideas came from the lecture notes of your students?

I would NOT like it! I mean, no one knows my ideas as coherently and precisely as I do. Unless said-student is a mind-reader, he is bound to not get my philosophies quite right or would even add things to them I did not express to fit his own ideas - which of course is still a debate among philosophers, of how much is actually Socrates' philosophy and how much Plato added or changed.

[Ithillian Turambar]

I am so late ... It is getting to the point where a certain person beats me to everything, all the time.

 

Ok. Enough procrastinating. I will have to multipost cos I can't multiquote - I'm really sorry in advance for that.

 

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel? Hmmm it was a long time ago - I would have been in my early twenties I think.

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters? I liked the idea of ordinary people from a village somewhere being caught up in extraordinary things. I remember being a bit doubtful to start with because Moiraine's horse on the cover was ridiculously small, and the first few chapters were a little hard to get into - but once I was past that I was away.

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

 

I had become a mum of two boys after a very long time waiting. I had got so involved with all of that, that I had forgotten about all the normal stuff I used to like. I didn't even get ToM straight away when it came out. I actually got the Ebook version for Mother's day - along with the time to read it. I think it took me about 6 hours ish and I remembered how much I loved it. I joined DM to see when the next book would be out, posted a couple of questions on the general discussion forums - got hello'd and snarled at by a few folks and joined the WT.

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

 

Some things that have occured are simply amazing. I have made some excellent friends and have been able to find creative talents I never knew I had - that is the DM part. The books have added to my greater understanding of the real world and its people and places.

[Ithillian Turambar]

Questions for Day 2:

 

1.) The phonograph was the first device able to reproduce recorded sound. Imagine what your life would be like without the ability to listen to recorded music. What would that be like for you?

 

I actually wouldn't be affected by this at all. I don't listen to music. I don't have an ipod or an mp3 player - although I'm pretty sure my phone can do it. I wouldn't know where to start with downloading music. Sometimes I listen to the radio. I think the problem is my job revolves around listening and listening all day long. Listening to people on the phone, listening to call recordings. When I finish work I just enjoy having silence - the absence of sound is what relaxes me.

 

2.) Although other inventors tried to design motion picture cameras, Edison's model was the first that actually worked. How has this invention impacted your life?

 

Ahh the Camera. This is a different matter entirely. Again my phone is my tool here, but I have always loved taking photos and capturing memories in one form or another. When I used to have a REAL camera I would get the printed pictures and make photo albums. My son now loves looking through all of these with me and seeing all the things I did when I was younger. Nowadays my pictures of the things I do go onto FB. Usually the boys and their adventures. You won't find any pictures of me on there really.

 

3.) As an experiment, try going for an entire day without using light bulbs. Were you able to do it? How long did it take before you started going crazy and wanted to just flip on a light?

 

Can't be done. We are in the middle of a probably 40 days and nights of rain and general miserable weather. My living room also faces north so is in shadow for most of the day. The light is on or I would be constantly tripping over the myriad amounts of small plastic items that end up scattered across our living room floor - and treading on a lego when you are not wearing shoes can really hurt.

[Charis alAslan]

Day 5!

 

Isaac Newton

(25 December 1642 – 20 March 1727)

 

He was an English physicist,mathematician,astronomer,natural philosopher,alchemist,and theologian,who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."

 

No questions this day. Simply click on his name to read more about Newton and discuss his imprint in history.

[ElusiveAthena]

I love Isaac Newton. I think he was the single most important scientist so far in history.

 

His greatest achievements were not in merely his "discoveries" but in his definitions. The concept of gravity is pretty intuitive, but Newton was the first to define its laws, and his work on celestial mechanics was revolutionary to our current understanding of the universe and our place within it. The Laws of motion exist - are "universal truths" in a sense - but although they govern everything we do, Newton was the first to observe and define them. What would science be, without the Laws of Motion? There would be no space travel - but most likely there would be no flight at all... And Calculus! What a brilliant discovery/invention! Using Calculus is so important to life today - in almost every sector - from engineering, to statistics, to business... But not content with that, he also formulated the general form of binomial theorem. And the reflecting telescope! So many advances in physics and mathematics are based upon the fundamentals of Newton's discoveries and definitions.

 

Newton's most famous line is of having "stood on the shoulders of giants", but today, Newton is the giant upon which almost all of modern physics and mathematics stands.

[ElusiveAthena]

Oh - and something relevant (and funny):

 

[Basel Gill]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

 

Christmastime 2008, when I was visiting relatives and stopped in the local independent bookstore in the village they live in.

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters?

 

The epic nature of the storyline, along with the recommendations from people I knew that were aware I had been taking an interest in fantasy literature.

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

 

I wanted to find people who shared my interest in the series, and the links from the WoT encyclopedia site made it look welcoming and fun.

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

 

Introducing me to a wider circle of friends, and helping me to connect to the fan community of SF&F, which I haven't really participated much in till I joined DM.

[Dwynwen]

Last, but not least, we have a woman for Day 6!

 

J.K. Rowling

(born 31 July 1965)

 

She not only wrote the beloved Harry Potter books, but also inspired a generation of younger readers to start reading for fun. Rowling is not only a literary great, but is someone who shows that women are perfectly capable of achieving great things.

 

Questions for Day 6:

 

1.) What impact has the Harry Potter series had on your lives?

 

2.) Why do you think there are fewer female "greats" throughout history than male "greats"?

[Elgee]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

 

I honestly cannot remember. It must be at least 15 years ago, but it seems I've always been reading them ... lol

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters?

 

Firstly, the writing style drew me in. I'm not educated enough in the matter to say what exactly about it does that, but there are a few writers who write so compellingly that you get drawn in whether you want to or not. A few others who spring to mind are CJ Cherryh, David Weber, JK Rowling and yes ... I'm going to upset a number of people, but also Stephenie Meyer. She might have the Vampire fans and the feminists in hysterics, and not have much of a clue about basic physiology (how DO you move if you're basically made of twinkling marble??), but she can write compellingly.

 

Aaanyhoo ... it took me a long time to figure out exactly WHY RJ's world has drawn me in like it has, but it finally hit me the other day. It's his magic system - it's logical and practical. None of that impossible casual handwaving (grrr Brandon!) or brewing potions or magic words. This adheres to the principals of physics. (Well it used to, before the latest books.)

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

 

I wasn't going to. I was idly bored at work one day and whilst checking up at Tor for news on the series, saw a link to a WoT discussion forum. I was hooked enough on the WoT by then to follow the link and landed here. After a while I noticed that there were other sections to this place - something called Orgs and Divs. I was vaguely aware that there were people out there in the world who "did stuff like that". 'nuff said.

 

I think what pushed me into dipping a toe in was the fact that there wasn't a single person in meatspace that I could discuss the series with. Now normally this wouldn't be a problem for me - I don't talk to people on a "personal" level. However, my addiction had grown to the point where I found that *gasp* I actually WANTED that interaction with others!

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

 

He opened a whole new world to me. Not only in his books, but in my own personality and belief in what I could or couldn't do. If not for him, I'd never have joined here and made the friends I have. I'd not have grown as a person and started believing in my own capabilities. I'd also not have developed the little bit of tolerance that I have ... lol

[Rasheta Ardashir]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

I was about sixteen, I have a lot of trouble sleeping and this time I just couldn't sleep. So I went downstairs and grabbed the biggest novel I could find. Eye of the world, then I ramboed through all the books that were out at the time, which was up to nine I believe. I read the entire series in two weeks. Or the first nine.

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters?

I liked the style of writing, it reminded me very much of Tolkien who I just adore, so I started that way. Then I liked Rand, I know he got whinny for a bit, anyway I liked the struggle that Rand had to go through, is still going through, say what you like about him but what he's going through is a bit of a struggle. To have to have the kind of burden he has I wouldn't want it. He's still sane, more or less, and still trying to do the right thing. I really liked that.

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

Well I took awhile to get to DM because I had a fear of large sites full of people I didn't know. I'm not super outgoing, I know no one will believe me, but seriously not. So it took till a knew a bunch of other people from DM to get me on DM. But why I went to my first WoT related site is because I liked the books so much I wanted to be a part of them somehow. I like writing as an Aes Sedai on the Rp side. I like creating my own stories within that world. The whole world is so complex and fun I just needed to be a part of it.

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

The friends i've made.

[Gudrean]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

 

I picked up my first WoT novel (tEotW) in 1992, when I was working at a Waldenbooks store here in Charleston. Jim was scheduled to attend a booksigning at our store, and I thought it may be a good idea to get familiar with his books before the signing. At the time, I was already a fantasy buff but hadn't ever read any of Jim's stuff. Needless to say, I read the whole thing in about 18 hours and haven't looked back. And the best part was, I got to spend about 5 hours with Jim and Harriet during the signing and pick his brain.

 

On a side note, this was before huge book chains like Barnes & Nobles. Since this was one of the only book chains in Charleston, my store was Jim's regular bookstore, so I got to see and speak to him about once every other month for almost two years.

 

Hello my fellow South Carolinian, I am so happy for you to have met "Robert Jordan" Jim, and am kinda jealous hehe, what an honor, I just wish we would have lived here while he was still living =( but at least I got to enjoy his amazing world and will forever be changed by it =) What was he like to talk candidly to?

[Gudrean]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

Unbelievably, only a year or so ago....I had never heard of it till I met my husband, and it took him years to get me to try it out.

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters?

The characters have such rich details and personalities and his style of writing drew me in because it gets you so involved that you feel like you are one of the gang. I missed the chars like they were RL friends when I was away from it.

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

I just couldn't get enough of this world and was searching for more resources to fill my need for more Rand Land and was hoping to find a movie or series on tv in the works...

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

I will forever be in love with the world and ideas he has created here because it gives me an opportunity to experience an adventure greater than anything in my RL now and maybe ever!!!!

[Gudrean]

1.) The phonograph was the first device able to reproduce recorded sound. Imagine what your life would be like without the ability to listen to recorded music. What would that be like for you?

 

Music is so much more than entertainment to me, its always been a way of life, every moment has a song and my life has a non ending soundtrack, so my light would shine a bit less without music!

 

2.) Although other inventors tried to design motion picture cameras, Edison's model was the first that actually worked. How has this invention impacted your life?

 

Movies are also very important in my life because they take me on journeys that add to my imagination pool and give me such inspirations to use in RL.

 

3.) As an experiment, try going for an entire day without using light bulbs. Were you able to do it? How long did it take before you started going crazy and wanted to just flip on a light?

I could go w/o light bulbs for as long as needed because we have an enormous amount of candles, but to go without light itself would be hard after a few days, because I like seeing details which get lost in the shadows and darkness.

[Charis alAslan]

Good to have you jump in, Gudrean!

[Daruya]

1.) The phonograph was the first device able to reproduce recorded sound. Imagine what your life would be like without the ability to listen to recorded music. What would that be like for you?

 

Well, we'd still have music. We'd still be able to sing and play musical instruments but all of our music would be live, not recorded. Even without recorded music, my life would still have music in it. It might not be as "rich" but I'd still have music!

 

2.) Although other inventors tried to design motion picture cameras, Edison's model was the first that actually worked. How has this invention impacted your life?

 

Well, it led to movies and television shows and recorded (now live) newscasts. The advances made allows us to be up-to-date on current events and provides us with loads of entertainment. Huge impact.

 

3.) As an experiment, try going for an entire day without using light bulbs. Were you able to do it? How long did it take before you started going crazy and wanted to just flip on a light?

 

Been there, done that. Hurricane Opal, Hurrican Ike . . . and that's just to name a couple. With Opal, we had no power for at least a few days. We did our cooking on a Coleman camping stove. Of course, we did have flashlights and they use bulbs . . . but we did tried to extend the batteries as much as possible so we had a kerosene lamp we used after the storm was over. So I can live without lightbulbs but it gets old real quick!

[Gudrean]

Thx Charis, I've been so busy the last two months with our move that I havent posted much. But now I hope to get back into stuffs =)

[Charis alAslan]

Thx Charis, I've been so busy the last two months with our move that I havent posted much. But now I hope to get back into stuffs =)

 

Ah, you should come on over to the White Ajah and talk to Rhea in our Snow Leopard Lounge. She's on the move right now, too. It's so time-consuming!

[Ryrin]

1. When did you pick up your first WoT novel?

 

About a year ago and I read them all in less than a year.

 

2. What attracted you to the plot or characters?

 

I loved the setting, the countries, etc. I loved the good vs evil, channeling, warders, sword fighting, the fact that women held positions of power and respect, that men were gentlemen (mostly) and the fact that there was a goal in mind.

 

3. Why did you choose to go beyond just reading the book to now participating in Dragonmount.com?

 

I wanted to find people who were as crazy about Rand Land as I am and would understand the obsession.

 

4. What do you think is Robert Jordan's lasting imprint on your life?

 

The characters in his book. The most influential characters for me are Moiraine and Siuan. They dedicated their whole lives selflessly to a cause.... the coolness and courage of Moiraine, the way Siuan commanded respect as the Amyrlin and both risking all, even after Siuan was deposed. I also enjoyed the village life in Two Rivers.

 

I think I would have really enjoyed living in Robert Jordan's land and he has given me books (that can be re-read) and friends.