We value logic. We value reason. We tend to think logic is universal and convincing to all. If someone is not convinced by our logic, he should be stupid.
But is that really correct?
In mathematics, logic is used in a formulated manner. A-B-C should be connected, and all should accept 1+1=2, then 1+2=3.
In real life, you choose your "logic", however. It happens so often that your logic is correct, but their logic is also correct. Confused?
Let's say you choose a car. There are factors that affect your choice. Price, safety rating, color, brand, model, design, horse power, functions, trunk space, seat number, nationality, fuel economy, availability, ....you name it.
A guy choose a red fast car because it's a chick magnet. Another guy choose a plain car because of the price and dependability. Both are valid and logical choices. We choose priority, use logic, and look for most agreeable car.
There are deal breakers. But they vary according to the person, just like priority varies. The person defines his priority and deal breaker.
This is an example of "choice dictates logic". We choose our priority or deal breaker, then use "logic" to justify it. This process can be horribly biased.
Realistically, choice is not made by a single factor. We put weights on our priorities to make final choice. Let's say I have a newborn. I am looking for safety. It is a very logical choice of a factor. But, I also want a car with a large trunk space. If I pick a 4-star safety rating car instead of a 5-star, because 5-star cars do not meet my other priority (trunk space, for this example), so what? Do I get blamed or called stupid because I am recklessly endangering the baby? Of course not. It's a package deal, and what you prioritize may be different from what I prioritize.
Religious reasoning is quite similar to the example above. They believe first, then justify it with a "logic". It is hard to break out the "logic" once you make a choice and commitment. Once you have your logic and reasoning, they can become so natural and comfortable to you, and you can lose sight of any other ways. You may not even realize that they have their logic and reasoning. That's when things get messy.
When you are dealing with nature, or something that you can test, things are more clear-cut.
I am experimental scientist. I work on subjects that we can perform experiments for. Not all scientific research fields (or life issues) allow you to do this. Through research, we do make choice and make hypothesis, which is an equivalent of temporarily believing something. We 'rationalize", meaning that we present existing evidence that are supposedly enough to convince (most) people that the hypothesis may be correct. But as an experimental scientist, we test the working hypothesis with experiment. And surprise! Our hypothesis can be wrong! We repeat experiments and we still don't get the data that support or match our hypothesis. Ugh.
"I did all the research and rationalization (=reasoning). The hypothesis (=my working belief) looked correct. How could it turn out wrong? " But we got to accept the data, accept the fact that our hypothesis is wrong, and start modifying the hypothesis to better explain the data. This can be very humbling.
In that sense, experimental science systematically humbles you. It will make you a "better person" with humility (haha). This should be a required course in all schools, even including religious schools, don't you think?
May 30, 2012
May 24, 2012
Life: Apartment search
We are planning to move to a place closer to my wife's school in Norman, Oklahoma, a college town 20 miles south of Oklahoma City. My commute time would not be affected much, so it will not be a problem.
We just started our search. We are asking our friends for suggestions and advice (thank you guys, you are so helpful and kind), and prioritizing what we want and not. It's time to prove that the time I watched HGTV was not a waste.
Come to think of it, I have lived in my current apartment for almost 10 years. I thought it would be shorter. I was single and was originally expecting to move to another city in 3-5 years, so that renting was my choice; buying and selling a house just seemed too much of unnecessary trouble. And lucky I escaped the housing bubble burst unscathed.
This time we will go renting again. I don't think a house is necessary until we really settle in and expand family.
Excluding short stays, current apartment is my 9th residence in my life. I am hoping the 10th one is a good one.
We just started our search. We are asking our friends for suggestions and advice (thank you guys, you are so helpful and kind), and prioritizing what we want and not. It's time to prove that the time I watched HGTV was not a waste.
Come to think of it, I have lived in my current apartment for almost 10 years. I thought it would be shorter. I was single and was originally expecting to move to another city in 3-5 years, so that renting was my choice; buying and selling a house just seemed too much of unnecessary trouble. And lucky I escaped the housing bubble burst unscathed.
This time we will go renting again. I don't think a house is necessary until we really settle in and expand family.
Excluding short stays, current apartment is my 9th residence in my life. I am hoping the 10th one is a good one.
May 16, 2012
Science: Press release, LinkedIn
In parties and in casual conversations, I have been asked about what I do for living.
I usually keep my explanation short. We are not in the academic setting explaining all the big ideas for a long time.
After the "what I do" conversation, what they understand is probably something like "He does medical research at a University and it's something about colon cancer".
It's not far off. Actually, it's a pretty good understanding.
We published a paper on February 2012, and our PR office made an introduction article out of it. They released the article on 5/14/2012 Monday. Here is the link.
http://www.ouhsc.edu/news/templates/?a=658&z=36
Press release/public relations are a quite different business from what we do. All the details (that we care about and to which we pour our professional expertise) are gone. Basic bare bone communication. The questions are; what we did, why it was important, and what is the practical/useful application of the work.
Actually, when we make a plan for future research (or writing a grant), we need to do this; thinking about the press release. Otherwise, it is easy to get lost in details. Like painters stepping away to see the big picture, we do need to state the big question.
Both the big picture and the details are important. But only the big picture for press release.
In a course of scientific writing/presentation training, we learn the concept of "funneling". Start from the big picture, and narrow down the question to investigate details, so that what we actually do (specific and detailed work) can be traced back to the big question. When a student skips this funneling, he is likely to lose a majority of his audience.
Sure. The press release article seems very simplified from our standpoint. But it is good for readers. And I am glad the PR office helped us out nicely for the article release.
Yesterday I was setting up my LinkedIn account. Profile is uploaded, but it needs more work. Let's see how it goes.
I usually keep my explanation short. We are not in the academic setting explaining all the big ideas for a long time.
After the "what I do" conversation, what they understand is probably something like "He does medical research at a University and it's something about colon cancer".
It's not far off. Actually, it's a pretty good understanding.
We published a paper on February 2012, and our PR office made an introduction article out of it. They released the article on 5/14/2012 Monday. Here is the link.
http://www.ouhsc.edu/news/templates/?a=658&z=36
Press release/public relations are a quite different business from what we do. All the details (that we care about and to which we pour our professional expertise) are gone. Basic bare bone communication. The questions are; what we did, why it was important, and what is the practical/useful application of the work.
Actually, when we make a plan for future research (or writing a grant), we need to do this; thinking about the press release. Otherwise, it is easy to get lost in details. Like painters stepping away to see the big picture, we do need to state the big question.
Both the big picture and the details are important. But only the big picture for press release.
In a course of scientific writing/presentation training, we learn the concept of "funneling". Start from the big picture, and narrow down the question to investigate details, so that what we actually do (specific and detailed work) can be traced back to the big question. When a student skips this funneling, he is likely to lose a majority of his audience.
Sure. The press release article seems very simplified from our standpoint. But it is good for readers. And I am glad the PR office helped us out nicely for the article release.
Yesterday I was setting up my LinkedIn account. Profile is uploaded, but it needs more work. Let's see how it goes.
May 14, 2012
Life: Why College, why school?
I had some opportunities with my friends to discuss why college or higher education is important (or not).
As a "middle class dream", many people want to go to college or graduate school, or want to send their kids to college. However, as the tuition and cost go up, college has become a big ticket item that needs justification, unfortunately. The days may be over when you can just assume you can go to college or back to school, even if you are good at class academically.
Don't get me wrong. I am all for higher education. I have PhD myself. I do believe more people should get higher education and be able to make good use of it. However, I do understand counter arguments.
Let's say there is a friend considering to go to college (or take higher education). I'd suggest the person to do due diligence.
(i) Answer why you want to go to school
(ii) Check what the school offers
(iii) Check the price tag
(iv) Have a goal, or at least a direction
(v) Prepare yourself
(i) Answer why you want to go to school
There are many ways to justify college and higher school :College-grads likely make more money over lifetime, and college degree is an investment. A degree can be a label you put on yourself, and people do judge you by your label. Education and a degree can better prepare you for job market. Education itself can provide benefits. They may be able to set a bound mind free. If the school is skill-oriented, you can learn many skills immediately usable. You have been interested in a particular subject and want to study more. In school you'll meet people, fellow students and faculties, who may be able to help you out and help you to go where you want.
These are true. But these are all external reasons. I say, you have to come up with your own reason. The reason can be one of the above, but it has to be yours. Otherwise, schooling may not be a right choice for you at this moment. Higher education is a privilege. You go for it or you don't.
If you choose school is not for you at this time, what else do you want? It's another important question.
(ii) Check what the school offers
You are the buyer. You need to have a sense for what you are buying. As an investment, it's on you if you make a poor choice.
(iii) Check the price tag
This has become increasingly relevant. In this capitalism world, you need to check the price tag of what you want to buy. If you have plenty of money, fine. But most people don't, or not that much. Depending on how much you have, and the price tag, you need to modify your options. Or, you need to seek ways to get what you want.
This is an easy homework, because you can see your plans in terms of money. If you see education as an investment, you need to calculate your return. If you are planning on taking out $90k loans to get a job that pays $35k annually, it's a bad planning and you may need to think twice.
(iv) Have a goal, or at least a direction
Related to (i), you would want to have a sense of direction or a goal if you want to be efficient. Most people need to join work force and compete in job market. You can be more competitive with a better planning.
(v) Prepare yourself
Once you figure out (i)-(iv), you can work toward it. If you decide to go for higher education, you'd want to be prepared rather than unprepared. Once you are in college or graduate program, you'll be busy. Preparation is something you do before the event.
Peter Drucker (famous theorist and thinker for business and management) wrote that the society has become a knowledge society, education will become the center of the knowledge society and schooling its key institution. His argument may be from a standpoint of management. His standpoint may assume us as a part of workforce and the value as a worker. You may not like it, but I think it's a valid view.
Apart from above, if we don't manage what we do and learn, who will? Going for higher education implies that you are no longer a child; you are with your free will to exercise. Probably it's a good idea to grow over an attitude to do what you are told to do. Obviously, I don't really think free will is a bad thing as some religious people believe.
College and graduate school are a form of education that can give you a degree and a diploma, something tangible. Equally (or more) important thing in life is your attitude to seek education and improvements. Statistics also tell us that with or without a degree, ambitious and motivated people make more money.
So, please do your homework and make your decisions, my friend.
On Saturday i-dance studio (OKC) was doing a showcase, with a wide variety of performances (Salsa, Argentine Tango, Bolero, swing, waltz, cha cha, hip hop, contemporary etc). It was very enjoyable to watch. I love it. We might do it next time.
As a "middle class dream", many people want to go to college or graduate school, or want to send their kids to college. However, as the tuition and cost go up, college has become a big ticket item that needs justification, unfortunately. The days may be over when you can just assume you can go to college or back to school, even if you are good at class academically.
Don't get me wrong. I am all for higher education. I have PhD myself. I do believe more people should get higher education and be able to make good use of it. However, I do understand counter arguments.
Let's say there is a friend considering to go to college (or take higher education). I'd suggest the person to do due diligence.
(i) Answer why you want to go to school
(ii) Check what the school offers
(iii) Check the price tag
(iv) Have a goal, or at least a direction
(v) Prepare yourself
(i) Answer why you want to go to school
There are many ways to justify college and higher school :College-grads likely make more money over lifetime, and college degree is an investment. A degree can be a label you put on yourself, and people do judge you by your label. Education and a degree can better prepare you for job market. Education itself can provide benefits. They may be able to set a bound mind free. If the school is skill-oriented, you can learn many skills immediately usable. You have been interested in a particular subject and want to study more. In school you'll meet people, fellow students and faculties, who may be able to help you out and help you to go where you want.
These are true. But these are all external reasons. I say, you have to come up with your own reason. The reason can be one of the above, but it has to be yours. Otherwise, schooling may not be a right choice for you at this moment. Higher education is a privilege. You go for it or you don't.
If you choose school is not for you at this time, what else do you want? It's another important question.
(ii) Check what the school offers
You are the buyer. You need to have a sense for what you are buying. As an investment, it's on you if you make a poor choice.
(iii) Check the price tag
This has become increasingly relevant. In this capitalism world, you need to check the price tag of what you want to buy. If you have plenty of money, fine. But most people don't, or not that much. Depending on how much you have, and the price tag, you need to modify your options. Or, you need to seek ways to get what you want.
This is an easy homework, because you can see your plans in terms of money. If you see education as an investment, you need to calculate your return. If you are planning on taking out $90k loans to get a job that pays $35k annually, it's a bad planning and you may need to think twice.
(iv) Have a goal, or at least a direction
Related to (i), you would want to have a sense of direction or a goal if you want to be efficient. Most people need to join work force and compete in job market. You can be more competitive with a better planning.
(v) Prepare yourself
Once you figure out (i)-(iv), you can work toward it. If you decide to go for higher education, you'd want to be prepared rather than unprepared. Once you are in college or graduate program, you'll be busy. Preparation is something you do before the event.
Peter Drucker (famous theorist and thinker for business and management) wrote that the society has become a knowledge society, education will become the center of the knowledge society and schooling its key institution. His argument may be from a standpoint of management. His standpoint may assume us as a part of workforce and the value as a worker. You may not like it, but I think it's a valid view.
Apart from above, if we don't manage what we do and learn, who will? Going for higher education implies that you are no longer a child; you are with your free will to exercise. Probably it's a good idea to grow over an attitude to do what you are told to do. Obviously, I don't really think free will is a bad thing as some religious people believe.
College and graduate school are a form of education that can give you a degree and a diploma, something tangible. Equally (or more) important thing in life is your attitude to seek education and improvements. Statistics also tell us that with or without a degree, ambitious and motivated people make more money.
So, please do your homework and make your decisions, my friend.
On Saturday i-dance studio (OKC) was doing a showcase, with a wide variety of performances (Salsa, Argentine Tango, Bolero, swing, waltz, cha cha, hip hop, contemporary etc). It was very enjoyable to watch. I love it. We might do it next time.
May 7, 2012
Dance: How big or small do you want to dance Tango?
The answer is, it mostly depends on your environment, then on you. "Mind your surroundings", the character who trained the Batman (played by Liam Neeson) said in the movie Batman Begins.
Last Saturday we drove to Tulsa for a couple of milongas (Argentine Tango Party).
The first one was at Casa Tango, a house milonga with alternative/nuevo music. And the second one was at Allstar dance studio, a larger ballroom dance studio and with an assortment of Argentine Tango music.
The environments were different. And the ways we could dance were also different.
In a smaller or crowded dance space, there is a particular dance style and styling. The dance is more likely danced in close embrace, and the lead-follow is subtle. The lead is mostly through chest. That kind of Tango is not necessarily for shows in a big stage. It's more about enjoying closeness, music and the feel. Or the moment. Pattern-wise, you do not have to have too many. A flash of little Boleo actually can look quite big in that kind of dance. Simple and nice would be my first goal, especially with a new partner. I'd make sure she can do her stuff comfortably.
Come to think of it, I would imagine these lady's Tango shoes may be specifically designed to add some interest for such dance. A black shoe might look plain at first, but a flash of its red sole is a nice surprise, like these tropical butterflies flash a glitter of their wings.
In the ballroom studio, we had a bigger space. We could use high boleos, leg swings and even some lifts. This type of dance is closer to Ballroom dance. The chests are separate and the lead is more by axis control.
In one day, we enjoyed entirely different two types of Argentine Tango.
Note that not everyone dance in many different ways. Everyone has preference, one way or another. It's not a matter of good or bad. But I still suggest Argentine Tango dancers to be able to dance reasonably small. "Close, subtle and intimate" represent an essence of social Argentine Tango.
In these days we are experimenting what we call Tai-chi Tango. Sloooow it down and be nice. Try it. It feels great.
Last Saturday we drove to Tulsa for a couple of milongas (Argentine Tango Party).
The first one was at Casa Tango, a house milonga with alternative/nuevo music. And the second one was at Allstar dance studio, a larger ballroom dance studio and with an assortment of Argentine Tango music.
The environments were different. And the ways we could dance were also different.
In a smaller or crowded dance space, there is a particular dance style and styling. The dance is more likely danced in close embrace, and the lead-follow is subtle. The lead is mostly through chest. That kind of Tango is not necessarily for shows in a big stage. It's more about enjoying closeness, music and the feel. Or the moment. Pattern-wise, you do not have to have too many. A flash of little Boleo actually can look quite big in that kind of dance. Simple and nice would be my first goal, especially with a new partner. I'd make sure she can do her stuff comfortably.
Come to think of it, I would imagine these lady's Tango shoes may be specifically designed to add some interest for such dance. A black shoe might look plain at first, but a flash of its red sole is a nice surprise, like these tropical butterflies flash a glitter of their wings.
In the ballroom studio, we had a bigger space. We could use high boleos, leg swings and even some lifts. This type of dance is closer to Ballroom dance. The chests are separate and the lead is more by axis control.
In one day, we enjoyed entirely different two types of Argentine Tango.
Note that not everyone dance in many different ways. Everyone has preference, one way or another. It's not a matter of good or bad. But I still suggest Argentine Tango dancers to be able to dance reasonably small. "Close, subtle and intimate" represent an essence of social Argentine Tango.
In these days we are experimenting what we call Tai-chi Tango. Sloooow it down and be nice. Try it. It feels great.
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