Monthly Archives: December 2014

We must read to preserve our own minds

Posted on December 20, 2014 by sy2m

A powerful quote from a powerful movie, the following comes from Detachment (2011), starring Adrien Brody. I watched this with my family last night. It’s a very shocking and disturbing movie about a substitute teacher dealing with a lot of broken … Continue reading →

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The Fault In Our Stars

Posted on December 19, 2014 by sy2m

Even though sometimes I find reading fiction a waste of time, I think every book that prompts people to think about life and death has some value in it. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is one such book of fiction. From … Continue reading →

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Metacognition: Why should we think about thinking?

Posted on December 16, 2014 by sy2m

Metacognition means thinking about thinking, and is a salient feature of adult-level intelligence, according to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development in children. But, in this age of practicality, one is encouraged to ask: Why think about thinking? What is the benefit of … Continue reading →

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Other thoughts on analogy

Posted on December 14, 2014 by sy2m

Yesterday, I wrote about Douglas Hofstadter’s lecture, Analogy as the Core of Cognition. Here are a few other interesting thoughts I had while listening to the lecture. Why does analogy occur? Everyday, our minds come up with a great quantity of analogies. … Continue reading →

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Analogy as the Core of Cognition

Posted on December 13, 2014 by sy2m

What exactly is going on when you think? In his lecture, Analogy as the Core of Cognition, cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter (DH) suggests that when you think, you are really just making analogies. We all know what an analogy is: comparing one thing … Continue reading →

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I have finally figured out what I want to do with my life

Posted on December 8, 2014 by sy2m

Wow, I can’t believe I just typed that. But, it’s true, alhamdulillah—after 13 years of contemplation, I have finally decided that I want to be a professor of philosophy. More specifically, a Muslim philosopher who also teaches and writes. I came to this … Continue reading →

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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Posted on December 4, 2014 by sy2m

It’s been more than two years since I left this blog alone—this blog, as well as my ambitious plans to continue seeking knowledge after graduating from university. During these years, a lot has happened in my life: I worked, switched jobs, travelled, … Continue reading →

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