SHAPE Shorts Podcast

"Can you pass the salt?" You've probably never thought about the different levels of that question. Taken literally, does your arm have the physical ability to pick up a salt shaker and hand it to someone? Then throw in inflection and social situations and that simple question could be taken many different ways.

Our special guest Dr. Alexis Wellwood is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Linguistics at the University of Southern California. She is a linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and author of The Meaning of *More*, with Oxford University Press. Today she's sharing her work in USC's Meaning Lab and her connections between children's and adults' understanding of the meaning of words and thoughts. Not only that, but we also dive into the literal and pragmatic meaning of phrases!

Find Alexis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/awellwood

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In this episode, Tony is joined by his good friend, Gary Collins. Together they dive into several topics of interest, from affordable housing to architecture throughout history. Gary talks about his journey into architecture and reveals how he ended up in this profession.

He explains the significance of mentors in his career and discusses architectural design specifically in Southern California. Tony and Gary explore how architecture has remained an intriguing profession throughout history, from the awe-inspiring pyramids to the innovative water pressure systems in Rome.

They then shift their focus to Germany, the Bauhaus movement's influence on modernism, and the gap it filled in public taste. Gary provides insights into the characteristics of the Bauhaus movement, such as clean, simple lines and the use of modern materials, including its impact on art deco and Cubism. The symbiotic relationship between art and architecture is one that cannot be ignored, tune in to learn more!

* Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

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In this episode, Tony and Stew delve into the origins of scientific reasoning, tracing it back to the Greeks. They explore the systematic approach of the scientific method, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning in today's world.

Tony and Stew discuss the nuanced use of the term "proof" in science, highlighting its departure from absolute certainty. They delve into the significance of rigorous experimentation and empirical evidence, which contribute to a high degree of confidence in scientific conclusions.

The hosts shift gears to examine motion and acceleration, contemplating the interconnectedness of natural laws and their impact on our understanding of the universe. They engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the dynamic nature of the scientific method, its continuous review, and the logical consequences derived from formal structures. Through it all, Tony and Stew celebrate how the scientific method has transformed our perception of the world, encouraging curiosity, evidence-based reasoning, and the willingness to challenge established beliefs.

* Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

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In this episode of SHAPE Shorts, hosts Tony and Stew delve into the world of logic and science. They clarify common misunderstandings surrounding logic and its connection to language. It's so important to understand informal fallacies, the burden of proof, and the role they play in determining the truth or falsity of a statement.

Tony and Stew explore various fallacies, such as the appeal to force, appeal to the man, argument from ignorance, argument to pity, and appeal to ad-populum. They showcase how these fallacies can shape public opinion and lead to faulty reasoning. Additionally, they caution against relying on misplaced authority and false cause arguments, highlighting examples like the lucky nickel fallacy and begging the question.

The hosts also discuss the challenges of complex and amphibole questions, cautioning against including multiple questions in one, as it can lead to confusion. They stress the importance of staying on topic and avoiding irrelevant conclusions. Furthermore, Tony and Stew touch upon the significance of logic in legal education and its foundational role in constructing and understanding arguments.

*Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

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In this episode, we dive into the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT, based on last week's episode. We discuss our personal perspectives and examine the potential implications of this new technology. Additionally, we explore Google's response to the question surrounding quantum computing, shedding light on this rapidly advancing field.

We also tackle the complexities surrounding ethical decision-making. We examine the challenges and problems that arise when attempting to navigate the ethical implications of AI systems and technology as a whole. Another topic we address is the distinction between training and educating. We discuss whether there is a clear differentiation between these two processes and dive into the nuances of each.

*Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

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In this episode, hosts Tony and Stew embark on a captivating exploration of the concepts of good and evil with ChatGPT. They delve into the works of philosophers Plato and Aristotle, questioning whether these esteemed thinkers addressed the nature of good and evil. Through their perspectives, Tony and Stew shed light on the foundations of moral understanding.

Tony and ChatGPT then delve into the intricate relationship between good, evil, and human well-being. They ponder the connection between ethics and personal flourishing, examining how our understanding of good and evil shapes our pursuit of a meaningful life. Through engaging discussions, they provoke thought on the profound implications of these concepts for individual and societal development.

Continuing their exploration, they delve into the distinctions between education and training. They unpack the unique characteristics of each and consider their respective impacts on personal growth and societal progress. Additionally, Tony and ChatGPT analyze the religious and theological differences between Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas, emphasizing the divergent perspectives on morality and ethics.

*Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

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Today Tony and Stew are joined by special guest Charles Barr. In this episode, they explore vocational work education, the importance of a computer background in the automotive industry, and the significance of interdisciplinary design.

The trio discusses the practicality of vocational work education, emphasizing its value in developing job-specific skills and preparing individuals for the workforce through hands-on learning. They then delve into the automotive industry, highlighting the need for a computer background due to the complexity of modern cars. Proficiency in computer systems and programming is crucial for effective diagnosis and repair, making continuous learning essential to keep up with technological advancements.

Lastly, they emphasize the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach. By incorporating diverse perspectives from different fields, collaboration becomes a catalyst for innovation and effective solutions to complex challenges.

*Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

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In this episode, Tony and Stew discuss Michael Faraday's groundbreaking work with the electric motor and the connection between electricity and magnetism that was so important to him. They also share an anecdote about Faraday's famous demonstrations that captivated audiences and helped to popularize the field.

As they reflect on the many ways in which electricity and magnetism have transformed our world, Tony and Stew contemplate the role of curiosity in driving creativity and scientific inquiry. They note that science is an active field with fluidity and nuance, and that curiosity is essential to pushing boundaries and unlocking new discoveries.

Finally, they ponder a question that is both timeless and timely: how can we be any good in a world that is full of evil? They grapple with the complexities of this philosophical quandary, ultimately concluding that by cultivating curiosity and a commitment to learning, we can all strive to make the world a better place.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:05] Michael Faraday and the electric motor.

[3:05] The connection between electricity and magnetism was important to Faraday.

[5:45] An anecdotal story about Faraday’s demonstrations.

[8:10] The universe has given us the ability to utilize electricity and magnetism in a way that has been extremely beneficial to us.

[10:20] What got him interested in electromagnetism?

[12:05] Science is active with fluidity.

[14:10] The importance of curiosity in creativity.

[16:00] When I taught philosophy, students had no interest in math or science, so I taught them how to generate curiosity.

[18:20] How can we be any good in a world that is full of evil?

*Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

*Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

In this episode, Tony and Stewart discuss the topic of mass extinctions and their impact on life on Earth. They bring up the current belief that the planet is going through a sixth mass extinction and emphasize the importance of understanding the severity of such an event. A 50% extinction event is far easier to recover from than a 90% event, and past extinctions have provided insights into how life has recovered in the past.

The hosts also touch on the idea of interconnectedness in nature and how the loss of one species can lead to the extinction of others that depend on it. They question how many species are interconnected and how predicting extinctions can be difficult without knowledge of the background.

The conversation turns to the human brain and its role in survival. Tony and Stew discuss how complicated the brain is and how it may not necessarily be an advantage for survival. Life on Earth is complex and predicting and understanding extinction events is even more challenging. Tune in for top insights!

*Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

*Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

Today Tony and Stew have a very special guest, Adair Margo, the leader in the creation of the Tom Lea Institute. When Tony went to the recent HERA (Humanities Education Research Association) conference in El Paso, Adair gave a remarkable talk about an artist he hadn't heard of, Tom Lea. So Tony and Stew are so pleased to have Adair Margo here to talk about the life and art of Tom Lea.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:00] Introducing Adair Margo and Tom Lea.

[2:50] Tom Lea's background as a muralist.

[6:45] Tom Lea’s World War 2 drawings.

[15:00] What about New Mexico? What about the trail?

[17:30] Tom Lea’s centennial.

[24:50] Did Lea ever make it to Arizona? Did he have anything to do with Tucson?

* Find out more about Tom Lea and the Institute: https://www.tomlea.com/about-us

* Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

* Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!