Welcome to Literature through the Lens of Brain Science!

Happy New Year!!!!

Re-adjust your thinking caps and consider why thinking about thinking (meta-cognition) is so important. To do so, we will analyze the term "meta-cognition" and interpret a quote, applying it to what we’ve learned so far about our brains and our minds.

First, do you consider yourself primarily a thinking or a feeling person? Discuss with a partner and then watch this video:

YouTube video to be seen off campus.

Based on what you know already about the brain, would you say that Maira Kalman is really emptying her brain when she walks down the street as she claims? She says she is feeling, but isn’t she also thinking about her feelings? This is getting way too complicated, right?

Believe it or not, you’ve been thinking about thinking and feelings throughout this course. In this unit, you will focus in particular on interpreting literature through the critical lens of brain science. In other words, you will be thinking about thinking as it is portrayed in literature.

Thinking about thinking is called metacognition .

Watch this video for a visual definition of this important term.

Another YouTube video to be viewed off campus.

Step 1: There are four open-ended essential questions guiding us through this unit. Think about these questions as you continue to learn more about the mind and brain. The four questions are:

• How does thinking about thinking (meta-cognition) help us better understand ourselves?

• How does understanding the human brain help us gain a better understanding of human nature?

• What is the relationship between thinking and identity?

• How is the human mind different from the animal mind? 

Choose one of the essential questions and answer it as best you can in complete sentences. Remember, there are no wrong answers here. (The only wrong answer is NO answer!)

Step 2: Interpret this quote by philosopher John Locke, say whether you agree or disagree and explain why:

“The understanding, like the eye, whilst it makes us see and perceive all other things, takes no notice of itself: and it requires art and pains to set it at a distance and make it its own object....” 

Step 3: Post your answer to your selected essential question and your interpretation of the John Locke quote on your blog. But, before you submit, share your answers with a partner or your class.

Further Reflection (and extra credit): Philosopher Rene Descartes is famous for saying, “I think, therefore I am.” How do you interpret this quote?