In this blog post, we’ll examine the necessity and limitations of fossil fuels and explore how we can address sustainability and environmental issues. Definition and Overview of Fossil Energy The English word “energy” refers, in physics, to the ability to perform work. Furthermore, since an energy source is required to generate physical energy, the term “energy” is often combined with the...
A 6-Night, 7-Day Trip to Hong Kong and Macau: Recommendations for Tsim Sha Tsui Beach and Discovery Bay
In this blog post, I’d like to share the places that left a lasting impression on me and some of the little stories from my 6-night, 7-day trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Two Days in Macau I arrived at Incheon International Airport with mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety. My worries were short-lived, however; having lost sleep the night before due to the excitement of traveling...
How did Emperor Taizong of Tang—a cold-blooded ruler who killed his own brothers—practice leadership based on active listening?
How did Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin—a cold-blooded ruler who killed his own brothers—become one of history’s greatest rulers? Through the ‘Zhenguan Zhengyao’, we examine how his active listening and leadership influenced the management of his organization. The Power of Active Listening: Emperor Taizong of Tang and the ‘Zhenguan Zhengyao’ What does it take to...
How do shape-memory alloys “remember” their shapes, and how are they used in technology?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the principles and characteristics of shape-memory alloys and introduce examples of their applications, ranging from everyday life to cutting-edge technology. An antenna that folds into a compact size for easy transport but unfolds fully in space; a shirt whose sleeves automatically roll up when it gets hot; glasses that return to their original shape even...
The Concepts and Applications of Recommendation Systems, with a Focus on Collaborative Recommendations
This blog post explains the basic concepts of recommendation systems, focusing on the principles and application examples of collaborative recommendations. Overview of Recommendation Systems and Data Mining You may recall seeing phrases like “Customers who bought this item also bought” on the U.S. online bookstore amazon.com. This is a service that suggests to users while they are...
How Can Academic Disciplines Disconnected from Reality Contribute to Humanity?
In this blog post, we’ll explore how academic disciplines that appear disconnected from reality can contribute to human progress and the accumulation of knowledge. What is the ultimate purpose of academia? The reason scholarship is useful in daily life and the pursuit of it brings joy is that scholarship is, after all, nothing other than the pursuit of truth. Truth and scholarship are not...
A Rebuttal of Chalmers’ Arguments Regarding Magic in ‘The Philosophy of Modern Science’
In this blog post, I will systematically refute, using various examples and theoretical grounds, Chalmers’ claims in ‘The Philosophy of Modern Science’ regarding the absence of well-defined goals and methods in magic, as well as his argument denying the social urgency of magic. The Issue and Fayerabend’s Position Can science be said to be superior to magic? Some argue that it...
Why do individuals become isolated in modern society, and how do organizations oppress them?
In this blog post, I’ll explore the portrayal of isolated individuals in modern society and how organizations oppress them through the play ‘The Trial’. Having lived a life far removed from theater since childhood, I rarely had the opportunity to attend plays, visit art museums, or go to concerts, nor did I have any interest in them. Even as an adult, I knew almost nothing...
Why Do Modern Christians Seek to Prove God’s Existence and Harmonize Reason and Faith?
In this blog post, I will examine, from a philosophical perspective, why modern Christians seek to prove God’s existence and the significance of striving for harmony between reason and faith. For modern Christians, proving God’s existence means more than mere intellectual inquiry. The proof of God’s existence is a question closely tied to the essence of faith, and it plays a crucial role...
How do modern buildings ensure safety and usability while withstanding various loads?
In this blog post, we’ll explore how modern buildings ensure safety and usability by accounting for various loads and structural changes. Buildings are subjected to various types of forces from factors such as the building’s own weight, the weight of its occupants, and the external environment; these are referred to as loads. Every object on Earth is subjected to a vertical force called...