In this blog post, we will reflect on the inner turmoil of humans, who are torn between desire and reason, through the perspectives of Aristotle and Socrates. The dilemma of human desire as seen through Socrates’ debates The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle identified three moral states that humans should avoid: “vices,” “brutishness,” and “akrasia.” Of these, “akrasia” is...
Are we really seeing “objective news”?
In this blog post, we will examine the various concepts of “objectivity” in media reporting, its practical limitations, and the structural issues behind it. Today’s news consumers demand “objectivity” in media reporting. Comments such as “Reporters should be neutral,” “The media is biased,” and “They only report one side of the story” ultimately boil down to the question of how...
Why is Thucydides considered an “exemplary” historian?
In this blog post, we will compare Herodotus and Thucydides and examine why Thucydides is highly regarded as a historian. The Beginnings of Historical Narrative: Differences Between Herodotus and Thucydides We often think of “history” as a simple chronology or list of events that recorded the facts of the past. But what is history? It is not merely an organization of events that happened...
Why did art begin? The origins of art from an evolutionary psychology perspective
In this blog post, we will examine the origins of art from an evolutionary psychology perspective and explore whether art is instinctive or strategic. What is the origin of art? Why do humans paint, sing, and adorn themselves? Evolutionary psychologists explain that art began because it provides selective advantages for reproduction and survival. In other words, art is not simply an...
Can obesity really reduce reproductive function?
In this blog post, we will look at how obesity affects hormone balance and how this changes reproductive function. Reproductive function and the role of hormones Our body’s reproductive function is precisely regulated by the action of various hormones. In both men and women, stimulation from hormones secreted by the hypothalamus causes two types of gonadotropin-releasing hormones to...
Why can electrons not move anywhere in a disordered solid?
In this blog post, we will explore the secrets of conductivity in solids in an easy-to-understand and in-depth manner, focusing on the wave nature and localization of electrons. Solids are one of the most common states of matter around us. However, we do not often have the opportunity to think about how the atoms that make up solids are arranged and how this arrangement affects the...
Why is long-term climate prediction more difficult than short-term prediction?
In this blog post, we will look at the fundamental reasons why long-term climate prediction is difficult, including the influence of the ocean, observation limitations, and chaos theory. Why are long-term climate predictions so difficult? We live in an age where we are sensitive to the weather. Weather information is closely linked to our lives, whether we are planning vacations or events...
What is “uniformity” and why is it so important for product quality?
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at why uniformity is important in the powder mixing process and how it is measured and controlled. What is “uniformity”? To keep product quality consistent, it’s super important to mix raw materials evenly. This is especially true for complex chemical products made from a mix of different powders, where the ratio of each ingredient needs...
Who does the state belong to? – Conditions for democracy based on rights, responsibilities, and trust
In this blog post, we will consider the nature and conditions of democracy through the perspectives of three thinkers who examined the relationship between the state and the people. 18th-century British thinker Edmund Burke became deeply skeptical of the general public while observing the French Revolution. He perceived the general public as an ignorant and uneducated majority and believed...
Under the name of “life,” what should be allowed and what should be prohibited?
In this blog post, we will examine the ethical and social issues surrounding the advancement of life science technologies, such as viruses, cloning, and genetic recombination, and consider what should be allowed and what should be prohibited. You believe you are a survivor of large-scale environmental pollution on Earth, but when you leave the facility where you have been living, you...