OTF Thinking Thread

This thread is for thoughtful discussion of scientific, philosophical, ethical topics and perhaps more topics such as technology, AI.
 Ask questions, share your ideas, debate or say some facts you may have learnt recently, so such that we can all benefit.

Posts can range from deep questions about the universe to practical thoughts on technology or human behaviour. Curiosity is also welcome; there are not any stupid questions.

While the focus is on science, philosophy, ethics, and tech, someone is free to bring in other intellectually engaging topics.

When making a post be careful to have evidence should someone ask for it: or even better have it on the post already. 

Here are some types arguments that must be avoided here. 

Ad hominem: Attacking the person rather than the argument - "You're too young; you cannot comment.

Ad populum: Appealing to popularity - "Everyone is buying this phone so it must be the best."

Straw man: Twisting the argument so it is easier to attack - “She wants to reduce military spending? She must hate the country.”

Begging the question: Conclusion is the premise - “Lying is wrong because it's immoral to lie.”

Perhaps I can start: What is the state of the education system in general? Bad? Good? Needs work? What should it be like in that case?

The education system is different in different countries. U should specify which country

#3 In general. You can discuss your own country if you want; then other people can and their experiences with education in different countries.

#5 oh ok. Anyways education in india is bad. Tho it's good knowledge and all but ofc, they don't teach what's imp in life

Followed. That said, the thread is a little broad, and a lot of different ideas can be discussed. I look forward to posting here!

We needed this so much.

#9 agreed

The education system in India isn’t all that great. I think it really needs improvement. There are multiple studies where most children couldn’t perform grade level appropriate tasks. The thought that you can be better than 80% of the country without paying attention in classes as long as you’re in a private school is scary. The situation is improving, though.

I can’t speak for the education system of my entire country, but i do like how my school has a no homework policy

but i believe that something should be done to those who are extremely behind on things. I know some ppl who are like that (incredibly low iq) who I’m surprised have moved from grade 4. I believe these ppl should either be tutored or be held back (as long as possible) until their grades are satisfactory. I also believe that passing scores should increase to 90% so as to promote a good work ethic and not the “mema”* type of thinking

*mema is a mentality wherein one does something just for the sake of doing it

derived from Filipino slang “may ma-“

example: memasagot (may masagot/no effort in answering a question

I am in two minds about a no homework policy/a homework for extra credit: it incentivises the homework, making it more appealing but obviously there will be some students who do not do the homework at all and are unable to consolidate learning. In the same way, some students, if struggling, require homework for the same reason, consolidation.

Perhaps a new topic; Do things like recycling and going vegan actually help fight climate change — or do they just make us feel better while big companies keep polluting? Is it futile to even try?

Recycling is an easy thing to do to fight climate change. Veganism is a little more dedication, but also helpful.

I'm not sure why it's even a discussion to ask whether trying to stop a huge problem is 'futile'.

The idea of veganism and recycling is nice; but does it even matter in the bigger picture? Essentially: is it enough given how great the issue is. Also, do we focus on these individual actions too much, and let larger companies "off the hook"? Is personal action distracting from actually holding larger corporations responsible?

animal agriculture produces greenhouse gases like methane which are much worse when contributing to the greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. It also requires lots of land, water, and energy compared to growing plants as food.

When people choose veganism it simply reduces demand for animal agriculture and so lessens the environmental impact.

It's a simple thing to do, and it can at least lessen the effects of man-made climate change. Obviously, using more renewable energy and driving less would be up there as well.

For such a huge problem that needs an urgent solution, there's no reason to at least not try and do your part.