[Robert]

Some of you are no doubt wondering when and what the next monthly theme will be. November's theme, Universe Expansion, was more of a trial run, but I thought it was successful so would like to continue the monthly theme idea next year beginning in January. I'd like to use December to improve the processes and build up the infrastructure a bit more to better support the monthly themes.

I'll have the award software installed and configured this week and I'll hand out awards to the top 3 scorers in the Quiz. I'll be updating the topmost menu for the website and be sure to include links to the quiz and the monthly theme forums. A forum re-organization is also in the offering for December and I have some other ideas as well.

Please use this thread to post your ideas on how we can make the monthly theme idea even better. Thanks to all who participated.

--Robert

[Profpat]

That sounds good Robert.

I'll be gone the last week of December and the first week of January on my winter vacation. I imagine other members will be busy too with the holidays.
A month break sounds just what the doctor ordered.

Best to all,

Pat

[purveyor of knowledge]

Here's an idea Robert. For the next Monthly theme it should be, "what is energy?"

Specifically we should adress the question, is energy a phenomenon or a substance? With new data coming in from the cosmos, should we reconsider the immutability of the laws of thermodynamics, or keep it as is? If we reconsider perhaps it will open up new possibilities for the utilization of energy. Afterall, it has always been my contention that the distance to the nearest star is the greatest principle argument against the laws of thermo. If we keep the laws of thermo as is, how are we going to account for the apparent creation of energy as witnessed by the ever increasing expansion of the cosmos?

Does the laws of thermodynamics limit what we can discover about energy, or does it correctly outline it's limitations? Do we really know what energy is, or do we need to be open minded to the possibility that energy is much more enigmatic and unaccountable then we have previously thought?

Thirdly we should wonder, what is the base unit of energy?. What is it's purest form? And what is its relationship to consciousness?

Also, could a redefining of our mathematics system lead to a better understanding of energy? SHould the one undivided value remain undefined or should it be looked at as a possible definition for that which we do not fully understand, but perhaps are just beginning to?

[purveyor of knowledge]

so do we have a monthly theme yet Robert? I don't want to miss the exam

[Graybeard]

Originally Posted by purveyor of knowledge so do we have a monthly theme yet Robert? I don't want to miss the exam

POK .... Tis HERE (But you will have to do your homework because this time I am going to get the medal ... LOL)

[Profpat]

Hi POK;

Both January and February theme is on consciousness, it's posted on the home page.

Pat

PS Good luck Greg

[Graybeard]

Thanks Pat .... I'll need it as its not exactly my forte ... LOL

greg

[Robert]

The next monthly theme is consciousness. I have moved the Philosophy of Mind forum to Fundamental Phenomena category and renamed it consciousness. I got a bit of a late start plus there's a lot of ground to cover so I'll let this one run about 6 weeks. We finish with a chat and final exam like last time. I'll post an official announcement over the weekend and send out an email notification.

So, what is consciousness (don't respond here please)? Is it a link to the other side where our over-soul resides? Or is it a by-product of the brain. Our inner thoughts, feelings, personalities; are these attributes of our conscious mind? Where is our consciousness? Is it inside our brain or part of our mind that distinct from the brain. Lots of questions. Lots of areas we can go with this one. Let's have some fun and see what new ideas we can explore.

For further information and discussion, see the Consciousness Homepage. I'll be adding to the page as the theme advances. Be sure to check the 'Latest News' tab for upcoming events or updates to the page.

--Robert

[mkirkpatrick]

Thanks Robert,will be reporting for duty shortly?



regards michael.