On April 12th, Assistant Physics Professor Timothy Plett invited Philosophy Professor Dr. Bryan Russell and author Dr. Goldblatt to discuss the latter’s latest book, “I think therefore I am.” Dr. Goldblatt is known for his other works, including “Might as Well be Dead,” which can be found on his website, markgoldblatt.com.
The discussion touched upon epistemology – the study of how humans know and understand things – a topic that is at the core of our current cultural challenges. Plett, who approached the discussion as a layman rather than a philosopher, emphasized that human understanding of the world is shaped by internal beliefs and culture rather than a single defining principle, a concept known as subjectivism.
The professors also explored student engagement in online learning, with Plett sharing an anecdote of a student falling asleep during a Zoom class and Dr. Goldblatt expressing similar concerns about decreased participation in discussions. Both agreed that increased feedback from students would enhance their discussions.
Dr. Goldblatt highlighted the importance of delving into sensitive topics, such as those explored in his book “I feel therefore I am,” which aimed to examine how humans come to know and understand things. However, he faced backlash when one of his interviews was taken down due to accusations of hate speech regarding transgenderism.
Professor Russell emphasized the significance of respecting individuals’ identities and experiences when discussing gender identity and inclusion, citing the idea that people form their identity based on their environment as reflected in both Dr. Goldblatt’s and Professor Plett’s quotes during their conversation.
In conclusion, the discussion between Professor Plett, Professor Russell
