Welcome

                                                                                                                    Welcome

Welcome to my blog! I hope that you will find something of interest here. During a rather lengthy period of existence (that means I'm an old man), I have studied with enthusiasm several subjects, including depth psychology, the fine arts, philosophy and religion, as well as my career disciplines of applied math and physics. Here, I want to present a few of the insights that I gained from these interests, hopefully without replicating standard textbook material. I have also included some memories of some of the more interesting events and people that I have encountered; but I labeled them Nostalgia rather than Memories, because I think that sounds more romantic.

In order to navigate this blog you can proceed in either of two ways. First, you can click on the word Labels in the menu to the left, and a list of categories will appear (label = category in Google-speak) in alphabetical order. Alternatively, you can proceed directly to the post following this one, where you will find a list of labels in tabular form. In either case, just click on the category of your choice, and then you can see a list of the posts under that label. But bear in mind that Blogger is set up in such a way that, whenever you bring up any post, the first thing that you will see is a meaningless string of words. In order to see the actual post, you have to click on the words (in blue script) "Read More". The first post under each label should be a table of contents for that label. That will enable you to proceed directly to any title that strikes your fancy, without having to waste a lot of time browsing. If any of the titles strikes your fancy, click on it, and that will bring up the full post.

Under each label, I have tried to keep the posts in a logical order like the chapters in a book – not in a chronological order. So ignore the dates. They are inaccurate and meaningless to the reader. But, to keep the blogs in some semblance of order, I have to assign progressively earlier dates to them.

Now, by way of introduction, I need to insert a few comments about each of the topics. First, the Label Publications is just a kind of extension of my Profile. You certainly will not be interested in reading through that long list of titles; but a quick scan will give you an idea of the kind of research that I conducted, and perhaps some conception of the broad background in math and applied physics required for that kind of work.

There are only a few entries under the Math and Logic label, because the really astoundingly beautiful aspects of mathematics become apparent in its more advanced forms; and therefore they don't have an appropriate position in a blog presented to the general public. Also under this label there is a preliminary argument for the preeminent requirement for logic in any meaningful study.

For several of the entries under the Science category some knowledge of the physical sciences would be helpful, but I don't think it is an absolute requirement. This label includes a somewhat detailed discussion of the scientific aspects of climate change, with the purpose of demonstrating the many factors involved in the subject when one attempts to unearth the truth, as opposed to simply taking pro or con sides in the controversy. I have also written at length about the psychology of innovation and about the importance of distinguishing between applied science and the science of speculation and imagination (model-based reality).

The entries under the Psychology label begin with a few comments on the psychology of human relations, but most of the posts deal with depth psychology (the psychology of the subconscious). The reason I have placed so much emphasis on this subject is that it is necessary to understand what's going on at the subconscious level in order fully to know one's true self. That knowledge, in turn, is the logical starting point for a project of personal-growth. Depth psychology also provides a means (through dream analysis,and other techniques) for acquiring this starting point, as well as guidance along the way. Also included under the Psychology label is the argument for the significant role of the subconscious in scientific research.

Under the Philosophy label I list some of the basic questions that require answers if one is to lead a meaningful life. What is my true nature? What is the meaning of life? Is there a God, and if so what is His nature? What is real, and what is true? There are many published treatments of these topics, but most of them present a personal position and make an argument for it, under the assumption that the absolute impersonal truth is unknowable. Here, we begin with the premise that the answers to these questions exist, and present some results of a search over a wide-ranging list of resources for those answers. The two basic approaches to seeking the answers are the Materialist way and the Idealist way. I try to explain the differences between the two, and include DesCartes's argument for not rejecting the Idealist view.

The Idealist approach leads logically to an examination of Mysticism, which is a separate label. Under this label I try to identify both the potential rewards and the possible dangers inherent in seeking mystical experience. Also included is a number of examples of mystical experiences.

The quest for the truth as defined by the two requirements of logical consistency and viability (that which actually works) links the disciplines of science, psychology, philosophy, and even mysticism.

The label Fine Arts contains some reflections on the arts of music, literature, and painting. Much of the discussion is on the problem of deciding what it is that entitles a work to be labeled “great”, and what causes a work to be enduring.

On a lighter note, the label Nostalgia contains some anecdotes about life in the 1930's, 40's, and 50's, and descriptions of some of the more interesting events and people that were part of my childhood and student days. There are also a few highlights of the phase of transition into adulthood through temporary jobs, graduate studies in math, teaching, and finally leading into research, for which I was largely unprepared. I've also included some descriptions of the changing culture of NASA in terms of research, personalities, and management.

Finally, the AtHome label is the only one that is like many traditional blogs. It consists of comments and anecdotes about daily life in a middle class neighborhood on the Peninsula in the Hampton Roads section of Virginia.

Go to LABEL Contents >LABELS TABLE (augustmars.blogspot.com)


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