Paul Jackson's Research Page

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

2007-10-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

So...is it just shadows cast on the wall? Are HTML pages analogous to the items passed before Plato's fire? What makes meaning? Who makes meaning? What does it all mean? Check out this terrrific link: Web 2.0

Program of Study Approved

2007-09-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today I was notified that my program of study was approved by HMU....now it begins in earnest!

A Doctoral Essay?

2007-09-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

So Chad Redwing and I discussed my capstone project for my Ed. D. I think it is going to be a doctoral essay entitled "Modalities of Learning in a Post-Information Age-A Philosophical Approach"...but that is the first draft title and probably will go through a number of iterations.

Veblen's Theory of the Leisure Class

2007-08-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading Veblen's Theory of the Leisure class and am enjoying it greatly. His suppositions of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous waste are enlightening and quite timely in this age of SUVs during an erstwhile energy crisis. On a most rudimentary level he argues that the more wealth a culture accumulates the more there is a tendency to form a leisure class that is concerned with conspicuous consumption--that is, this class's raison d'etre is to be seen by others as successful by their overt usage and waste of consumables. This class then adds to the bottom line economics by creating an entire cottage industry (that becomes a major industry in time) of wannabes and other like-minded people. Veblen's critics are mostly concerned with his lack of footnotes and feel this work is mostly thoughtful essay rather than scholarly research.

First Course

2007-08-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am about 1/3 of the way through my first course, The Great Discussion, The Cornerstone Course, and I must say that I am even more pleased with my choice of university for my doctorate that I was originally. My beginning studies have proven to be academically rigorous and very rewarding. My conversations and writings with my first mentor, Chad Redwing, are filled with the kind of scholarly investigation and reflection that I excepted and yet there is an underlying excitement of where my studies are headed that have exceeded my expectations. Let us just hope I can feel the same way in the coming months and years!

Notes from 1st Discussion

2007-07-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Chad Redwing and I just completed our first discussion for my studies. One of the main themes that emerged is one of trust--the other is the one of my filter. One the issue of trust we discussed why do I trust Adler et al for their contribution to the list that is the Great Books. My argument is one of...it is a starting place. Perhaps too practical.

We then discussed in detail my filter for my perception of these studies: Science and Love. I have much to think on in the coming days.

I feel we are off to a terrific start!

Enrollment agreement in the mail

2007-06-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I just mailed off the remaining required documents and a tuition payment.

Will post first course information shortly.

Authentic Voices in the Classroom

2007-04-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Last night during our module on the central nervous system, our class discussion on neurotransmitters ultimately led into a brief discourse on the nature versus nurture argument. My astute students were quick to discover that brain chemistry does indeed impact behavior and then surprised to learn that recent research also shows that behavior impacts brain structure and chemistry. I was delighted where our classroom discussion led and was pleased to hear some of my quieter students discovering their "voice" in the classroom.

Research Paradigms

2007-04-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

As I begin to discover the major areas of interest for my research I will use these as my guiding principals: Curiosity, Clarity and Generosity. Curiosity--I will look for connections, correlations and cohesion. Clarity--I will communicate clearly and attempt to uncover obscurities. Generosity--all of my work will be infused with a giving of spirit-in-action. For more on this please see Ken Wilbur's A Brief History of Everything as it informs my current thought on spirit-in-action. As with everything I do, please don't take my use of Mr. Wilbur's ideas as my total belief on this topic--his work on spirit-in-action simply helps inform my thoughts on generosity. I risk alienation of some audience members by his current infamy--however; I believe he has some important thoughts and I will be addressing these throughout my research and work.

It's official.....

2007-04-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Today I was accepted into the Doctor of Education program at Harrison Middleton University. The game is afoot......

HMU Blog idea

2007-04-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this blog is to create a space for collaborative work on my doctorate at HMU.