Spacial Reconstruction of post-universe collapse: difficulties with extrapolating lost data

Given the collapse of the current universe, is it possible to begin reconstruction based on phantom/ghosting variables?

Deviant Religion

At what point does a division of religion become a seperate entity? Can a deviant form of a major religion eclipse the original form?
ZC

The Institute of Divine Reason

And so it begins. The great champion rises from the ashes! How did we ever live without the TIDR? Yet now that it exists, no one can imagine living without it. Professor E. told me last week that the greatest thing about the Institude was the diversity of its collegues. I say its the rising of Truth over the darkness. The desert wind howls even now, and the 'bots continue their digging. It should be several days before XAR III reaches the first cavern.

Alice in Wonderland the core component of a new religion?

It came to me late last night: the problem with current religions is there outdated mode of thinking. Yet what if we took the passion of Christ with the genius of Carol? The diversity and depth of Carol's work is enough to create a new dynamic in society. I will be speaking with Professor E. next week. We have a paper to go over, and I am contemplating wether to bring up the conept to him. If anyone has any suggestions or comments, let me know.
ZC

Day 1

Dear considerate public,
It is with gratitude that I begin these series of conversations with you. Having lived so long within the confines of my dark hovel, the light of the public is a glorious thing! In this vien I begin in earnest. Today began like all days, with little in the way of excitement. I spent the morning continuing a dreadfully time consuming painting of my home. Having lived in a house of late 1970's vintage, the paint did the interior of the house a great injustice. With a great furvor I attacked the challenge of painting its rooms on Saturday. This intense energy departed from my being sometime in the early morning of the next day. Quickly I collapsed onto by bed, worn fromt he day's work. As I look back at the ordeal, I find that I may have taken on a challenge more worthy of someone of larger frame. Yet I continue to be dilligent, and am encouraged by the results of the one finished room. Other ordeals, such as a string of Christmas lights tangled worse than any strand of neglected barbed wire, leads me to the point of insanity. I hold on still, though, with the continuing conversations I hold with all of you. Good day and good night, good public!
ZC

(Soc.)Promoting fertility control in USA

Zachary C.

Sociology
To: Professor G.
September 28

CT 3
Chapter 5, Question 3

Q. Consider the social effects of population measures such as the one child policy in China. How would such measures affect social institutions like the family and the economy? If the need arouse, do you think that the citizens of the United States could even support such a drastic policy?

Birth rates:
In the past, society has tried to curb populations through different types of contraceptives. Utilizing condoms and practicing abstinence has helped decrease the birth rate. Yet some religions prohibit the use of contraceptives. Although considered a moral issue, this proved disastrous during the mid 1900's, when young women would seek out private abortions. Most alarming where the abortions performed by the pregnant women themselves. One ethic dilemma produced another, with the youth of a culture making their decisions based not on their own beliefs, but on that of their parents.
As that generation of society grew older, and had children of their own, a new set of values began to emerge. With their own personal history as a base for their beliefs, the new parenting class desired active schooling regarding sexuality. Yet here we see a fracture in America's society. One group believes that it is better to educate their children, avoiding the pitfalls they themselves encountered. Another, holding on to those religious values of their parents, want their children to be kept innocent and untainted, holding on to the belief that their children’s religious upbringing will guide them through adolescence. Recent history has shown us that even in predominantly religious communities, a large group of the adolescent population are sexually active. In the past the use of condoms was considered wrong. Now, many efforts have been made not only to educate the population, but also to provide the contraceptives themselves to people.
Abortion has followed a similar path. Considered morally abhorrent, abortion is unacceptable to many, religious or not. Not until recently, especially will the advent of the women's movement, has abortion become somewhat acceptable. Even now, thirty years after Roe Vs. Wade, American society is divided over the issue of abortion.
The solution to the problem of population control, at least in the framework of birth rates, depends on the mind set of society. Does it take a catastrophe to encourage a society to curb increases in childbirth? The situation in Africa provides a good example. Even now, with a population exploding out of control, there is not enough effort in slowing down the population growth. Can American society, with it's overzealous obsession with an individual's rights, lay down it's selfishness for the good of society as a whole?
Death rates:
Although disease, exposure to the elements, and hard labor can increase the death rate, increasing these aspects is not a practical nor a acceptable means of controlling the death rate. Some would debate that any type of action to promote the increase of the death rate is unthinkable. Yet it is the normal course of nature to insert life and to remove life in a cyclic system. Taking one end of the equation creates an imbalance which, as we have read, leads to disastrous consequences.
As the world has progressed scientifically many religious arguments have disappeared. Many, like abortion, remain staunchly defended. One of those arguments is against euthanasia. Euthanasia, the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition*, is also fiercely debated in public and legal settings. The arguments are similar to abortion. The religious argument is that life should never be terminated by human hands. The argument by the proponents, often the sick themselves, is that although they had no choice in their birth, they should have a choice in their death. One credible argument against euthanasia is that some terminally ill patients may be taken advantage of by family members seeking their inheritance. Euthanasia also concerns those who are brain dead or paralyzed. Since these people will never become whole members of society, and experience no major stimulus or life in the traditional sense, it would be better to end their life.
Migration:
The concepts above can be applied to all of global society, yet to an individual society, emigration can ease the burden of an overpopulated society. As has happened in Europe during their imperialistic stages, emigration provides relief, if only for a short time. This requires empty land and significant resources wherever the emigrant immigrate too. In the global society, this does little good. This is merely rearrangement, not reduction.
Effects:
With education and a change in society's view of contraceptives, population control is well within the reach of developed nations. Even without abortion, technology and social programs provide the means to stifle the increasing imbalance between births and deaths. Communications, if used for more than entertainment and socializing, can educate the ignorant, help the forgetful and in general instill the duties of those in society to prevent overpopulation. A limited family group must learn to socialize outside of its family group. In today's society, where the communities have degenerated, this could be a means of rebirth. With the world becoming dominated by machines, a stable population could both service, operate and be served by machines without the stresses on the economy, environment and population that we are feeling currently.
A less than certain future lies with euthanasia. Although a proactive means of balancing the population, since lowering the birth rate helps little if the population continues to live for increasingly longer periods of time, it's detractors are many in society. The moral considerations are held by a large percentage of society, regardless of religious affiliation. A society where euthanasia is implemented might experience two opposing conditions. One where a member of a family recognizes that his life has wound to an end, and that it might be better to "exit stage left" rather than withering away for many more years. A member of a family may become less selfish, realizing that his or her sacrifice benefits his family, and society. The other condition is that of healthy members of society who begin pressuring the less than adequate to remove themselves from the world. Eventually, euthanasia could lead to involuntary death.
America and the One Child Concept:
The Chinese solution to overpopulation, limiting families to one child, has several problems being implemented in the USA. As mentioned before, America's fervor over an individual's rights must be addressed. Since politicians would be introducing the policy, they would have to walk on egg shells to not offend the populous. A possible solution might be to introduce a one child restriction as a ballot measure. Doing this would give citizens a chance to warm up to the idea. Add graphs and animations, with tax incentives, and the concept would quickly become mainstream. After the policy was implemented, the government would quickly find ways to advance other causes through the one child per family measure. America, with it's propensity to tax everything, would eventually start to allow families to have extra children, but they would be taxed more than those families with one child.
In regards to solutions for global population control, it would be difficult to create a standard for a world currently fractured along religious, social, and national boundaries. As recent events have shown, any actions taken by one political entity are distrusted by others. With a wide consensus by many nations, it might be possible to implement a population policy under the guise of "humanitarian assistance".

*The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

(Soc.)Nature of religion

Zachary C.

Sociology
Professor G.
September 14

CT 2
Chapter 3, Question 2

Ways religion divides:

Alienation:
Religion is naturally divisive since it often creates two groups of people: us and them. Once this occurs, people who where once familiar now become alien. People now exist within a new social network. The social ties before are no longer seen as important. In certain religions, it is a main priority of the group to proselytize. Religon can alienate our friends by aggressively trying to change their worldview to match ours. Even tough this is often attempt to "save a person's soul," it can cause rifts between families and friends. Where once a commonality of beliefs existed, the perceptions of reality are now far from each other. Many religions also tries to insulate those within their groups from outside influences, creating a special club cattering to member's need for acceptance and familiarity. Those in the group have made themselves superior to others.
Inflexibility:
Although division between religious groups in the USA may seem great, it is much less than those divisions in other countries. There are much fewer attacks by one group against another. Religious groups realize that they have a great responsibility in supporting and nurturing a largely secular society. It would be unwise for them to show a bad face to the public by showing any animosity towards others.
The nature of religious confrontation in the USA has moved from aggression to apologetics, where competent scholars (apologists) of the individual religions verbally spar in the litarary or vocal realm. This is a parallel to the progress the USA has made intellectually and scientifically. Unlike in other countries, which try to force fundamentalism, the USA realizes that creative thought can be applied to religious concepts. Apologists believe their religions to be true, and will not compromise on their beliefs, but are willing to take the time to understand another group's beliefs, and try to explain their own beliefs to others. Yet for all the communication, only three results typically happen: denial, acceptance or confusion.Rarely does a person accomodate an aspect of another religion while still maintaining that person's original faith. Often because it is impossible to do so. Instead, they convert to that other religion and distain the religion of their past, finding it untasteful and inferior. In educated countries, many people have given up any attempts at religious certainty.
In other countries, the idea of religious acceptance is a much harder issue to resolve. As an example, the conflict between Catholics and Protestants within Ireland has reached a point of ingrained hostility. Just as the wars between communists and capatalists seemed unending, so does this religious parallel. Fortunately, time often fades predjudices. There is hope for many religions to eventually coincide and work together.
Certain religions have ideologies which are completely inflexible. In Christianity, Christ is the only way to heaven. In Islam, Christ is merely a wise man. The Koran is the only way to heaven. This is an unreconcilable issue for both religions. The issue is more complicated, but simply stated: some religions can not evolve or mutate while remaining true to its core beliefs. To assimilate another religion would dilute that religion, creating an altogether seperate belief system.
Ways religion unites:
Inclusion:
In a culture devoid of secular fulfillment, religion provides the main source of personal satisfaction within many people's lives. The churches that are built help create a social network. Friendships and maritial relationships are formed as a result of this setting. A diverse community finds a common denominator in which to built their social network. In an overly competitive capitalistic country, the unconditional love of other people is a great psychological healer.
The weekly meetings of many religions provides a basis for social involvement. When a community desires to help repair the homes of the poor, there is no problem contacting the community. The problem is presented to the congregation. Participation and financial support (an offering) is asked for, then the group goes out and does what is needed.
Religion also provides a moral compass. Any uncertainty can be addressed. There is typically a spiritual leader, or a support group to rely on. Unlike many of those who live without religious involvement, people are not singular beings in a large uncaring world. Life can be explained and purpose given. In a country which values material weath, the concept of spiritual wealth over material posession provides solace for those who are not wealthy, and fulfillment for those unsatisfied with the wealth they have.
How to create unity without conversion or sacrifices
Often times leaders of different denominations realize that their differences must be set aside for the greater good. This can be seen during war time, when whole cultures unify towards a common threat. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Yet this is a temporary alliance, a means to an end, not true unity at all.
There are religions which will never peacefully coincide with other religions and beliefs. A group who's fundamental beliefs are diametrically opposed to basic human rights can not merge with a global society based on these very concepts. Insular and militant particularistic religions, by their vary natures, will have the hardest time integrating into a peaceful global society.
For many religions, such as Buddhism, unity is created by glossing over the unreconcilable differences. Singularities are subdued, Christ becomes a kind figure. Each group finds peace in its own way. Religions which have a common ground, such as human rights, can utilize this as a bridge between their conflicting beliefs. If there is a limit to aggressive proselytising among the different religious groups, then a trust can be formed. This trust is a basis for true unity. Since many religions are based on the desire for contentment and happiness, it is no wonder that many religious leaders meet to solve global problems.
Consideration is a concept which is very evident among those within a particular religious group. Yet consideration is not shown to those outside of many religious groups. An individual's perception of reality is not a constant. Adulthood, parenthood, traumatic events, all these things affect a person's view of reality.This is similar to filters that can be added to a camera. Some religions are like polarizers; they help clarify reality. Other religions are like color or starburst filters; reality has changed into something completely different, however pretty it may seem. When religious values become central to a person's belief system, the world is seen much differently. For unity to succeed, societies must come to realize that what they believe is reality is merely a perception of reality. The world may be completely different than we think. Just as the world before Kepler thought the universe to revolve around the earth, so even now we must be aware that the world may not be the way we think it is.
A greater global society may form out of the inclusion of religions which benefit the goals of that society. The religions of the world which seek to control and manipulate the weak can not exist in this context. Hateful tendencies and egocentric belief systems are detrimental to the creation of a greater society, and will continue to undermind the efforts of those who strive to create a just and unbiased world.

(Soc.)Reality

Zachary C.
Sociology
Professor G.
August 24

CT 1 -1

The social construction of reality is one of the key concepts in sociology. Potentially, there are as many "realities" as there are groups to construct them. Does this mean that there are no common features in the constructed reality? If commonality does occur, what is its source? Is there any "reality" besides those realities we socially construct?
Although there are many areas where humans overlap in their perceptions of the physical world, no society truly shares the same reality, although it appears that way. In America, this is often proved when members of a left or right political party think about moving to the center. When religious groups fracture into denominations. Even members of a pastor’s congregation do not always agree with they are taught, yet remain within that societal construct. Apparent unification comes by utilizing the same language. With only a given set of words, there can only be a given set of concepts spoken. Apparent commonality derives itself from the lack of truth unexpressed through language.
Telepathy would shatter our current social groups, people now knowing that their beliefs are truly different than everyone else, and that we are all aliens to each other.
At the root of any social construction of reality is the physical/chemical makeup of an individual’s brain. Despite receiving similar education and parenting, children develop into adults with remarkably diverse opinions of what occurs around them. From intense paranoia to gullible acceptance, an individual reaches adulthood with opinions and beliefs unforeseeable. An individual manages to construct a belief system out of thoughts communicated through language and also with some internal logic system. Although each individual perceives the physical world differently, there is a "range" that groups occupy.
This mixture of commonality and diversity still manages to produce an apparent cohesive group, supported through the inadequacy of language. Although, "Fire is hot and can burn," some societal groups have convinced themselves (and others) that fire is not hot and does not burn. The reasoning behind this is often metaphysical or in the belief that an unseen exterior force is at work.
When any group assembles, there are rarely two people who agree on what "truth" is. Where we can see commonality across different societies is when there is only one major source of information. For example, in a country with only one news outlet, that society will believe along a certain point of view. The "range" may have narrowed, but the value systems of each individual still varies.
When we see what appears to be a social consciousness is when similar beliefs come near each other. This can be from friends and family, or the education system we are raised in. The different realities we find throughout our society are not false, but merely humanity’s flawed system that has been created in an attempt to find order out of a complex world.

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IDR test post:
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