This blog post examines why medieval and Renaissance physicians didn’t question Galen’s physiology. We explore why his theories maintained authority for so long. From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, the absolute authority in physiology resided with Claudius Galenus, who synthesized Greek medicine around the 2nd century. According to Claudius Galenus, venous blood is...
Why did political parties shift from mass parties to cartel parties?
This blog post examines the historical and social background behind the transition of political parties from mass parties to cartel parties, identifying the key factors driving this change and its impact on representative democracy. A prominent perspective explaining the role of parties in representative democracy is the theory of responsible party government. According to this theory...
Why has the internet become a space where people hurt and attack each other?
This blog post examines the destruction of communication brought about by changes in internet culture, anonymity, and the distortion of community spirit. Recently, harmful internet cultures have begun to emerge. Among them, the most controversial and persistent issue is so-called ‘malicious comments’. The comment function, intended for expressing one’s thoughts on online posts, was...
Why can’t the human body fully regenerate, and could animal testing be the solution?
This blog post explores why the human body cannot fully regenerate and whether animal testing holds potential to overcome these limitations. Humans cannot restore severed fingers or noses lost in accidents to their original form. Such physical loss is not merely cosmetic; it leads to functional impairment, causing significant inconvenience in daily life. Furthermore, this loss often...
Why should philosophy of science be offered as a required liberal arts course for STEM students?
This blog post delves deeply into why philosophy of science serves as an essential academic foundation for STEM students, going beyond mere liberal arts education. The philosophy of science is extremely important. It addresses the discovery and articulation of critical questions, clear thinking and expression, argumentation, and persuasion. This not only provides an essential foundation...
Why Am I the Only One Who’s Unlucky? Murphy’s Law and Our Misconceptions
In this blog post, we explore why we feel like we’re the only ones experiencing bad luck, examining Murphy’s Law and the psychological misconceptions hidden within it. Murphy’s Law On days when I leave later than usual, the shuttle bus line is always much longer than expected. Not only do I wait forever for the shuttle, but the doors often close right in front of me. I...
Why should we participate fairly in group assignments?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the free-rider problem that arises in university group assignments and discuss potential solutions. It’s the day before the group project presentation, but the presentation script requested from the group members, along with the PowerPoint materials, are nowhere to be found. There are four members in total, including the protagonist, but no one...
Why do we keep chasing and waiting even when we know we can’t get what we want?
In this blog post, I explore why we keep chasing and waiting for something even when we know we can’t get what we want in life. I’ve had some reflections during my ordinary daily life. This summer vacation was a time when I could really think a lot. Nothing special happened, but I felt a lot within those ordinary days. I’ll write down some of the thoughts that come to...
Why should we learn more about the Ice Bucket Challenge and ALS?
In this blog post, we explore the meaning beyond the simple campaign and the reality of ALS that we should all consider together. “Whoosh~, Ugh! It’s freezing!” Recently, videos of people dumping ice water on themselves have been frequently appearing on Facebook and YouTube. This ice-dousing relay, called the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge,’ is spreading widely as many celebrities and friends...
Why should we give up momentary gains and live by community norms?
In this blog post, we explore why living by community norms ultimately benefits individuals in the long term, using group activities and everyday examples. Throughout life, we constantly face crossroads of choice. Sometimes we make the most advantageous choice for ourselves regardless of others; other times, we make a conscientious choice even if it means personal loss. So, is there a...