Friday, February 2, 2018
Preach Walt!
Read the following poem. Then, complete the tasks written below.
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer
BY WALT WHITMAN
When I heard the learn’d astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.
Write a poem in free verse on a subject of your choice.
Which discipline better presents and captures the mystery and awe of the universe: science or poetry.
What was Walt Whitman's attitude toward science?
Give Three Possible Paper Topics As Well.
Give Three Possible Paper Topics As Well.
ReplyDeletePoem
When I changed the channel to CNN,
A sight to see, there was.
No fair and balanced coverage beheld,
I quickly turned away.
To the “fair and balanced” Fox News, I turned,
Here my thoughts and beliefs confirmed,
Yet there seemed to be something present -- everywhere --
That made my stomach churn.
But what could it be?
A political divide, it was,
No “real” news reported,
Only political agendas advanced,
And the press, diminished.
It’s such a disgrace,
What will we do,
If truth is abhorred,
And falsehoods revered?
Science vs. Poetry
Upon assessing this question of which discipline, poetry or science, best captures the “mystery of the universe,” a wide range of thoughts crossed my mind. I questioned how one could choose one discipline over the other, as one could say that an almost symbiotic relationship exists between these two fields: science presents the facts in a rather formal way that allows a reader to gain knowledge about a scientific issue, and poetry puts these facts into a whole new spectrum that really permits for a reader to ponder over the mystery of the universe and look at it from a new perspective. Yet, despite this relationship, the latter part of the previous statement answered the question perfectly: poetry better presents and captures the mystery and awe of the universe.
The discipline of poetry is one that allows for much introspection. Many, when thinking about the universe, naturally ponder over the stars in the sky, the grass on the ground, and the leaves on the trees -- nature. Though in vastly different ways, both science and poetry cover this aspect of the universe to bring us a deeper level of understanding and value to it; however, poetry expresses this idea in a way that allows for readers to contemplate not only the physical universe; it allows for the contemplation of something deeper, of something more meaningful -- the emotional and spiritual universe.
Many would cast aside this idea as absurd, due to a lack of tangibility and confirmation, yet as a faith-filled people and students of both science and logic, we are aware that this is just the opposite. As a faith-filled people, we are aware that there is so much more to life than what can be seen or heard. As students of science and logic, we are aware that much of science is based on theory; theories are based on observations and repeated experiments, and therefore, can and have been refuted. This would mean, then, that science is not always based on deductive reasoning, and cannot always be considered superior to other disciplines, in this case poetry, when discussing matters of the universe. Poetry, due to the emphasis it places on observation, imagery, metaphor, thought, and emotion, allows for any individual to look inward, to find a more significant meaning to life than that which can ONLY be seen or heard -- something that science is incapable of conjuring in the hearts and minds of many.
Whitman’s Attitude Toward Science
Walt Whitman seems to have the attitude of many in regards to science, that it is merely a list of facts. However, there is so much more to science than this. Yes, collecting data, and later presenting it and drawing conclusions are important parts of the scientific method, but, again, so much more lies behind this process: observing, hypothesizing, and experimenting -- true innovation! While I understand that Whitman was trying to make the point that life is not only about knowledge, but experience and wisdom as well, I feel that he furthers the misconception that science is only about the data, not the innovation that brings about the data.
Three Possible Topics
Should conscientious objection be extended to those in the scientific/medical fields?
Should the contraception and sterilization coverage mandates found within the Affordable Care Act be deemed unconstitutional?
Should the use of substances for the sake of medicinal purposes be considered appropriate?
I👏🏻Love👏🏻Your👏🏻Poem👏🏻 It’s definitely a topic that you care about which helped to make it even better by reading in your voice! For your topics, I think that the second and third are very relevant right now, and you would do a great job covering either.
DeleteGreat poem Isaac!!! I liked how in your discussion about science versus poetry you wemt through your thought process to make a decision. Your discussion was very thorough, and it viewed the subject from both sides. For your topics, I think the last topic would be very interesting.
DeletePoem
ReplyDeleteWhen the first snow fell
It seemed a magical sight
The soft glow of snowflakes
Hitting the ground with elegance
The once dark night
Now brilliant with white fairies
Flying to the ground
And bringing winter with them
Now that the snow comes and goes
The magic seems to have faded
Danger and anguish have taken its place
With black ice crashing and cold winds blowing
Inside is where I’ll stay
Cozy with blankets and friends all around
Hot cocoa keeps the feeling of joy spreading
And just like that, the magic reappears
And winter has brought its warmth
I believe that poetry can better capture the awe of the universe. Poetry is all-encompassing. It can cover and discuss any subject that one could possibly imagine. There are so many forms, such as free verse and haiku. While science is fundamental and always important, poetry can use science as a source of inspiration. Poetry is versatile and compatible to any situation.
Whitman
Walt Whitman took a rather exact view of science. He saw it for less than it was: a set of variables that one learns and then must move on for the sake of knowledge. However, I disagree with this view. Scientific concepts may stay the same, such as chromosomal makeups or the molecular structure of water, but it is always changing and improving. It is more abstract than confined. While knowledge other than this is
crucial to thriving in the world, science is the world.
Topics
Should Narcan be available to serial overdosers?
Should unnecessary people be allowed in rooms of coma patients even though it has been shown to cause them pain?
Should experimental surgeries be less expensive due to high risk?
Emma, I also enjoyed your poem. I can’t say that I enjoy winter all that much, but your poem really captured the beauty and joy of the winter season (one could say it captured the awe of the universe). As for your discussion of the two questions, I think you were spot on — specifically when you state that “science is the world” in regards to Whitman’s statements on science. Finally, for the topics you have chosen, I am really interested in the first one. I always think about the economics of a situation and how it could affect the average tax payer; I found that a Narcan kit costs $20 - $40, while one overdose death can cost $30,000. I thought that was interesting and could potentially be part of your refutatio for those who might think it’s a “waste of money” to supply serial overdosers with treatment. It’s also very important with the opioid epidemic, so that could make it SO interesting. I also like number 3, but number 1, for me, seems most interesting.
DeleteI absolutely love your peom. You have perfect word choice to create this feeling of winter. I, too, think that poetry does a better job at capturing awe because it can be in many forms that appeal to emotions. I agree with Isaac’s choice that your first topic is super interesting
DeleteFree verse poem
ReplyDeleteDay after day,
My book bag is filled to the brim,
Filled with books, notebooks, and folders.
High school will be fun, they said.
They forget to mention the worst part,
Homework.
Hours after hours, studying, writing, reading,
Social lives are diminished.
Sports are forgotten.
I lose sleep.
I gain stress, yet
I power through with hopes, no, prayers
This work will payoff for my future.
Poetry vs. Science
I think poetry fully captures the mystery and awe of the universe due to its content of someone else’s mind. Poetry takes the emotions and feelings of a person and transforms it into an understanding for others. I must admit, there are some pieces of poetry I do not understand, but that could be the point. Most poems are meant to be read aloud and cannot be fully understood until it is done. This hidden meaning could reveal that situations need to be approached in ways not normally thought of in order to deal with it. Poetry is also an outlet to anyone who needs to let open their feelings. Emotions, for the most part, are not lies. They will tear at the inside of someone until they are released. Writing can be the escape route, and the best part is that when these feelings are released, they can help others through the same situation. Science cannot have the same connection to others. Science can provide the truth but it cannot help someone understand the truth.
Walt Whitman
In “When I Hear the Learn’d Astronomer,” Walt Whitman reveals his view of science. He seems to not enjoy the process of science: charts, diagrams, proofs. When he says he grows bored of the astronomer and the science, and I feel like it is because he cannot relate to it. His preference to look at the stars and daydream could mean he prefers to be in an environment full of mystery and wonder. He does not care for the practical parts of science and gravitates towards unknown things full of secrets.
Topics
Should people be allowed to determine the lifespan of people permanently in a vegetive state or has a terminal illness? (Euthanasia)
Should parents be allowed to discover the genes and possible outcome of a child in fear of disease or disorder?
Should cloning of animals be continued?
I think that your first topic would be really good for you to write about. It certainly is something that is important today, and you could easily incorporate religious outlooks. Your poem was super relatable and I loved it.
DeleteWhile I can’t say that I agree with the fact that homework is the worst part of high school, I will say that it does seem to captture the everyday life of high school students. And I really like your last line; that was important. Anyway, in terms of your discussion of poetry and science, your insight was phenomenal, specifically when you state that situations must be approached in different ways than usual. Also, when you discussed Whitman, it was incredibly important to state, as you did, that he is more focused on the experience and the mystery, than the facts and the process behind them. You did a great job of interpreting that! And, personally, I really like your second topic! It’s very interesting; although that information is important, many would question what you would do with that information. So, I think it would make for a GREAT bioethics paper!
DeleteI really liked your poem, I feel like a lot of high school students can relate to it. When you talked about poetry versus science, I thought it was interesting that you included the part about the emotions. I’d also be really interested to learn more about your last topic and what all goes into cloning animals.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFree-Verse Poem
ReplyDeleteI turn the key, you fire right up;
Bright and early, every morn.
Day after day, week after week,
You get me where I need to be.
Sixty-thousand faithful miles
In two years, you have provided.
But alas, here comes the fateful day,
When you cannot go any longer.
Your water pump inept,
Your temperature soars,
Your head gasket melts,
You leave me stranded.
Cylinder head warped,
Amid rusty frame,
And no money to put into you,
‘tis time to bid thee farewell.
Behind the garage must you rest
‘til the price of scrap rebounds.
I’ll miss you, mighty Equinox,
A mighty car you were.
Though you cost me just $500,
You are worth much more, deep down.
Science vs. Poetry
Despite the fact that I am intrigued by science and that science will be my course of study in the coming decade, I feel that poetry is better able to capture the wonder and awe of the universe. I feel that science in and of itself is too vast and complex to serve this purpose. Do not get me wrong, science is really cool and super interesting, but it can be pretty hard to wrap your head around it sometimes. For the commoner, poetry is much easier to digest. I do believe that science can serve as a major source of inspiration for poetry. As such, poetry is able to filter science and put it into terms that the commoner can understand. Poetry, though sometimes a tad confusing, is more adept at expressing the wonder and awe of the universe, as it is much simpler. Think about it, now. Would you rather read a brief poem about the wonder and awe of the universe, or try to piece it together through 2000 pages of the Campbell and Reece AP Biology Textbook, for example? I can tell you now that a poem would do a much better job at capturing the wonder and awe of the universe simply due to the fact that reading a poem is much simpler than studying science and putting the pieces together.
Walt Wittman’s view of science:
Wittman appears to have a very lackadaisical attitude toward science. He clearly was not willing to give it the time of day, as do far too many people in today’s society. It is so much more than numbers and facts; you have to connect the dots to be able to get anything out of it. Sometimes, that’s the fun of it! It can be so much fun to put pieces of gathered data together, as it provides an exciting opportunity for discovery. I would even go so far as to say that this opportunity for discovery is vital to learning about the world and how it works. I get that science is not everyone’s cup of tea, but a basic understanding that it is more than just numbers and data is necessary to understand how the world works.
Three possible topics:
A. Should medical records be kept on paper exclusively to protect confidential information from hackers?
B. Should companies such as Ancestry DNA be forbidden from profiting on the DNA of millions of people?
C. Should artificial insemination and surrogate mothering be regarded as deprivations of a proper way of being brought into the world?
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteJarret, you did a great job arguing poetry versus science. The last sentence of your argument is extremely true. It is much easier to comprehend a short poem than read that AP Biology textbook. Also, I knew your poem was going to be about a car and I love it. You did a wonderful job with this blog.I also believe that your third topic is the most controversial out of the three and it would be extremely difficult to write about if you do not know which side you are on. If you have chose. a side, it would make a great research paper.
DeleteI really liked the poem about your car. My car is approaching the 250,000 mile mark, and I’ll really miss it when it’s gone. As for your second and third arguments, your comparison between a poem and the AP Bio textbook was great, and I completely agree that Whitman had a lackadaisical attitude towards science.
DeletePoem:
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry if it is burdensome
To always wear your heart on your sleeve,
While I tuck mine away.
I’m sorry if it is growing harder
To bear every pop and crack as they roll down your aching spine,
While you know full well that I don’t have one myself.
I’m sorry if it kills you
To blink away stinging tears and to rub at red-rashed faces,
While my eyes remain dry.
I’m sorry if the deadweight of my distance is suffocating in its own right.
Poetry v. Science:
Science and poetry—two seemingly disconnected disciplines that, should they meet, give us a unique human experience. When considering which better encompasses the awe and wonder of the universe, it becomes rather clear just how powerful the conjunction between the two can be. Science exposes us to the vast, indefinite nature of our universe. It makes us feel simultaneously insignificant and capable of every impossibility. It provokes a kind of wonder that can only be experienced in the darkness below an infinite sky washed with stars. Poetry has the opposite effect. Poetry gives us an intimate relationship with the universe. It voices the experiences of the human heart, something that resonates throughout creation. Poetry supplies humanity to the wonder experienced through the universe. Truly, I do not believe that either is any better at exemplifying the awesomeness of the universe. Instead, I simply believe they each speak a different yet universal truth about the world in which we all reside.
Walt Whitman:
In the poem When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer, Walt Whitman presents a relatively short story of a man seemingly disillusioned with scientific study. In the poem, Whitman remains rather frank. He is outright about the duties of scientists such as the ‘learn’d astronomer in the lecture-room’, and he is also quite outright about his disinterest in the proofs, figures, charts, and diagrams presented to him by said astronomer. He is, instead, concerned with the more simplistic philosophical quandaries to be found within himself. In a moment of irony, he abandons the noise and explanations of the ‘learn’d astronomer’, escaping to contentment and silence experiencing the space and stars for himself and by himself. To me, it seems that Whitman’s poem remains evocative of the need to step out and find quiet among God’s creation amid the clutter of all else.
Three Topics:
Should CRISPR-Cas9 and other targeted genome editors be made available to the public or discontinued?
Should the War on Drugs be allowed to persist?
Should gene theft be taken more seriously as an offense against and an invasion of privacy?
Anna, you did an excellent job describing both science and poetry. Your opinion that neither of the options fully describe how wonderful the world is is deep. You also did a great job analyzing Walt’s poem. The three topics you have chosen sound extremely interesting. I cannot wait to see what you do with them.
DeleteYour poem is absolutely beautiful, and I think you did a wonderful job writing it. It also appears that you were able to successfully analyze this poem because you were able to easily depict Walt’s point of view on science. I think your first topic would be extremely interesting to write about. Great work!
DeleteIt has been hanging there for a week.
ReplyDeleteI remember.
I put the thin, delicate suit on with no difficulty.
I walked onto the deck.
The sound of the water splashing from the swimmers was music to my ears.
I grabbed my goggles.
I looked at the blue straps and remember.
It was for him and for all of them.
I stepped up to the starting block.
Silence.
It was just me and the clock.
I heard the buzzer and saw the light and I headed off.
I payed no attention to the audience, only my coach.
My arms and legs hurt and I could barely breathe, but
I remembered to give it my all.
I finished.
I could hear the roaring cheers of the audience.
My mother the loudest.
The suit has been hanging there for a week.
I remember.
It was a great day.
After reading the question for this weekend’s blog, I was surprised. This particular question never crossed my mind. To pick just one study that explains the mysteries of the universe was too much for me to be able to comprehend. I started to think about which one I thought captured the beauty of our universe, but both poetry and science have their own ways of telling the mysteries of the universe. The only thing that made my decision clear was which study gave me the excitement and curiosity to learn and see more. The answer was simply for me, poetry.
Science is essentially the study of the universe and it using testable hypotheses and experiments as well. It takes theories and turns them into facts or rejects them. It shows truth. We believe that the world was made by God and is beautiful. NASA sends spacecrafts into space to collect photographs of all of the wonderful planets in our universe. We see the planets and know the truth and beauty of them. But this is all that science can give us — facts and truths. It can not explain the beauty of the universe in as delicate words as poetry can. Poetry can use the truths behind science and turn them into poems that can make us feel the beauty for ourselves. Poetry can help people understand the mysteries of the universe by allowing us to visualize what is happening. We could use the pictures presented by NASA and close our eyes and see ourselves on those planets feeling awestruck by the beauty of God’s world. Pure science cannot give a person the same joy as poetry can while writing about the universe. Sometimes scientists use extremely complex words that bore people which makes them not understand, but poetry can use the simplest words that can capture the true essence of our universe.
I believe that Walt Whitman’s attitude toward science is quite complex. He is seemingly bored by the lecture he writes about in the poem. He hears the astronaut talk about an exploration, but does not get to feel the indescribable beauty in which the astronaut has previously seen. He steps outside to capture the beauty of the stars where he can see it for himself and immediately becomes happy. Walt Whitman appears to love science, but he wants to be able to experience it for himself and not just learn or be told about it.
Topics
Should the concept of organ transplantation be considered unethical.
Should physician aid-in-dying be considered illegal.
Should CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) be considered a valid form of patient treatment.
I really liked your topic for your poem because I know that you really enjoy swimming, and you’re very good at it too! This poem really shows your passion towards it. You did a great job answering all of the questions too. Your topics are very interesting and any of them would make a great paper!
DeletePoem
ReplyDeleteAs the days go on,
More people question,
Why we stand for the National Anthem.
We stand to show respect.
Respect to those who have fallen.
Those who have fallen fighting for our country.
Fighting for our freedom.
Freedom to choose and say what we want.
Choose to be the person who is grateful.
Grateful for all of those,
Who loved their country more than anything.
The country we are able to call,
The United States of America.
Science Vs. Poetry
When I first read the question prior to reading the poem, I completely believed that science is what captures the mystery and awe of the universe. However, after reading this poem, I was persuaded towards thinking that maybe poetry is the reason we have so many questions in the science field. These two topics correspond to each other. One does not begin to question a topic of science until he/she has read or thought about it through poetry. Poetry allows someone to express how they are thinking or feeling. Also, poetry is much more simple to understand and breakdown. Science is such a complex process that only a select number of people can fully understand. I would rather read a nice short poem than a huge textbook that pertain to the same exact material. Through poetry, it raises questions as to how and why something occurs. Science is the reason that these questions can be answered.
Walt Whitman’s Attitude Towards Science
It appears that Whitman does not exactly care about science. He sees it as a big jumbled up mess of stuff. He does not truly understand what the meaning of science actually is. It is obvious that he would much rather avoid anything relating to science because he would rather question the universe through poems. Walt would rather have everything short and simple instead of very complex because it is easier to understand. He is an extremely smart man because he is able to keep everything short and sweet.
Three Possible Topics
Should the use of artificial wombs be allowed?
Should children be allowed to be used for research?
Should Physical Assisted Suicide (PAS) be legal in all fifty states?
I really enjoy your poem, as I think that it is such a huge issue that people overlook way too often. Also I really like the topics you chose, as they are all very interesting. Good job!
DeletePoem
ReplyDelete“Get on the line”
When the coach says this dreaded phrase
All in the gym know what time it is.
No matter what part of practice,
Beginning, middle, or end,
It’s the last thing athletes want to hear.
Whether your legs are fresh or not,
You don’t want to run.
Your body hates you,
But somehow you must push through.
Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to drink that Mountain Dew.
Science vs. Poetry
I believe that poetry captures the mystery and awe of the universe better than science does, due to the discipline involved with each. Poetry, I believe, can adapt to almost any situation or topic, since it comes from the thoughts of the author, and there are so many interesting and creative ways to express it. Although there are lots of things in science that are extremely cool and interesting, much of it is hard to understand for the common person. Poetry is a lot more simple and easy to understand rather than trying to read massive science text books. Overall, I believe poetry is more versatile, easy to understand, and has a lot more freedom of expression, and that is why it is able to capture the awe of the universe better than science.
Walt Whitman's Attitude Towards Science
It appears that Whitman does not particularly enjoy science, only seeing it as a big collection of numbers, charts, data, and diagrams. Although these aspects of science are crucial, that is not all there is to know when looking at science as a whole. There is a lot more to it than just numbers and charts, but Whitman cannot seem to focus on that.
3 Possible Topics
1.) Should we use an Exoskeleton for the elderly?
2.) Should Cryonics research continue?
3.) Should Eugenics research continue?
Your poem was very relatable. There are plenty of times at practice, regardless of what sport you are in, when the coach says something that really tests your dedication to the sport. I also enjoyed your discussion of science versus poetry. I agree with you that poetry is more approachable and adaptable. Your topics are truly intriguing, too. I’d particularly like to hear about grandma needing an exoskeleton. That’s something I have never heard before and really captures my interest.
DeleteI can find myself agreeing with a lot of the points you made in your argument concerning science and poetry. I think the emphasis you put on its versatility or adaptive nature regarding “freedom of expression” is particularly interesting. I’m not sure I can agree with your belief that science is inherently harder to understand than poetry, though. There are definitely instances in which I find myself puzzled with findings concerning the natural world, but I wouldn’t say that poetry is any more accessible, generally. I would also like to add that all three of your topic ideas are extremely unique and if executed properly could really make something interesting.
DeletePoem:
ReplyDeleteYou’ve asked me to write a poem
And I’m not quite how to
But I’ll give it a try, I suppose
I also don’t know how long this should be
I guess with poetry it doesn’t matter
It can really be as long or short as I want
Right now I’m up to seven lines
Make that eight
I guess ten is a nice, even number
And here we are
Science v. Nature:
I think that they go hand in hand in capturing the awe of the universe. We understand it through science, which allows poetry to be written about the universe that we understand.
Wittman’s view of science:
I think he rather dislikes it. He expresses a boredom and sickly disposition toward the charts, graphs, and diagrams as well as listening to the astronomer. He’d much rather just look the stars himself.
Topics:
1) should we manipulate genes to combat aging.
2) should babies in the womb that are found to have a disability be modified in some way
3) should there be “designer babies”
I think you need to spend a little more time working on your blogs. You don’t really go into depth about your topics. I do like your topics though, and hope that you use one there and expand it into a good paper.
DeleteMost say they hate Monday’s
ReplyDeleteThey say that day’s the worst
But for me it’s different
Monday’s are the best
For that’s the day we ski
The day I feel my best
To me that place is perfect
To me that place is home
No matter how my day has been
Through stress and through tough times
As soon as I put on those skis
The pain all goes away
So go ahead and hate your Monday’s
Just leave the fun to me
For I will be here, on my mountain
Thank God that I can ski
I strongly believe that poetry captures the mystery and awe of the universe way more than science can and ever will. The world is amazing, beautiful, breathtaking. All adjectives of this sort can apply. When you think of the universe, the documentary Planet Earth best comes to mind. Beautiful shots of the nature, the world, and its inhabitants. Truly beautiful and breathtaking. Poetry is just the same. Poetry is beautiful, breathtaking even. Now think of science. Science is very very different from the awe of the universe. The universe is full of unanswered questions, where the randomness of unanswered questions must be embraced. Science is about the pursuit of answering these questions. Science is full of finite answers, yet the universe is so random that there can never really be many finite answers. This is why poetry better resembles the awe and beauty of the universe. It’s ability to pose that free thought of rhetorical questions that don’t need to have an answer is what makes it better than it’s counterpart of science.
I believe that Walt Whitman has a negative attitude towards science. In the poem, he talks about a lecture from an astronomer. During the lecture, Walt is given all of this information about space. The astronomer has things like charts and graphs, and through these, he is able to show his discoveries of the “facts” of the universe. I believe that, much like me, Walt preferred poetry over science to explain the universe. After all, he is a poet. I think this because after the lecture, it says that Walt leaves and gets tired and sick and leaves. He goes outside, and just stares up into the stars. Those beautiful lights in the sky now had a definite answer to them, thus losing any meaning they once had.
Should human modification be allowed?
Should abortion/euthanasia be allowed?
Is cloning ethical?
I love your poem! You did a great job explaining the beauty of poetry compared to science. Also I think your first topic would be a great one.
DeleteI love you poem so much, it is amazing. I also think that the firsttopic would be great. I think your lparagraoh about the lecture is also very good, but I disagree with the poetry paragraph. I see the world in a science based way compared to the poetry way, but that’s my opinion.
DeleteYour poem was great! It really shows how you view Mondays from an interesting perspective. So many have a super-negative opinion when it comes to Monday. It was refreshing to see that someone has found a positive about Monday. I also thought that your discussion of science versus poetry was very pertinent. Science does have a lot of finite answers, but I have to agree with you that nothing is able to capture the randomness of the universe more than poetry. Your topics seem very interesting, too. Human modification sounds like it would make an interesting topic in particular.
DeletePoem:
ReplyDeleteEvery morning I wake,
Headache after headache,
No sleep, just work,
No time for rest or play,
It takes all my time everyday,
I forgot how to relax,
I just wish it would end;
Homework.
Science vs. Poetry:
Science better captures the awe of the universe. Poetry can give a taste of what the universe has to offer, but science only gives the true showing of the world. Science is the world. Poetry can only define it, but science is the actual viewing. I also believe it takes less effort in discovering the awe of the world instead of reading poetry. I might be biased because I love science, but I definitely believe it captures the awe of the world better than poetry.
Whitman’s Attitude:
Whitman became bored of the teaching aspect of science. When he was by himself out in the world, it intrigued him. I think he didn’t want to apply himself because he was bored of the teaching ways. The teaching concept has been repeated for years so I understand where he could’ve been bored. I think once he saw the open ended view of science, he really enjoyed it.
Topics:
End of life care
Bioterrorism
Artificial wombs
I definitely have the same feelings as you do with your poem. It’s a very relatable one. I do not agree that science captures the universe, although you did back up your case well. I’ve never heard of bioterrorism so I think that would be an interesting topic.
DeleteSady is absolutely right. Your poem is one that speaks a truth many can relate to, and it is humorous too. You truly have a unique perspective among your classmates regarding science and poetry, and you really let that inform your view on Whitman’s poem. Also, I find myself really interested in the last two of your topic choices as they are both things I have never really been exposed to.
DeleteI really do like your poem, as I feel we can all relate to it. However I do not agree that science can explain the beauty of the universe, however you did back up your point. All in all I think that you did a good job!
DeleteThe fate of the game lies on your shoulders
ReplyDelete2 seconds on the clock
You’re on the free throw line
Awaiting to be thrown the ball
Down by 1, you have two shots
Adrenaline rushes through
You sink the first,
Tie ball game
The second falls with ease
Confidence was all you needed
The crowd is crazy
Your job is completed
Belief in your own abilities
Has finally shown through
Science and poetry are two topics with a special type of connection. They are both on different ends of the spectrum, but can be brought so closely together in relationship. At first glance, most people would believe that science captures the mystery of the universe. All science provides is the facts of nature, and is connected with logic rather than mystery. It has firm grounds to lay upon and tries to sort out the truth. On the other hand poetry deals with all of the abstract and amazing things of the world, including science. It provides a deeper meaning to the world of science. Rather than just stating the facts, poems always have a hidden theme that one always tries to decipher. Poems point all of the good, bad, and the ugly of the world in such a beautiful sense. Therefore, the discipline of poetry better represents the awes of the universe.
Walt Whitman’s pov
Walt Whitman seems to have a rather disgusted view on astronomy and science. He sees all of these astronomers trying to point out every little detail and fact about science. They are always trying to discover more, and nothing ever seems to be good enough to them. Walt Whitman just wants to sit and look at the beauty of the sky and stars. Facts do not matter to him, rather the awe of the sky fulfills his hunger. He tries to prove the astronomy and science should not just be appreciated because of their logic, but rather the beauty they provide to the universe.
Three topics
Truthtelling and withholding information
Patient Confidentiality
Organ harvesting and transplants