Geography of Thought (Chapter 2)

Hi CD!

1. Nisbett argues that each ecology peculliar to the location has
affected the sociality in Greece and China(34). Have you ever thought
that your childhood (your surroundings, parents, friends) has formed
your present sociality?

2. In this chapter, Nisbett compares how China and Greek differently
take approaches toward education (30-31). What is an education for
you, regarding those two perspectives? Explain specifically based on
your expereience!

3. The field dependence refers to the extent to which "perception of an object
is influenced by the background or environment in which it appears," (42) and the

aptness of each kinds of people in their social actions (43-44).

Do you consider yourself as field dependent or independent? Explain.

Bye CD!

Group 2 Leaders:

Yurika Hitachi

Nozomi Shiraishi

Hiroki Ando

Geography of Thought (Chapter 1)

Questions :

1. In this chapter, Nisbett divided humans into Asians and westerners. However, you may not find your way of thinking completely the same as one of them (or maybe it is similar to both). What part of this chapter did you feel that you have the Asian way of thinking and what part did you feel that you have the western way of thinking? Please explain the reason why by giving examples in your real life.

2. To explain the characteristics of Greeks and Chinese, Nisbett raises the ideal of happiness for each of them. (Greeks on page 2 and Chinese on page 5) Which of these is closer to your definition of happiness and how is it releted to yours? If you disagree with both of them, explain your definition of happiness.

3. According to this chapter, ancient Greek philosophers considered the "essence" of objects as unchanging. "Essence" in this chapter means the central, basic, indispensable properties of an object which defines the object. (page 9) For example, lumbers are just materials of a house, but the concept of a house itself is the unchanging essence. On the other hand, Chinese philosophers thought that eveything was constantly changing. (page 9) Do you believe in the existance of "essence", or do you think that objects are always changing?




Group 1 Leaders:

Moeka Takaki
Kyousuke Furusato
Mai Koshimizu