PHIL-3010 Week 6 Reflection Essay Guide

Introduction

The assignment:

• Compose a 500-word essay in which you do the following:
  • Share three elements that you think you would include in your own “last lecture” if you were asked to describe the contributions that you see yourself making to the world.

Listening to the Radio Laureate Interview Steps for Accessing and Listening:

• Locate the interview with Dr. Kevin Sharpe titled “The Road Behind and the Road Ahead.”
• Find a quiet environment to listen attentively.
• Take notes on key points, especially those related to personal contributions and the integration of Science and Religion.

Key Points to Focus On:

• Dr. Sharpe’s reflections on his contributions and legacy.
• Insights on how scientific and spiritual perspectives can coexist and inform one another.

Identifying Contributions for Your “Last Lecture” Guidelines for Identifying Contributions:

• Reflect on your passions, values, and the impact you want to have on the world.
• Consider contributions in various areas, such as personal growth, community service, and professional achievements.

Tips for Describing Contributions:

• Be specific about the contributions you aim to make.
• Explain why these contributions are important and how they reflect your values and aspirations.

Introduction

Throughout this course, I have explored the intricate relationship between Science and Spirituality and how these domains can coexist and inform one another. This reflection will summarise three key contributions I aim to make, assess how the course has impacted my understanding of these fields, and describe how the learnings will influence my life, community, and work. The aim is to synthesise my insights and envision how they can shape my future actions and perspectives. If I were to give my “last lecture,” I would emphasise three significant contributions I wish to make. Firstly, I aim to promote mental health awareness and support through community programs, integrating mindfulness and meditation practices that I have learned. Secondly, I want to advocate for environmental sustainability by engaging in and leading initiatives that combine scientific knowledge with spiritual respect for nature. Lastly, I aspire to contribute to educational reforms that include interdisciplinary approaches, blending scientific rigour with spiritual and ethical education.

Assess how this course has impacted your understanding of Science and Spirituality in general.

Assessing Course Impact on Understanding Science and Spirituality Strategies for Reflecting on Course Impact:

• Think about how your views on Science and Religion have evolved throughout the course.
• Identify specific concepts or discussions that significantly influenced your understanding.

Techniques for Articulating Impact:

• Provide examples of how your thinking has changed.
• Discuss any new perspectives or insights you have gained.

Example

This course has profoundly impacted my understanding of Science and Spirituality. Previously, I viewed these fields as separate and occasionally conflicting. However, through the course discussions and readings, I have come to appreciate how they can complement each other. The concept of non-overlapping magisteria (NOMA) introduced by Stephen Jay Gould, which suggests that science and religion each have their own domains of teaching authority, has been particularly enlightening. This perspective has helped me see the value in both empirical evidence and spiritual wisdom, fostering a more integrative approach to understanding the world.

Describe how your learning in this course, especially about different expressions and understandings of love and happiness, will impact your own life.

Applying Course Learnings to Life, Community, and Work Methods for Identifying Practical Applications:

• Reflect on how the course material can be applied to your daily life, community involvement, and professional activities.
• Think about ways to integrate scientific and spiritual perspectives into your decision-making and interactions.

Examples of Application:

• Describe how you will use meditation or mindfulness practices learned in the course to enhance your well-being.
• Discuss how you might engage in community service projects that align with both scientific understanding and spiritual values.

Writing the Essay Structuring Your Reflection:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and state the purpose of your reflection.
• Body Paragraphs:
  • Paragraph 1: Describe the three contributions you would include in your “last lecture.”
  • Paragraph 2: Assess how the course has impacted your understanding of Science and Spirituality.
  • Paragraph 3: Explain how the course learnings will influence your life, community, and work.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key points and reflect on the overall significance of integrating science and spirituality.

Ensuring Clarity and Coherence:

• Use clear and concise language.
• Make sure each paragraph flows logically to the next.
• Include transitions to guide the reader through your reflection.

Example

The learnings from this course will significantly influence my life, community, and work. I plan to incorporate mindfulness practices into my daily routine to enhance my mental well-being and resilience. In my community, I will advocate for projects that merge scientific and spiritual approaches, such as community gardens that promote ecological sustainability and spiritual connection to the earth. Professionally, I will strive to implement interdisciplinary educational programs that foster a holistic understanding of knowledge, encouraging students to appreciate both scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration.

Conclusion

Reference

Brown, D. O. (2023). A Re-Evaluation of Non-Overlapping Magisteria. In Conjunctive Explanations in Science and Religion (pp. 239–264). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003251101-25/re-evaluation-non-overlapping-magisteria-david-brown