2. The Day the Universe changed Theme We are what we know Burk explains that humans are curious we take the universe apart to see how it works As we develop we discover Self evident things to non self evident things going from something you know, to discover something you don’t knowledge is then institutionalized, we are encouraged to ask questions already answered by the institution then tested. Institutions take the admin out of daily life, and run it for you, government, banking, -the law. While institutions “take care of business” we go on with “life”, allowing them to grow stronger. Keeping order. Most institutions are old and don’t like change But some Institution asks questions or encourage us to ask questions, so there is a contradiction by setting up institutions that ask questions –example research lab, it stirs up the pot We live in a time of change but don’t have enough time to adapt, Ethics, morals, ways of thinking we all think ours are worth protecting. The way we view things is similar to the past, the institutions still exist although they are modified
3. The Day the Universe Changed Theme Expanded Burk starts with an interesting line, “we are what we know” It can explain the many reasons why we bear a responsibility to do We ask questions that are encouraged by institutions like universities, although the questions could have an impact on the future of the institutions. Institutions do not like change. Since our world is changing at a high rate, it is hard for people to keep up, our morals, ethics, ect. We are constantly evolving because what we know is constantly changing, this is the main theme in Burkes video.
4. The journey of man Themes We are all related! All humans originated from one man This man was from southern part of Africa Through genetic computational technology, participants around the world can be analyzed to see historical patterns.
5. Catastrophe! themes Ice cores, carbon-14 dating, and tree rings, are shedding light to what may have happened around A.D. 535 Did a volcanic eruption change the environment and societies? These are questions asked by scientist around the world Evidence of volcanic activity has been found as well as minerals from meteors By using core samples of glaciers, scientist are finding small deposits giving them clues on the matter All life on earth is related and can tell us history in its own way.
6. Guns, Germs, and Steel Themes There is no superiority between men, it is a matter of luck the earth yields different edibles for men, it depends where these men are located on the earth in order to maximize its yields The haves and have not’s are not determined by racial superiority but by the locations. Some areas gave edibles that could be stored while others had to be used quickly. This gave other advantage over staying in one are while others stayed on the move. Since diseases came mostly from domesticated animals, Europeans had more of an effect on a population with their disease than the opposite. Isolation is also plays a factor Innovation sustains success while complacency leads to stagnation and decline
7. The New World Major Themes By the 1400’s empires begin to expand and grow in population, from the west, Europe to the middle east and Africa, south Asia to China and Japan China being the most populated and powerful due to a well fed population These empires were in the right locations to farm, produce, and had the population to maintain it All the empires had a work force, mostly forced work Powerful empires which meet the basic needs now have resources for to expand their culture or elites interests Europe rose in power due to resources available and the start of commercial capitalism
8. The Columbian Exchange Themes Due to Columbus arrival in the west, goods are now exchanged between Europe and the Americas These goods made life easier allowing time for other developments We have taken these goods and embedded them in our culture Wheat and cattle brought from the old world replaces the grass lands and buffalo, making beef and wheat plentiful Food from the new world was also taken the new world, potatoes were brought and soon became the food of the poor Resource from the old world (potatoes) are the difference between life and death during the industrial revolution These exchange of goods between the the old and new world it has allowed life to other parts of the world that could not have been able to maintain the large populations, although it came with a great price-human life It gave a rise to the demand of slavery which allowed the American(new world) civilization to grow
9. The World Trade As new items for trade are “discovered” new people to market them to are needed. Although many empires had explored the surrounding areas now there was to be a greater communication due to the exchange of these goods Goods were people (unfortunately), foods, technology, and other things As the exchanges between people grows so do the people Globalization has commenced, not as complex as today
