Feel free to drop a (system) paradox on this page ...
The EPR paradox, named after Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen, appears in a thought experiment showing quantum mechanics leads to very counter-intuitive and paradoxical consequences. Bohm improved the formulation of the thought experiment. -- a way cool unentanglement can be found at http://roxanne.roxanne.org/epr/index.html
"According to theory, the Sun derives energy by the thermonuclear conversion of hydrogen into helium, deep inside its core. There is convincing evidence that the Sun is getting at least half of its energy by this method. Such a thermonuclear source could power the Sun for nearly 10 billion years. Most scientists think that the Sun (along with the rest of the solar system) is about 4.6 billion years old, which means it would have exhausted approximately half its 'life'. Over the Sun's lifetime, the thermonuclear reactions would, according to theory, gradually change the composition of the core of the Sun and alter the Sun's overall physical structure. Because of this process, the Sun would gradually grow brighter with age. Thus, if the Sun is indeed 4.6 billion years old, it should have brightened by nearly 40% over this time" -- Danny Faulkner in http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2001/0228faint_sun.asp
Systems are usually based on Euclidean shapes like circles, squares and triangles while clouds like the observables used in DOE's belong to fractal geometry.
What if fractal geometry can be perceived as patterns happening at increasingly fine magnifications?
What if the visual appearance of a fractal object can be influenced by fractal dimension (D)?
What if the fractal scaling relationship between structures observed at different magnifications can be quantified?
What if its value depends on the complexity and richness of the repeating structure?
What if systems were designed to mimic Nature's fractal patterns?
-- NynkeEtkFokma, August 2004
The Parent Paradox
It's generally reckoned that when educational professionals need to talk to parents about changes in their children's education, it's important for them to help the parents feel comfortable so that they can express their views without being prejudiced by the professional.
So far so good. But the paradox is that the more skilled the professionals are in making the parents feel comfortable, the more the parents will look to the professional for answers and supress their own views. The parents will feel that they are in safe hands.
This paradox has implications for learning organisations. Empowering others is not as simple as making them feel secure. While they may be less afraid to speak their mind, they may be less motivated to do so. Comfort does not inspire passion.
Sorry, no answers here!
Hugh Williams, Educational Psychologist, Birmingham UK
Related pages: ControversialStatements