I just received the DVD. On viewing I discovered I had a private
theory. The one on viewing one's image in a mirror. I'm 67 taught a
little at the HS and JC level (not optics tho.), demonstrated (TA'd)
much, and earned a Ph.D.. I wonder if they'll take it away from me.
But bernard is a rationalizer. How many of you shave a meter from the
mirror?
Here's another contradictory common effect. After failing the Private
Universe mirror test, I doubted my common sense theory on how to use a
mirror to check what's behind me. Oh, thank god (note the lower case).
Yes the closer one is to the mirror the greater field of view. Finally,
on this matter, how tall must a mirror be to just see one's whole body?
This is a question I remember from ca. 1956 intro. Phys. I had to
check the answer I remembered.
My impression is the major point in "Minds of Our Own" is students come
not "tabula rasa" *. Like paradigm shifts the incorrect must be
destroyed before the correct may be believed. I didn't catch if the
program suggested this, but it's obvious basic physics must begin very
early, and in an experiential way (This they did stress.) Here in
Salinas I don't think kids get Phys. 'till third grade; is not this too
late?
* Do we blame Locke?
no shame cleyet, who also wonders what other private theories are
undiscovered.
p.s. I'm amazed by how I still hold on to my private theory. Perhaps,
if I draw ray diagrams, I'll lose it. The answer to the mirror height
question proves I did if once and I didn't integrate it.