Dear Ana-
Thanks for the very good thought-provoking question. Let me think.. I think
that reflectivity is a certain reorganization of the organism's agency
mediated by the experience. Traditionally, reflection is defined as
"activity on activity" and implied that the second activity is the past
activity represented in some symbols. I disagree with this is THE definition
of reflection. First, I think that reflection can occur as current actions
are unfolding. Second, reflection does not need to involve symbolic (or
mental) representation.
Since I'm not a specialist in bacteria or ameba it is difficult for me to
develop a good example. But, any human action obviously involves
non-symbolic, con-current reflection as it unfolding. I think this
reflectivity is what Spinoza described as the universality of human activity
(based on Il'enkov's conceptualizing): compass can only do circles, while
human action can follow any shape.
I also think that there is often politics about reflection. When people in
power do not like reflection of people who have less power, the often say
that they do not reflect - which often means that the reflection is
different. For example, one of the NCATE "standards" for teachers is being
"reflective practitioners".
What do you think?
Eugene
_____
From: Ana Marjanovic-Shane [mailto:anamshane@speakeasy.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2004 10:37 PM
To: xmca@weber.ucsd.edu
Subject: Re: Reflection and change in a CHAT/Cultural Psychology paradigm
Eugene,
You are puzzling here when you say that reflectivity is an aspect of any
activity and any alive organism (even bacteria). So, how do you define
"reflectivity"?
Ana
Eugene Matusov wrote:
Good point, Mike! But, I think your "breakfast actions" are still
reflective. Try to talk with people who design robots and they will tell how
reflective our "automatized actions" (or "operations" cf. Leontiev) are...
Of course, we talk about different degree and quality of reflection. In my
view, reflectivity is an aspect of any activity and any alive organism (even
bacteria).
Of course, the issue is whether we care about reflection of a specific
action. It depends on our purpose as researchers or as educators.
What do you think?
Eugene
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Cole [mailto:mcole@weber.ucsd.edu]
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2004 1:24 PM
To: xmca@weber.ucsd.edu
Subject: RE: Reflection and change in a CHAT/Cultural Psychology paradigm
I think that not all practices are reflective in the sense that your
college student example illustates Eugenge. The practice of making
breakfast
in the morning in my household appears to be carried out by people about
whom one might wonder if they were conscious, never my reflective!
mike
--_____
Ana Marjanovic-Shane 267-334-2905 (cell) 215-843-2909 (home)
potpis
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