For the past five weeks Year 10 has been embarking on a journey through our senses, reality, and how we experience it, asking questions such as: “Can we trust our physical senses to tell us the truth about reality?” and “What is the true nature of reality?”. We explored the complex symbolism and deep philosophical thinking of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave where we examined the many ways in which humans perceive reality and how we can become enlightened if we embrace change and open our minds to new ideas.
We analysed Giacomo Cimini’s 2014 short film The Nostalgist where we were faced with a compelling look at a dystopian future and one father’s dire attempt to avoid it. We learnt that we are sometimes so caught up in our want for a ‘better’ reality, that we forget the good that we already have.
Finally, we delved deep into the twists and turns of The Matrix where we had a front row seat to experience the different ideals of humans and machines. We had to ask ourselves, “Are we living in a simulation?” and face questions such as, “Is ignorance really bliss?”.
One big question throughout this unit has been how we interpret reality through our physical senses. To explore this idea we conducted several blind tests including taste, smell, touch and a test to work out where we were in the School while blindfolded. We had to listen carefully to the sounds around us and the texture of the material under our feet. Some people excelled while others were confused by their senses.
Throughout this unit, we have been challenged to question our perceptions of the world around us. It has been an intensely interesting and extremely thought provoking process. We have been introduced to new ideas and learnt new skills. I am sure that the rest of the unit will be just as challenging and just as interesting as the first half. I expect I speak for everyone in the class when I say I can’t wait.
Louka McAllister
Year 10
We analysed Giacomo Cimini’s 2014 short film The Nostalgist where we were faced with a compelling look at a dystopian future and one father’s dire attempt to avoid it. We learnt that we are sometimes so caught up in our want for a ‘better’ reality, that we forget the good that we already have.
Finally, we delved deep into the twists and turns of The Matrix where we had a front row seat to experience the different ideals of humans and machines. We had to ask ourselves, “Are we living in a simulation?” and face questions such as, “Is ignorance really bliss?”.
One big question throughout this unit has been how we interpret reality through our physical senses. To explore this idea we conducted several blind tests including taste, smell, touch and a test to work out where we were in the School while blindfolded. We had to listen carefully to the sounds around us and the texture of the material under our feet. Some people excelled while others were confused by their senses.
Throughout this unit, we have been challenged to question our perceptions of the world around us. It has been an intensely interesting and extremely thought provoking process. We have been introduced to new ideas and learnt new skills. I am sure that the rest of the unit will be just as challenging and just as interesting as the first half. I expect I speak for everyone in the class when I say I can’t wait.
Louka McAllister
Year 10