Dang Cao, on Saturday, May 6, 2000, wrote about the need for theory: "I was reading your writing about "Theory and why we need it". I agree that we all use theory in some way. For example, when I put a lot of time in studying for a subject I will get a certain grade. There would be a direct relation between time spent on studying and the grade that one gets."

On Sunday, May 7, 2000, jeanne responded: "Well, Dang, theoretically there should be a direct relationship, but sometimes structural violence intervenes and then, in practice, some students who work very hard do not get good grades. Why do we need theory then?"

For further information read The Uses of Theory

Click on the question number for jeanne's (hopefully) plausible answer.

How does theory provide social distance, and why does that matter?

2. What does it mean that "structural violence intervenes"?

3. Should studying have a direct and causal relationship to the grade received?

4. What does it mean, "direct relationship?"

---

Figurine by Rudiger Appel. Notice that you can see three effects in the animation. Either the Variation on the Kandinsky figurine appears to turn in a clockwise direction, or in a counterclockwise direction, or it appears to open and close. Can you see all three effects? Try. Fascinated? Link to Appel's site and then link to the background he provides. Scroll down until you find a link to background.

---

Chantessy's Page Chantessy's Mardi Gras Alphabet was originally used on this page. We changed it because it was too distracting as eye candy. Chantessy was the first contributor to our Kids' Site when we began Dear Habermas. Visit her page. Check out the sliders puzzles on her fun page. Or check out her candy box and send a friend a posty. Non-violent ways to respond to structural violence in the academy! It's great fun.