As we discussed in class on Friday, there are multiple categories in which people choose to determine how one gains knowledge. Some we came up with were discovering wisdom through history, common knowledge, personal experience, testimony, scientific evidence, and the most controversial of the bunch, revelation and religious knowledge. As the discussion regarding the various units in which one categorizes their source of knowledge unraveled, the discussion became quite heated. With some taking the stance that the only way to truly believe what one is learning is when evidence is provided, the counter argument proposed the idea that not every bit of intelligence must have proof to back it up. Both arguments introducing topics fairly and both of equal stature, we were unable to come to a clear conclusion.
However, I felt that this is a situation in which an ending is not necessarily needed. Both opinions were stated clearly with personal opinions provided, proving that both sides felt passionate about what they were arguing. My personal opinion is that the categories Ms. Xia posted on the board regarding ways in which one gathers knowledge from were all adequate and I agreed with each of them. Yes, providing proven evidence on a matter will cause me to trust the topic to its fullest extent, however learning things through personal experiences and/or being enlightened religiously are ways I choose to abide by as well. Yet this is not how the whole class felt, and some argued that in order for one to truly believe, there must be a topic hand in hand with concrete proof. This proved that for some, believing is seeing, and for others, seeing is believing.
As we dive into our next unit, with chapters relating to great revolutions world wide, we will find that many of the transformations made will tie into our class discussion that took place on Friday. Not all discoveries and changes being made were supported by proof or concrete evidence, and some will run along the lines of a more spontaneous event, backed up by merely personal beliefs. It was crucial for us to get a taste for what we will be learning, and become better familiarized with a topic that will arise frequently as we continue to grow. Determining how one chooses to gain their knowledge is both a personal and essential task, and it was nice to begin in deciding which categories we will choose by introducing the topic in class.
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Just out of curiosity, did the arguments I put forth in my video blog (if you got the chance to watch it?), as well as the arguments Dr. Richard Dawkins made, change your views in any way?
ReplyDeleteI felt as though the arguments both you and Dr. Dawkins proposed were convincing and clearly proved the knowledge and passion you both have regarding the topic. However, I would not go as far as saying that the statements made by both you and Dawkins necessarily swayed my views on the matter, however the exposure they provided me with to an unfamiliar topic was extremely beneficial. The wisdom you both share on the issue enlightened me as well as broadened my outlook on the matter at hand, and I ultimately respect your willingness to state your personal beliefs.
ReplyDeleteEven though we don't see eye to eye on every issue, I think its great that at the very least we are both taking into account what the other person has to say (rather than being close minded). Despite the firmness and conviction I have in my beliefs, all I'm really trying to do is get people to think.
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