Skepticism - History

“A skeptic is one who is willing to question any knowledge claim, asking for clarity in definition, consistency in logic and adequacy of evidence” (adapted from Paul Kurtz, 1994). Evaluate this approach in two areas of knowledge.

History

In this area of knowledge the skeptics are often labelled as conspiracy theorists. How do we know that what is taught as history is always correct? After all, understanding the past involves heavy interpretation, interpretation that can be the effect of biased views. For this reason it is imperative to be skeptical of how the past is presented to you. Views expressed on the events consisting of the Arab-Israeli conflict can be wildly different depending on who is presenting those views.

Skepticism - Religion

“A skeptic is one who is willing to question any knowledge claim, asking for clarity in definition, consistency in logic and adequacy of evidence” (adapted from Paul Kurtz, 1994). Evaluate this approach in two areas of knowledge.

Religious Knowledge Systems

Now, this area of knowledge has a PLETHORA of skeptics for many do not understand how one can put their faith into something no one knows for sure exists. Science and religion cannot coexist. Many would argue this claim; however, science is a field where concepts are proven whereas religion is based completely on belief and faith. One does not necessarily dispute the other but the two are incompatible in my opinion and cannot depend on each other to explain things. Skeptics of religion would say that people are depositing their money into an invisible bank; in other words: why place faith in something that you are 0% sure exists? Defenders of religion would argue that the whole premise behind religion is faith. That despite being uncertain they continue to believe because for them spirituality bring good.

Humanities and the Sciences

 “The historian’s task is to understand the past; the human scientist, by contrast, is looking to change the future.” To what extent is this true in these areas of knowledge?

The Natural Sciences
This area of knowledge seeks to observe and understand the world around us humans through the use of the scientific method. Scientist do extensive research to develop theories and come to conclusions which will benefit generations down the line. Future generations can use this information to extend their knowledge and add on to it or perhaps use these gatherings to change something.

History
This area of knowledge revolves around the past and how our past has an effect on the world we live in today. Historians delve into past events to develop interpretations. History is the study of names, dates, and places and from these former events historians interpret the overall meaning.

Changing Truths

“That which is accepted as knowledge today is sometimes discarded tomorrow.” Consider knowledge issues raised by this statement in two areas of knowledge.

"Laws come and go but universal truths remain constant". 400 years ago it was accepted as knowledge that African Americans counted as 3/5 of a person. How can it be that society used to believe the color of one's skin dictated how human they were. Anatomically, an individual of African descent is no different then a white person; however, to our predecessors it was held evident that black people did not share the same value of a white man. This was not only allowed but embraced because it was fact back in the 1700s that whites and black were just different.

What is Knowledge?

“Knowledge is nothing more than the systematic organisation of facts.” Discuss this statement in relation to two areas of knowledge.

It seems more and more that school revolves around "how much can you cram into your brain and recite at a later date"? At this point memorization and knowledge are two of the same, the meaningless absorption of facts, dates, names, and places are what truly count in today's education system. It appears as though there's no room for creativity in today's society. We are taught widely accepted truths and as a student body told to accept and remember these truths because we will be tested on this material later on. This prescribed title question is a bit odd seeing as how this the literal definition of 'knowledge' is: the facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. In all of the areas of knowing, recitation is key to being proficient.

The thing about ethics is....

Ethical judgement limits the methods available in the production of knowledge in both the arts and the natural sciences. Discuss.
Say what you want, unethical research is responsible for a lot of valuable scientific findings. Unethical research has led to great understandings. As disgustingly vile as it was, the Nazi medical experiments in the concentration camps provided anatomical findings that the United States would come to use later on. The "Baby Albert" experiment, which was conducted on orphans, conditioned infants and toddlers to fear anything fluffy and white by pounding a gong every time a white lab rat was shown to the test subjects. Clearly unethical, this research provided a lot of introspection on the field of psychology and assisted in validating the behaviorist perspective. Ethics limit production but are necessary to retain humanity in science.

The Drug War Blunder

Throughout history what has been the biggest defeat faced by the United States? You may first think Vietnam or The War on "Terror". Technically, you may be right but in the grand scope of things the U.S. has spent more time and energy on this unyielding Drug War than any other conflict. Initiated under Richard Nixon the Drug War has quickly become a war on minorities and its symptoms include mass incarceration, perpetual poverty, and violence. The conflict has exacerbated the turbulent situations in low-income communities and tensions have led to increased citizen-government distrust. Under the Reagan administration, the pursuit of narcotics and those using/distributing them really revved up. Crack was heavily over-exaggerated by the media and the news portrayed the African American as it's key consumer. I believe the drug war as led to minority persecution and the abuse and misuse of American resources. Perhaps rehabilitation would show stronger results than incarceration.

Only a Slight a Rant..

In IB History we are currently discussing the Arab-Israeli conflict and the severe lack of ethics by both sides. I have a heavy bias on the issue being an Israeli Jew, I realize this. I believe the Jews, having been there first but were forcibly removed around 570 BCE approximately, have the right to lay claim to a homeland. Centuries of persecution should be enough to justify the Zionist ambition for an establishment of a Jewish state. We had a speaker come into the class who advocated for the Palestinians, Omar Merhi. In parts of his presentation the omission logical fallacy was present, such as when he mentioned an Israeli-only highway. This highway is intended for military vehicles only so neither Palestinian civilians or Israeli civilians are welcome to travel on it. I couldn't really identify with his accusatory tone which painted the Israelis to be the only aggressor. I can understand where some people are coming from I just don't agree. Unlike these two speakers, I won't be doing any Arab-Israeli presentations to high school students for I know my bias.

The Bland Ol' Party

The foundation of the Republican party has shifted dramatically over the last 6 years. There was a point in time where their platform was based around conservative ideals and limited government but nowadays the GOP is defined by one factor: Obama. Whatever President Barack Obama supports, says, or does the Republican party makes efforts to come out against it. Even on measures which should appeal to right-wing fundamentalists the conservative portion of congress manages to see flaws in these. Obama could have named the family dog Reagan W. O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh would still rant about his dog's socialist agenda (I don't what any of that just meant).

N'SYNC v. LACKstreet Boys

I heard literally the most offensive statement yesterday. This person (who shall remain nameless) had the nerve to utter the lie "Backstreet is better anyway." when referring to N'SYNC. Like.. um nope. I mean they're entitled to their opinion but really? How is such a statement justifiable? I don't even know. I mean they had one good song: 'Everybody'. Who from that group is famous now? I'll give you a minute. I got five syllables for ya: Justin Timberlake. Boom. Roasted. The End. Thank You.

The United Opiates of America

We are an overly-medicated generation. Doctors and psychiatrists nowadays prescribe children at an alarming frequency and the halls, more then ever, have orange white-capped bottles flowing through them. Instead of revamping how America educates its students, pupils are subjected to the tedious curriculum which has been in place for the last century. Perhaps the solution to boredom isn't a medical one but a reformative one. Also, not only the intended clients are using these chemicals. Over 20% of high school students admit to abusing prescription drugs illegally. These drugs are holding back the potential of today's youth and we're slowly becoming a zombified populace and the negative effects that can arise from these chemicals are many. Instead of doping up teens and shoving amphetamines downs their throats (pardon my hyperbole) the system should demand their attention through captivating  lessons. Either way, mass medicating needs to be deeply reconsidered.

Knowledge Issue

A knowledge issue I have personally come across is the whole "homosexual equality" conversation. I have this best-friend named Tony who I've literally known since I was born and a couple of years ago he came out (much to my surprise) and I doubted that our friendship could remain the same it always had been. I got over myself and realized he's still the same person just with a new gender preference. I always considered my self an equal rights advocate but when someone I knew personally came out as homosexual it had me a little shook but its all good now and I have a new found perspective in a way. So yeah.

Writer's History

Pretty solid writer overall I'D SAY but I dunno that's what my mom tells me. I used to write for fun but now it's more of an obligation so I guess I don't feel the same about it as I used to. The goal which I would most like to achieve by taking Theory of Knowledge II is to be more open minded and understanding where others are coming from. I have a hard time accepting that the world's knowledge issues aren't black and white; instead the multiple, and often conflicting, viewpoints paint various shades of grey. An opinion can neither be right nor wrong; therefore, holding someones outlook on a topic against them and judging them for it no more disproves their ideal then it does affirm mine.