Monday, November 06, 2006

Points of view

It seems to me that when I find a blog that I enjoy reading, it is usually about ideas or opinions that I am in agreement with. That's just human nature. We pick our friends in the same way.
Of course, we are influenced by our friends because as social beings, we crave and seek peer group approval. Our behaviour and ideas are influenced by our friends unconsciously.
Influence is one thing. But, I think that thinking processes are much more entrenched. We do think within paradigms. Thomas Khun developed this concept in relation to science but it has found application in the social sphere.

For example, if your view of issues is framed within the framework of political correctness, then you are in a political correct paradigm.
If your opinion on abortion is based upon the teachings of the Catholic Church, you are within the Catholic paradigm.

People do question beliefs and do discuss issues but discussion is usually a focus on getting one's own point of view across (the 'correct' point of view) and trying to destroy the opposing point of view. This is the basis of argument.

Q. How do we distinguish between knowledge and belief?
A. By logic and rational thought. Easier said than done.

Don't forget, all of our opinions are within paradigms. Even with the application of logical thought we are still thinking within boundaries of a paradigm.

The common expression is - thinking outside the box.

So, does my blog influence people? I hope so.
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3 comments:

none said...

There are people dead set in ideas and there there are the wishy washy people that want to please everyone. Once you think you've got through and influenced someones thinking you turn around and they are right back to the other side again.

My mind can be changed if a new argument and evidence comes along that is more convincing and logical that the current one I am using.

6:02 pm
Anonymous said...

Mmm ... this is interesting .... knowldege and belief .... I think tis is not quite on the ball ... I see a continuum that starts with data ... then information ... then knowldege and now coming will be ... wisdom.

This is a child of my computer/accounting history where we started as data managers, became management information specialists, have deveopled into knowledge workers ... and the next horizon is to use that knowledge as wisdom ... rather than "belief".

But ... an interesting thought-provoking post.

7:59 am
Lexcen said...

accountant, thanks for your comment.
I too studied a bit on information theory. Mind you, it was only theory.
Don't confuse the human brain with technology. And don't be led astray by philosophers who question everything to the point of knowing nothing. Psychology is the avenue for understanding human thought. Wisdom is intangible and unmeasurable.

7:07 pm

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