Field Blog Entry #12 - Reasoning (TOK)

Reasoning - when do we use it and how useful is it? 

Reason is one way of knowledge in TOK that can be used to understand known facts and support arguments. Reasoning can be distinguished between inductive and deductive. Both have strengths and weaknesses and this can be related to the “Newsweek: The Limits of Reason” by Sharon Begley. Deductive reasoning is when specific conclusion is drawn from general statements. It is less informative but more certain and can be valid logic but untrue. Inductive reasoning uses specific instances, based on experience and observation, to make a general conclusion. We use it to make generalization about the world based on past experience. In contrast to deductive reasoning, inductive is more informative but less certain. 

Confirmation bias is one example of a problem with inductive reasoning and it is the people’s tendency to see or remember only evidence that confirms or supports their beliefs. In the article, it states that “the reason we succumb to confirmation bias, why we are blind to counterexamples… is that these lapses have a purpose: they help us “devise and evaluate arguments that are intended to persuade other people.”” I think the quote is implying that confirmation bias may be dangerous in reasoning but it helps us acknowledge and improve our argument which is how reason is used. Inductive reasoning can help to strengthen an argument if used right which is what the article is saying. In addition, Begley states that “failures of logic are in fact effective ploys to win arguments.” This adds further support for the fact that reasoning, which uses logic that may be right or wrong to be informative, can be efficient in debates and arguments.

In addition, reasoning is very helpful because “we tend to look harder for flaws in a study when we don’t agree with its conclusions and are more critical of evidence that undermines our point of view.” This is a condition that needs to be met to know that your conclusions are true. Making sure that your premises are logical and true is important in coming up with a good conclusion. By making people be attentive for flaws, which may be true or false, it prepares them with new arguments and be convincing. According to the article, “reason is supposed to be the highest achievement of the human mind, and the route to knowledge and wise decisions.” I agree with this quote because through reasoning, one can fix their failures and improve their reasoning to come up with successful arguments and make wise, true conclusions. True premises lead to true conclusions so if people become more careful with their reasoning they will be able to make good conclusions. 

Field Blog Entry #11 - Standards of Beauty (Personal)

Ideal Beauty in Korean Culture 

Korean people have been influenced greatly by the Korean popular culture. Many people who live outside of Korea, for example, America, find it difficult to understand the people's obsession of the ideal weight and appearance. I came upon an article written by a Korean American who visited Korea for the first time. 

Charlene Chae, a Korean American, visits Korea for the first time and finds out that her mother isn't the only one who thinks she is overweight. "an entire nation does". This statement relates to the general mindset of Koreans that "having nice body is a purpose of everyone in society." The standards of beauty in Korea differ greatly to those of America. People have a tendency or inclination to be like their ideal celebrities in Korea which causes people to be all thin and perform plastic surgery on their face. 

In order for someone to understand the standard beauty of Korea, one must have knowledge on the cultural pressures of Koreans. Many Koreans are subject to the pressures of the society and thus believe that they must have an ideal weight or face to be attractive or beautiful. Korea's "image-centric views" cause people to be self-conscious about their selves. I raised concerns on why people must have an ideal weight or appearance in order to be accepted. 

It is true that having a nice body is more physically attractive but is it morally ethical to exclude or condemn people who do not fall into the category of having the ideal beauty. 
I believe the purpose of one's role in society is to make significant contributions that are related to culture, society or economics. People should not be criticized for not having the ideal weight or appearance because every single person is unique. From this article, I wanted to point out that having an ideal beauty is not important and it is unmoral for people to feel insignificant in society because of their appearances. 

http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/real-life/inner-you/do-i-look-fat-in-this-country-a-look-at-beauty-ideals-in-korean-culture-1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bPhGAmfD-Q

Field Blog Entry #10 - TOK Point in the Cell Theory (IB Class)

The Cell Theory 

I have finally come upon topic 2 in Biology Standard Level, which is about cells. The cell theory states the following: living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the smallest unit of life and cells come from pre-existing cells. This theory has been developed over time as scientists made discoveries, disproved old theories and developed what we currently know as the cell theory. Scientists first looked through the microscope to study the structures of organisms and discovered that all living organisms were made up of small units, now known as cells. Several experiments conducted by the scientists showed that cells removed from tissues can survive independently for short periods of time. For example, in 1839, Theodor Schwann discovered that animals were made up of cells and stated that “all living things are composed of cells and cell products”. This hypothesis was supported by sufficient evidence and thus became part of the cell theory.

Based on this information, the cell theory raises the question of the difference between a scientific theory and the more general use of the word theory. The nature of scientific theories can be introduced by deciding whether a theory should be discarded when there is clear evidence that it does not offer a full explanation and what kind of evidence needs to be collected in order for a theory to be accepted or rejected. This matter talks about the accumulation of evidence that allows a hypothesis to become theory like the cell theory.  

        

Field Blog Entry #9 - Visual Perception (Personal)

Are blue foods as cool as the color implies? 

I came upon this article a few days ago while researching about colors and visual perception. Curry is a famous food that people enjoy. Its colors tend to vary but it stays close to the shades of red and yellow. Blue curry is uncommon and unfamiliar to many people. One restaurant in Japan came up with the idea of blue curry and people were seen to reject automatically. The restaurant assures that the blue color is caused by food coloring and the ingredients are the same. But people become “doused” by the “blindingly blue liquid”. People naturally look for the correspondence between the food and their experiences of color. They feel uncomfortable and foreign towards the curry because the food and the color does not correspond.

Blue-colored food is actually used in many places or restaurants around the world to reduce hunger. It has been proved that people tend to order food with blue coloring because it helps them with their diet. They lose their appetite because of the unfamiliarity of the color of the food and thus be successful in reducing weight. 

During our Theory of Knowledge class, we defined visual perception as the “perceptual process that is not structured to record data but to organize meaning”. Because of cognitive processing people tend to interpret what they visually see. People expect certain colors or characteristics when they see something so their “mind blanks out” when it doesn’t fit their expectations. Sense perception is one of the ways of knowledge but people “tend to look for meaning in what we see and group the perceptual experiences”. This is known as visual grouping as stated by Van de Lagemaat.

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/11/15/bright-blue-curry-and-intense-disgusting-juice-on-the-menu-at-niconico-cafe-not-for-the-faint-of-stomach/

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/07/19/are-blue-foods-as-cool-as-the-color-implies-we-try-blue-curry-ramen-and-beer/

Field Blog Entry #8 - Ted Talk (Personal)

Tony Robins: Why we do what we do

In this ted talk Tony Robbins shares his thoughts and insights about why and how we do what we do and ways to do things better. His speech was based mainly on realistic (scientific) evidence which allowed me to trust the information. Robbins’ speech was motivating and helped the audience find the “inner blocks that prevent people from finding fulfillment and success.” Some people might find it uncomfortable because he doesn’t refrain from using swear words or racist implications. But the general idea of the video was about us and our actions.

People take risks to provide the world with new knowledge and I was able to relate the ted talk to the ways of knowing I learned in Theory of Knowledge class. Tony Robbins emphasized that logical reasons and faith were two important factors why we do what we do. From this, I deduced that our knowledge had a big influence on our actions.

Robbins also described that “Explore your web — the needs, the beliefs, the emotions that are controlling you… so there’s more of you to give… and so you can appreciate what’s driving other people. It’s the only way our world’s going to change.” This supported the fact about how people need to experience more because they only see a piece of the world. People’s perspectives are causing disagreement and their perspective is greatly influenced by experience.

Tony Robbins’ Ted Talk emphasized the importance of reason and faith and also described about experiencing the world to improve ourselves. People have the ability to make a positive impact and it is important to experience and stretch our limits to reach that potential.   

http://www.ted.com/talks/tony_robbins_asks_why_we_do_what_we_do.html

Field Blog Entry #7 - TOK Point in Biology (IB Class)

I am currently learning about ecology and evolution in my IB SL Biology class. While we were studying about the greenhouse effect, the precautionary principle came up. The precautionary principle states that “if the effects of a human-induced change would be very large, perhaps catastrophic, those responsible for the change must prove that it will not do harm before proceeding.”

But in the real world, we can see that those responsible for the damage are trying to come up with convincing evidences in order to proceed while those who are concerned about the change would have to prove that it will do harm in order to prevent such plans.

This is very important because ethical questions are raised about the effects of economic harm on future human generations. Global warming is being accelerated due to an enhanced greenhouse effect that is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and livestock breeding. If no action is taken to limit global warming, then there may be a greater danger for future generations. Another ethical implication can be found in species other than humans. Global warming is damaging the habitat of species living in arctic ecosystems, such as the Antarctic, by melting the ice. The rise in temperature is taking away their environment and might lead to the extinction of these species.  

The issue of global warming has ethical implications globally in terms of causes and consequences. There is an unbalance between those in the world who are contributing to the problem and those who are being harmed. A fair and equal cooperation is needed for a solution be found. 

Field Blog Entry #6 - Perspective (Personal)

Knowers’ Perspective

I was looking for some inspirational quotes for my Theory of Knowledge personal entry when I came upon this quote:

“What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” ― John Lubbock

I think this quote really explained the concept of perspective because people look at the same world but might see something else depending on what they look for. Our perspectives might be affected through religion, education, culture, personality, etc.

I related the importance of perspective into many aspects. First, I was able to connect perspective with the cognitive miser theory, a concept I learned in IBH Psychology. Cognitive miser theory states that people are hesitant at accepting new information so they use their previous beliefs when making a decision. A perspective is a way of thinking or knowing from one’s point of view when regarding something or making a decision. The theory indicates that people tend to rely on their point of view or perspective in order to make decisions.

The story of the Blind Men and the Elephant is also an example of the importance of perspective. The blind men had different descriptions of the elephant because they were touching different parts. They were placed in front of the same object but they all saw something else. The story was about the different perspectives of people and emphasized the importance of seeing the “compete picture” or the full idea. People experience only a small piece of the world so in order to gain a more “complete picture” of the world people need to be willing to experience and share knowledge with others.

Consider an important question related to perspective: How do we account for the multiplicity of perspectives in the world?

Field Blog Entry #5 - Sightless Experience (TOK)

Blind role:

Even though I had complete trust in my partner to guide and navigate the courtyard, I became more hesitant about where I was walking and felt anxious and insecure about the situation. I was very worried about where I was stepping because I wasn’t able to see at all. If I accidently hit my foot against a rock or a fence, I reacted more strongly than usual because I was scared of what I couldn’t see. I trusted my guide to lead me to the right path but losing one of my senses made me feel helpless and uncertain about everything. I also felt a little frustrated that my sight was handicapped because it made me feel weak and powerless.

When I was walking on a normal path with no obstacles, I walked at my normal pace but I started to be more cautious and hesitant of walking when there were rocks or fences in my path. Because I wasn’t able to use my sight, I became nervous of bumping into the obstacles. I found climbing the rock the most difficult because I was afraid to jump back to the ground after going up the rock. I felt like I was coming down from a high place because I wasn’t able to see the ground at all.

The descriptions my partner made were detailed so I was able to visualize what I was encountering. I think it was easier to imagine the route because I knew the path well from explaining it to my partner when she was blindfolded. But at the same time I found it quite difficult to visualize the colors of the rock or the physical characteristics of people around me.

I remember using the sense of touch and sound to navigate my way around. Despite the fact that I wasn't supposed to touch my partner, I unconsciously tended to rely on my sense of touch. It also helped me visualize what the rock or the fence looked like by touching them. Another sense I relied greatly was sound. If I hadn't used my hearing then I think I would've bumped into a lot of people because I wouldn't be able to hear my partner or the other people. I also realized that I became more concentrated on my partner’s voice because that was the only thing I could use to help me navigate my way around. I think it didn't really compensate for the loss of sight because I did not feel assured or confident of where I was going without my sight.

I partially agree with the statement “knowledge is the true organ of sight, not the eyes” because if I believe it is important that we know what we are seeing. If we have no knowledge of the object that we see through the eyes, then we will never be able to understand it. But on the other hand, there are some aspects, such as colors, that we would not be able to visualize without knowing.  

Guide role:

It was my first time helping someone blind and I found it very interesting because I wasn’t used to navigating someone. It was a little frustrating to explain something that would be so easy if they could only see because my partner required detailed descriptions and I found some obstacles or routes hard to explain. My partner and I have similar faith and trust towards each other so I found my partner listening to all my instructions. I think my partner had relied a lot on my instructions and descriptions and she trusted me to give her accurate information.

The most difficult part was helping the person climb over the fence because there were several flower pots placed next to the fence which made it more difficult for my partner to go over the fence. I think she would've bumped into the fence or stepped on the flower pot if I hadn't told her about them. I think this situation could be difficult and dangerous if I didn't give her any descriptions about the fence or the flower pots. If they had been able to see then it would not have been dangerous because they could see the obstacle.

The sightless experience really helped me realize that sight is critical to knowing and understanding because even we would not be able to understand something completely without seeing. We could gain knowledge through learning but to understand something in real life would require sight.  

How would you describe the following to a blind person so they could gain an understanding of it?

• Cat – two pointy ears, long thin whiskers, four legs, soft fur, and moving animal.
• Riding a bike – two wheels, one seat, handles to help change direction, push pedals with feet to go forward
• Sunset – the shades of red, pink, and dark blues, gradually becomes darker as the sun goes down 

Field Blog Entry #4 - Importance of Belief and Truth (Personal)

“Does it Matter if what we Believe is True?”

People learn new information from media, school, internet, friends, family, etc and we believe it to be true because we trust the sources. I think this question does not have a definite “yes or no” answer because sometimes it doesn’t matter if what we believe is the actual truth or not.

In some subjects such as science, we need to know that we believe to be true is significant in order to explain and discover information. For example, when someone is explaining how to dissect a frog, he/she needs to believe that the information being told is true in order to teach someone else. If people are unconfident about believing something to be true, then it will cause them to have flaws in their knowledge. Another example can be found in politics where it is important that what we believe in is true because it affects the society.

Religion is a different case from science. It is not of great importance whether what we believe is true or not because religion is a matter of faith. For example, people find it challenging to provide realistic and provable evidence of the existence of God but it is not important whether the existence of God is true or not. Religion is something people rely on to answer the questions that cannot be answered using scientific evidence. Even if the existence of God is false, some people will still believe it to be true.

In conclusion, whether it matters if what we believe in is true or not depends on the subject. If the cases are subjects that affect the society or other people it is quite important to know that the information being gained is true. In contrast, topics like religion are a matter of one’s faith. So it does not matter greatly whether what we believe in is true or not.

Field Blog Entry #3 - TOK and Psychology (IB Class)

Ethical Responsibilities and Knowledge Claims

I was able to relate my IBH Psychology course to my Theory of Knowledge class in several aspects. I recently learned about Plato’s Tripartite View of Knowledge in TOK class: justification, truth and belief. Truth is what actually corresponds to the world, belief is a matter of conviction of our knowledge, and justification requires coherence between both truth and belief. I realized that these three types of knowledge could be related to psychology.

There are many ethical issues raised in psychological research that raises the question of “Do knowledge claims in the human sciences imply ethical responsibilities?”

An example of an implication would be a complication of whether a psychological theory is true, believed or justified. A theory could be considered true based on evidence but some people might believe it to be true or justify themselves to make it true. 

Another issue could be raised in a case study involving only one individual because it risks the loss of anonymity and might distress the participant. It is not ethical or moral to make the participant become frustrated or uncomfortable because of the research.

Some research studies raise ethical implications so it is important for us to set several important standards that must be observed in order to protect study participants when conducting a psychology research.

Our knowledge claims might cause ethical implications which requires us to take responsibilities for those issues. The question “Do knowledge claims in the human sciences imply ethical responsibilities?” is very significant to consider in both psychology and TOK. 

Field Blog Entry #2 - Know Thyself Assignment (TOK)

     1. In a few words or phrases, describe yourself. Is this easy? difficult? Why?

I would describe myself as shy, quiet and caring. I found it quite difficult to describe myself in a few words or phrases because everyone has different views and perspectives on oneself. People judge and describe a person differently and it is complicated to sum all these detailed descriptions into a few words or phrases. 

     2. After we have discussed this, get online to do the following personality tests:

              a.  www.humanmetrics.com

                   Scroll down to Jung Typology Test and click “Take Test”

b.  www.kisa.ca/personality/

     3. After you’ve taken both tests, consider the implications and problems. Looking at one’s own personality is a complicated undertaking—one that involves ways of knowing, beliefs, actions, behaviors, and feelings.  Jot down any interesting or troubling discoveries.  

I think I was accurately described because I always thought of myself as timid and both test results showed that I had a preference for an introverted personality. But I also realized that I wasn't sure how to explain myself in terms of actions or beliefs because I don't know myself enough to describe if I act based on intuition. Some of the results of the test were the same to the other test results but others came out differently. This troubled me slightly because I couldn't decide which test described me more accurately. 

     4. Soon you’ll be writing your “Autobiography of the Knower” Think Piece.  Did the results from these tests confirm what you already knew? Do you disagree with any of the results?  Consider this experience as you construct your Think Piece.

Both tests confirmed that I was more of an introverted person than an extroverted one because I already knew that I had a timid personality. Also, I agreed that I do tend to act more according to my feelings and my intuitions but I was quite surprised to find a high score on feelings. I do believe that it isn't easy to describe a person in a few words but I was able to agree with most of the test results which helped me to understand myself better. 

  

Field Blog Entry #1 - The Mouse Who Ate the Cheese (TOK)

"The Mouse Who Ate the Cheese"
By Dr Stuart Fowler, Educational Consultant, Penrith, Melbourne, Australia

In this story, the main characters presented are Bill, Alice, Virginia, Adrian and George. First, Bill saw a mouse under the cupboard where he uses sense perception. Bill is absolutely sure and knows about what he saw so Bill is being empirical. Alice believed that there was a mouse by using reasoning and logical conclusion. She is being rational because she is using logic to confirm what she senses. Virginia uses an outside source, Bill, to believe that there was a mouse under the cupboard because she trusts Bill's reliability.  Adrian believes the fact about the mouse with blind trust. George absolutely believes that there is no mouse by using logical evidence and prior knowledge. He is being rational because he doesn't want to accept the fact that there was a mouse in his house. 
From this story, I was able to observe the fact that Bill was the only person who knew and 3 people believe that they saw a mouse by using logic and trust. George denies the fact that there was a mouse because admitting the fact might ruin the reputation of his house. I was able to connect George to many people because a lot of people in the world refuse to admit an empirical fact because it might damage their pride or reputation. This made me wonder how people are able to compromise their thoughts when one is being absolutely certain and the other is being completely doubtful. This story implied that many people are rational and don't have an empirical knowledge about what they believe in. The human brain and knowledge might raise a lot of situations that can be possible by using logic sense and they might be different to what the actual situation was. Many people are rational and their beliefs might be contradicting to the empirical facts so how do those people use dialog or debate to agree on a fact.