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?