The Ambiguity of the Notion of Knowledge - Essay Example

Compare the roles played by reason and imagination at least 2 areas of knowledge It is possible to speak about the ambiguity of the notion of ‘knowledge’, which combines both reason and imagination. The problem of this current issue is that knowledge can not be always appreciated as truth. Here it should be noticed that this is connected with imagination. Imagination is a complicated process of thinking, which is special for every person. The role of image and reason in different areas of knowledge Nowadays there are many applied sciences, which ignore the specific field of true knowledge – the border between true knowledge and false knowledge. The adherents of these sciences declare that student should be taught only the things that had been proved. “Some people do not take into account that the real development of science takes place particularly in interdisciplinary fields” (Morton). None of the local science is able to solve a problem and more of that it is not able to realize a serious issue, which is always multifold, integrated and requires systematic approach. “The system of two notions of reason and imagination is the base for culture. Culture combines everything except material produce, social relationship. Culture is the complex of science, arts, ethics, law, religion and mass communication. Culture is the very thing that makes any person socially active and creative individuality” (Morton). I mean the individuality who can automatically observe the law and some ethical limitations. So only society, which brought up such people is able to develop an excellent level of economical growth and cultural values. Reason and imagination play a great role in this process. It should be mentioned that the main aim of reason and imagination is forming the inner world of a person, their views and perception (the first is a logical process and the second is and emotional one). Reason and imagination have very important functions towards every society. They “provide society with theoretical, technical, technological, legal, social, and political knowledge, which are required for all spheres of human activity” (Duffy). Both reason and imagination are represented in different fields such as arts, science, social psychology, ethics, law, education, mass communication, religion. Each of these fields is subdivided into separate spheres. Here it is very important to note that science consists of three separate branches: natural sciences, human sciences, and technical sciences (usually the third branch is included into natural sciences and is not considered to be separate). It is a fact that the system of reason and imagination should have systematic nature. The Systematic approach is the most general methodology of contemporary science. As it was mentioned above reason and imagination play a great role in life of every personality. They both are complicated psychological processes. For the detailed discussion of the current topic I would like to compare some areas of knowledge and estimate the role of reason and imagination played there. The role of reason and imagination in mathematics As for mathematics it should be mentioned that reason is of great importance here. Mathematics is considered to be the base for all sciences and it requires great intellectual work. Imagination is not so important, but should be taken into account. Imagination is a creative process and is not obligatory for the exact sciences such as mathematics. As it was mentioned above reason is determined by logical perception and expression, while imagination is based on emotions. Visual perception is the main factor in this sphere. Language has many specific features in mathematics. So, we see that mathematics is based on logics and that is why reason is on the first place. Imagination helps to call some associations that are connected with the theoretical concepts. As a rule this science does not demand a huge vocabulary, though the terminology must be strong in use. Emotional issue is not obligatory like it is in arts. The role of reason and imagination in arts Arts is a special sphere of human activity, which demands a great level of emotional perception. Emotions and accordingly imagination are very important here. Art can not live without imagination, though it has some strict theories of knowledge and rules. The importance of language It is worth mentioning that language is very important in Human sciences which are, in fact, built on language and imagination. The concept of reason is relative here though it demands a strict theoretical base. Language, as the means of communication serves an integral tool for human sciences. It is very important to note that language is divided into different styles of communication and demands creative thinking. Usually people dealing with human sciences have to learn language in more proper way like it is in mathematics or natural sciences. The role of reason and imagination in natural sciences The field of natural sciences is a special sphere of human activity. This field demands both – logical thinking and creative approach. The scientists have to master their language to explain the main points of their theories and that is why they have to use all means of language. It is worth mentioning that have much in common with mathematics. Natural sciences are based on exact proofs and that is why the great intellectual work is required. That is the role of reason. Imagination here helps to develop some theories and form the proofs. The role of reason and imagination in history Speaking about history as about area of knowledge I would like to mention some peculiarities of knowing here. First of all visual perception is very important. Historians have to learn a lot of archive sources, which are represented as books mainly. History demands a high level of language. People who deal with history often work with different encyclopaedias and dictionaries in order to understand the concepts of the past. Reason is of great importance here too, because people need logics to compare the events that took place in the past with those that are taking place nowadays. Besides the comparative analysis of the historical epochs, historians should be able to predict some possible events taking into account the mistakes or the fortunes of the past. Here a huge role of imagination should be mentioned. Historians should imagine the things they are talking about, I mean that they should be able to imagine the events of the past. The features of reason and imagination in different areas of knowledge Comparing some features of reason and imagination it is possible to note some differences. Reason itself is a pure theory. It combines a range of instructions, logical steps which are used for thinking. This is the pure form and pure abstract logic. Imagination comprises a range of graphical images, which are kept in mind, while reason constructs these images. ‘It is possible to compare reason with a computer program and image with the specific information which should be put into the computer. Reason is the logic of the mathematical equation and imagination is a range of concrete numbers, which are included into the equation’ (Morton). It is an interesting fact that reason does not its own energy while imagination, on the contrary, is characterized by a strong power of energy. Reason demands some specific motivation and direction. In order to build a logical chain of thoughts, people have to make great efforts. In order to imagine, we just have to ‘turn off’ logical thinking. Besides it is very difficult for every person to concentrate their attention to one subject for a long time. As a rule there is a danger of outer image interfering. This problem is caused by the fact that reason is passive; it has to be motivated, while imagination is full of energy and is active. Imagination provokes appearing of a great number of associations without any logical connections. “Imagination has direct connections with emotions and primary impulse” (Duffy). It should be mentioned that it is very difficult to harmonize the activity of reason and imagination. But it is still possible to do if imagination is subdued to reason. Reason must cause only the images and associations that are needed for the thought process. After this stage is finished we should pass to another step of thinking – to mobilize a new range of elements. People should avoid their reason to be overloaded by reason. Such coordination will help to control thoughts and achieve concentrating. The harmony between reason and imagination can appear in different forms. For example, while painting an artist gives freedom to their imagination and reason controls this process in relatively manner – it helps to achieve the unity of theme and creative search, balance and ethical connection. A person, dealing with mathematics, is dominated by logical thinking that demands facts and numbers. In conclusion I should say that imagination and reason play a great role in life of every person. The problem of activity of these two mental processes is very complicated and requires further investigating. Both of these processes are united in the concept of knowledge, which also includes many other elements, such as: reason, emotions, language, and the senses of perception. Works cited Duffy Bernadette, Supporting Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years (Supporting Early Learning), Open University Press; 2Rev Ed edition 2006 Morton Adam, A Guide Through the Theory of Knowledge, Blackwell Publishers; 3Rev Ed edition 2002 Imagination, Mental imagery, Consciousness, and Cognition: Scientific, Philosophical and Historical Approaches. http://www.imagery-imagination.com/ http://ethesis.helsinki.fi/julkaisut/val/kayta/vk/lemetti/imaginat.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagination Read More