Assessing Knowledge in the Modern World - Essay Example

? Philosophy-Assessing knowledge of the modern world Knowledge can be acquired through rationalism or empiricism. Rationalism uses innate ideas and deductive reasoning to generate knowledge. On the other hand, empiricism uses experiences and observations to generate knowledge. Both scientific theories and religious beliefs are still popular in the 21st century. Assessing knowledge in the modern world Introduction Knowledge in the world today is acquired through two methods: rationalism and empiricism. Knowledge is defined as factual information about human existence and the world through experiments and beliefs. Rationalism is defined as acquiring knowledge about human existence and the world through innate ideas and further through deductive reasoning (Lemos, 2007). Innate ideas are inborn ideas that provide a solid foundation for learning about other important things in life. These ideas are considered absolute certainty by famous philosophers. All the ideas cannot be acquired through experience or experiments. The most significant innate ideas that serve as a source of knowledge of human existence and the world is that of God, substance, infinity and finally destiny among others. Rene Descartes suggested that deductive reasoning enables a person to use innate ideas to infer other ideas (as cited in Lemos, 2007). An example from Descartes’ rationalism theory includes the use of geometry to deduce important ideas such as lines, points and other geometrical shapes. Empiricism is a scientific method of acquiring knowledge through experience, experiments and observations (Lemos, 2007). This theory challenges the theory of acquiring knowledge through innate abilities. John Locke, the initiator of empiricism, suggests that when a person is born, his mind is blank and lacks knowledge of himself and the world around (as cited in Lemos, 2007). However, the person grows into an adult with the knowledge of God, himself and the world through experience, experiments and observations. Newborn babies do not know the existence of God until an adult impacts the teachings and beliefs of God upon the growing baby. People learn to do things such as swimming, running, working and driving among others through experiments and experience. Sources of Knowledge Rationalism as a source of knowledge includes non-experimental sources such as logic, beliefs and mathematics. A person cannot experience any of these sources of knowledge, but can derive a sense of reality and purpose from them. Empiricism source of knowledge in the world today include acquiring information through experience such as seeing, feeling and hearing (Lemos, 2007). Non-experimental knowledge about the modern world comes from reasoning and beliefs. The knowledge in mathematics of adding two numbers such as 1+1 equals 2 is true because of the rational insight of the world around us. Non-experimental knowledge such as mathematics enables people to add money, fruits, clothes and numbers among others. Logic is using reasoning and mental capacity to find the truth about information. An example where logic applies in the modern world is trying to explain to people that men and women are mortal beings. This statement is true because everyone will die. However, the person saying or hearing this statement has not experienced the death to know that men and women are mortal beings. The last non-experimental knowledge of the world today is religious and cultural beliefs. This is the knowledge about God, the devil and ancestors spirits. People have not experienced the presence of God, the devil, heaven and hell because these are beliefs that are considered true from the Holy texts in religious books. Knowledge from experience includes experimental, introspection, memory and testimony (Lemos, 2007). Experimental knowledge thrives on perception such as seeing, feeling, tasting and touching and smelling. Scientific research and other common experiences of acquiring and assessing knowledge in the modern world involve the use of the five common senses. Introspection is the use of brain to think, feel and act (Lemos, 2007). An example of assessing knowledge through introspection is describing to a health professional the symptoms of a disease. A patient will identify pain in the stomach or backache, which will be used to prescribe medication. In this case, the doctor cannot experience the pain but gains information from the patient’s description. Memory is an important source of knowledge in the modern world because the mind records events and experiences that are used in future (Lemos, 2007). People remember their childhood memories with their friends and project these memories to their children’s future happiness. Patients remember previous appointments to the doctor and the description of their ailments. These recollections create new experiences, which are consistent since same results are attained when repeated. Testimony refers to the ideas learnt from other people, history books or video documentaries (Lemos, 2007). An example of testimony from elders and authors teach people that Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the U.S. Abraham Lincoln died in 1865, which is centuries before the current generation of youths were born. This fact shows that youths in the modern world are not aware that Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the U.S through direct observation, but through history books and documentaries. The authors of the history books either rely on records from other authors (post-humus) or through direct familiarities of witnesses who saw or knew Abraham Lincoln. Comparison of the scientific theories and religious beliefs Scientific theories and religious beliefs differ greatly in their methods of describing reality. Science uses empirical methods of experiments and observation results while religion uses faith in deducing human existence and the modern world. However, there are more similarities in the two sources of knowledge of the modern world than differences between the two. The most recent similarity between scientific theories and religious or cultural beliefs is the end of the world on 21st December, 2012. According to the Mayan calendar, time ends on 21st December of 2012, while scientists believe that the cosmic clock will wind down during the same date. According to the Holy texts, the ends times are manifested in earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wild fires and starvation because of the sins of men. Scientists deduce that the sun will be in alignment with the milky-way of the galaxy thus causing astronomical marvels that leads to the human, animal, plants and micro-organism extinction. This phenomenon occurs every twenty six thousand years. According to scientists, the effects of the end of times began with the great tsunami, earth quakes in Japan and Haiti, floods, destructive hurricanes in the U.S, wild fires and drought in Africa. This apocalypse is indicated by both scientists and religious leaders across the world as the end of times, where the world will end or a new world will emerge. Both religion and the science base their theories in search of wisdom, understanding and knowledge of human existence and the world today (Sagan, 1996). Scientists learn in schools to deduce their observations and speculations of the future while religion teaches people through faith that the world is controlled by God, who is invisible, but omnipresent. Religion and science study invisible things such as the existence of God, spirits and the devil in religion (Sagan, 1996). Experiments in science start from invisible things such as Pasteur’s pathogens only seen through a microscope and Newton’s gravitational force among others. Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism among other religions advocate for cleanliness and avoiding unclean foods. Experiments in science conclude that red meat, bio-waste and carcass contribute to unhealthy living conditions in the society. Religion condemns adultery, sodomy, incest and bestiality acts, which are scientifically wrong because they lead to spread of STDs, mental disorders such as depression in relation to sodomy and adultery and genetic incompatibility in cases of incest (Sagan, 1996). Religious beliefs in the 21st century The major religions in the modern world include Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Buddhism, among others. Religion teaches that there is a powerful Supreme Being who is omnipresent and located in the heavens. The Supreme Being created man in his own likeness, the world and values to be followed and obeyed. In the contemporary society, religion is still popular because people are shopping for values, beliefs and guarantees that meet their individual needs. The most commons reasons why religious beliefs are still popular in the 21st century include marriage, diseases, life challenges and uncertainties among others. The first reason why more people turn to religion than science in the modern world is because religion fosters virtues and cohesion. People in the American society desire good behavior from their children, parents, friends and neighbors. This is the reason why many religious communities tend to live together because they share a common objective. Religious beliefs among communities advocate for interpersonal relationships with people from different ethnicities, economic and social backgrounds and of different races. The second reason why religious beliefs are still popular in the contemporary society is that crime and other vices are condemned and shunned. In the U.S, crime rate increases with the level of unemployment and poverty. This implies that many people in poor neighborhoods in the U.S prefer quick money and wealth through violent crime and larceny and drug peddling rather than working at low income jobs for long hours. Religion creates a platform where believers get a sense of belonging and purpose. People direct their time and energy to doing good to themselves and other people to live in heaven with God and the angels. Religion in the 21st century allows believers to be free from materialistic slavery. In the contemporary society where people are judged by their physical appearance, religion offers serenity and tranquility. The social sphere of modern society puts pressure on current standards of beauty as portrayed in mainstream media by actors, musicians and reality show actors. People want to acquire wealth, fame and beauty to fit into the contemporary society. On the other hand, religion teaches people to let go of their worldly possessions by giving their time and wealth to the poor and helping other people achieve greatness. The last and most important reason why religion is popular in the modern world is because of the guarantees it offers for dealing with uncertainty and challenges in life. People experience loss due to death, divorce or abandonment, which causes stress and depression for people who do not have a religious outlet. Religious people leave all their problems to be solved by the Supreme Being. God also plans the future of everyone in the world. Conclusion Assessing knowledge in the modern society is through rationalism and empiricism, which deal with experiences and faith, respectively. Religious and scientific theories differ in their definition of reality, but they have similarities in dealing with invisible things, end of the world and seeking wisdom through extensive studies. Religion in the modern society is still popular because of the promise of heaven, virtues, cohesion, globalization and perseverance. References Lemos, N. (2007). An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Sagan, C. (1996). The Demon-Haunted World: Science and Hope. New York: Ballantine. Read More