We discussed all the values associated with the Enlightenment's integrating value of Critical Thinking. How do you see these same values being acted upon in our society/culture today? If you don't see them in our culture, you can discuss that as well. Be specific with the value(s) you see and give examples.
I know we also discussed the values associated with Progress, and the Industrial Cultural Matrix, but we'll discuss those later.
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ReplyDeleteFor years the advancements in the study of medicine has been hindered by traditional methods. As long as scientists were testing on animals and using age old techniques to develop medicines, the ruling class accepted such practices. Many of these medicines bring mild to severe side effects. We have often heard cancer patients proclaim that the cure is worse than the condition or that they actually felt fine until they began chemotherapy. In another words, many treatments are akin to killing a fly with a shotgun. Many so called magic pills may very well address the initial problem, but the patient is bombarded by a range of side effects that require addition medication. Millions of people are soon unable to live without their daily cache of little blue, yellow or white pills. Now I am by no means against the use of medications to address our ills. However, like many, I know that technological advances have allowed scientists to examine disease on a cellular level. This type of research could make it possible for illnesses to be treated in a meaningful way and not just an answer to symptoms. Here lies the social and cultural war we face today, the exploration of the viability of stem cells. Adult stem cells have been used for creating bone marrow and similar use; however we all know that that is not the debated issue. The controversial issue is embryonic stem cell research.
ReplyDeleteI submit that, in terms of the Enlightenment, the values associated with science and religion is mutually exclusive. Opposition to embryonic stem cell research solely on the grounds of religious beliefs hinders scientific research and advancement in medical technology. Additionally, opponents of such research value religion over science therefore rationality is excluded. Proponents of embryonic stem cell research believe in the tenants of the scientific method and social progress as a whole.
The hypothesis of scientists is that the blank slate quality of embryonic stem cells will allow the regeneration of cells that affect patients with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and possibly amputees and those with paralysis. Early testing in mice suggests that entire body parts could be grown as replacements. Opponents of such research argue that further development of embryonic stems cells could result in complete human cloning. Also, opponents fear that the practice of growing an embryo in a lab and destroying in order to obtain stem cells is murder.
The principles of the enlightenment require that the application of rationality and methodology is essential in all things, but particularly in science. Those who oppose embryonic stem cell research refuse to apply the rational principles of critical thinking due to their inability or unwillingness to separate religion from science.
The belief that an embryo, or a collection of cells, in a Petri dish is a human being is irrational. The lack of a heart or a brain or any other vital organs is irrefutable proof that an embryo is not a human being. The potential of an embryo to become a human does not yet make it a human. This belief is, by scientific measure, both illogical and irrational. I have never heard an embryo eat, kick, cry or call for mommy.
Critical thought requires factual information and rationality and it wholly irrational to prohibit the advancement of science based on ideas rooted in the tenants of religion. To disallow scientists to test their hypothesis of potential embryonic stem cells flies directly in the face of secular critical thinking and progress, both crucial components of the Enlightenment.
In the context of the values of the Enlightenment period, I would say the value of freedom is still used in today's society. In the U.S. we are prideful of the fact that we have the freedom to say or do whatever. Which could be the reason why people that aren't from the U.S.come here in order to have the opportunity at having a chance of having freedom. But the idea of critical thinking, is still being used today.Also, the idea of the scientific method, I'm sure since then has been some changes but overall it is still being used in all aspects of life and in different medical and science related fields.
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ReplyDeleteI definitely see the third principle of the Enlightenment being integrated into todays society. Newtons third principle states, "people should ignore fantasies about ultimate causes and concentrate on the practical problems of improving the human situation in this world," which i believe is being integrated in two separate ways. First off, there are those people within our society whom really do ignore fantasies and get down to the real thing. And I think those people are mostly made up of our governmental officials, and all those people in charge of maintaining order within our society. And, secondly, I also believe that there are people in our society who take a different stance while interpreting that principle and rather than creating a fantasy which of course, it says not to do, people create goals, and then work at achieving them-which then sets out on fulfilling the second part of the principle which relies on ultimately, "improving the human situation in this world."
ReplyDeleteThere are many values of the enlightenment used today; two of those values are the scientific method and freedom. The scientific method is used in everyday life. I might not use as much it but it is used by scientist of today to solve the problems of the world. The scientific method consists of reason and observation. It focuses on practical problems using facts and reality. Freedom is the second value of the enlightenment; we live in a free nation. We have the freedom to do whatever we want. The 1st amendment of the constitution allows us the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition. Which is way we people travel to the United States, they want the freedom we have. The scientific method and freedom are associated with critical thinking, which makes it the other value used today. Critical thinking is the most important value of the enlightenment.
ReplyDeleteOne of the values associated with the Enlightenment's integrating value of Critical Thinking is that the scientific method was to be applied to everything; this is something I don’t see in our culture. Some but not all persons know what the scientific method is. The people who do know what the scientific method is probably don’t apply it to everything they do. A value that I do see in our culture is the one of self-interest. Many persons tend to act and make decisions with self-interest being the only value in their mind.
ReplyDeleteLike during the Enlightenment, in today’s American society, we continue to value freedom. Our freedom, as citizens of the United States, is an unalienable right protected by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment entitles us to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. As a result of these rights we are able to freely choose which religion we want to belong to and worship how we want. We can also express our thoughts and opinions by saying what we want. Without freedom we would be unable to form our own opinions or make our own decisions about important aspects of our lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the values from the Enlightenment are still present in today’s society. The values of the scientific method and freedom are very prevalent in our day to day lives. The scientific method is used daily in not only the science world but also in our basic lives. We use this method to solve basic problems, using logic and reasoning. Freedom plays a big part in our culture. Our nation is founded on the idea of freedom for all and our leaders and many in our country believe that we should spread our definition of freedom to the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteAfter looking over and reading each of other posts,I would like to respond to Stephaine's post which spoke of freedom. I agree with her totally. The value of freedom is still being seen in today's society.I feel its the one thing that gives us hope in some way. I like the fact that she said that the First Amendment that protects our right to freedom and that through freedom we have a voice. That we have the freedom of choice ranging from speech to religion. I agree with her that without freedom we wouldn't be able to form any opinions or make any decisions.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for the late post. Internet still hasn't been transferred to my new apartment.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the integrating value of Critical Thinking incorporates the values of Scientific Method and Freedom. In modern times, people act more upon the latter values rather than basing all of their beliefs on the church and governing power. People used to digest what they were being told by their superiors and accepting it as the only truth they needed to be aware of. Nowadays people are more questioning, and rather than accepting what is being fed to them by the media, many carry on their own research and look for more answers. Others fight the system or challenge it if they don't agree with or believe everything that is going on. The people that propose challenges to the current system are expressing their "freedom" because now they have more say in what's going on in society. Some places may still be more rigid, but the USA is supposedly a democratic country, so people have more rights.
The scientific method is really just a way of observing the natural environment in terms other than just looking at the sky and knowing that it is blue because God made it that way. Some people have a more scientific view of the world around them while others are perfectly happy with just accepting nature the way it is and not questioning why or how it came about. Critical thinking allowed people to expand their knowledge about the world we live in, but there is no real evidence as to whether or not their is or isn't a divine being. Science cannot prove anything and everything, but it can help provide some answers.
The definition of freedom has changed significantly from it's primitive stage in the past. Now people don't have to worry so much about getting the death penalty if they say something against the government. At least not legally. In America, we have the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, and those rights are supposed to be protected but there are limitations. These limitations are unwritten and unspoken, but our rights get tested in court and in the circumstances in which people try to take advantage of them. We have the freedom to express our beliefs and thoughts as well as the freedom to present ourselves in a certain manner, but like I mentioned before, there are always those underlying rules, whether written or not. America poses itself as a free country, but is it really "free" or is it just "free-er" than other countries?
In response to BiancaNWright,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument for embryonic stem cell research and that religion should not get in the way of science. However, I was wondering if your assessment of this type of practice was based on the values of scientific method, freedom, or both? I see how it would play as an example for both and how religion may hinder the advancement of either. I was also wondering if you were passionate about the topic and maybe if there is more you can argue for the rationality of it?
Well, I read Amy Craddock's response and I totally agree because the scientific method is used in the science world today in addition to other places where research is taking place and anywhere where deep ideas and concepts need to be analyzed in an effective manner. I also agree with her stance on freedom and how it is an important role in the United states where we believe in freedom for the individual as well as the idea that our leaders believe in spreading the belief in/of freedom to the rest of the world!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amy’s assertion that the scientific method is used in our daily lives. Even though we may not realize it, we all use some type of method when we are trying to solve a problem. Whether it is a personal problem or a mathematical equation we follow a thought process and attempt to use good judgment and reason. I also share her perspective that our nation was built on the principle of freedom. It is an important right for us, as Americans.
ReplyDeleteReply to Claudia,
ReplyDeleteMy main point is that scientists use the scientific method and have put forth a hypothesis for the possibilities of embryonic stem cells. In my opinion, some people lack the ability (for whatever reason) to separate religion from science and that has prevented scientists from testing their hypothesis. Those who impede such progress for religious reasons are not using reason to think critically.
To be honest im not sure if there is a set in stone values that are expressed,mainly because the world is too diverse now.I mean the scientific method is used in everyday life; however, I believe we are limited in alot of ways because of morality issue. Which include such things as stem cell research. In America we live in a democratic society, a part being democratic is having freedom. We have set out to make other countries like us, but is trying to other make people like us really freedom? I believe democracy works, im just not sure if it should be our responsibility to solve all the worlds problems.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Claudia:
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you when you talk about people who are more questioning, and that they do not believe everything that is fed to them instead they tend to look for answers. I think that this is true because of the value of freedom we all have in this country. I also wonder the same thing “is America really a free country…?” Many times we think we have the ability to do anything we want, but do can we really say everything that is in our minds? In one way or the other we are still judged by the law or simply judged by the people around us. I agree more with the second statement you said America is just “free-er” then other countries.
In response to Karla’s blog,
ReplyDeleteI don’t agree with the fact that the scientific method is not used in today society. Even though some people do not understand the concept or even know about it does not mean that they are not unconsciously using it. They still us the same problem solving methods and to find the answer to questions in their everyday life. They might not know that it is called the scientific method but they still use the basic concept. I do agree with the value of self- interest being present in today’s society. Many people only act out of self gain.
The Enlightenment era was an exciting time in our history of man. Everyone started to want to know how the universe really worked or fuctioned. The great thinkers wanted answers and they used the Scientic method to arrive at all answers.
ReplyDeleteThis included observation and research. They had to prove everything through reason and calculations.
They went so far as to put the Scientic Method before Religion. I've always though that Religion and Science can and do work together. The funny thing about this is I see society going back to the Critical Thinking way of life. Soceity and Scientist put Science before God.
As far as how society practice critical thinking today, I believe that half of the population on earth, practice some type of critical thinking in that they take their time and explore all ideas and options. They open up their minds and analye all ppoints of view and then they make a decision. They still search for they truth and knowledg.
I would like to think that it isn't as extreme as during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Unfortunatley, In my opinio, the other half think it's either their way of thinking or nothing. Their opinio or beliefs are the right ones. All we have to do is turn on the TV and listen to al the wars, killings and embezzlements that are going on all over the world and that's proof that a lot of people do what they want to do. They don't care if it hurts or destroys anyone else.
As far as religion and God are concerned, I think we need to have them in our so called lives. They are vital in our lives. Some people think religion is a sign of weakness in a person. That they can't exist without a cruth (help, of religion). I say religion and God can help us live in peace and harmony. I also think that someone had to create us and that means that there has to be a Higher Being, God. You see, some things cannot be explained, it called FAITH!!
Adios!