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Module
Two: Session Five |
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- We all reason from within a world view. A world view can be
likened to an irremovable set of glasses which filter our perception
of reality. Each person's world view can result in bias, prejudice,
and misunderstanding. It is important to recognize that we reason
from within a world view, and identify the ways that it can interfere
with good reasoning.
- A paradigm is a model or representation of reality. It is a
broader way of thinking about world views. An entire culture
often share the key elements of a paradigm.
- Here are some examples:
- naturalism: The model which assumes that all that exists
is matter.
- theism: The model which assumes that there is a god who exists
in addition to
- matter, and that this god created the matter.
- nihilism: The model that says that claims about morality
are without meaning.
- Paradigms and Science:
- In science, there is always a dominant model that is the
basis for all presuppositions regarding research in virtually
every area of science. When the paradigm changes, all fields
of scientific research and research adjust to conform to
it.
- Here are some examples:
- The geocentric model of the universe (The earth is
the center of everything.)
- The heliocentric model (the sun is the center of the
solar system.)
- Newton's Laws of Motion
- Einstein's Theory of Relativity
- Darwin's Theory of Evolution
- Notice that these affect not only science, but the way
everyone tends to see the world.
- Regarding Frame of Reference,
- Identify your point of view.
- Seek other points of view and identify their strengths as well
as weaknesses.
- Strive to be fair-minded in evaluating all points of view.
- Consider the possibility that paradigms by which you live could
be wrong. What are alternatives? What are the most reasonable
arguments for them?
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