Chapter 12, Question #3

One concept I would like to discuss this week is the topic of empiricism. The Boss text states that, “empiricism is the belief that our physical senses are the primary source of knowledge, is one of the most basic assumptions of science”. I thought this topic was very important to discuss because we use it in our daily lives. It is a way we learn about different things as we grow. I think empiricism is the first step we take in order to learn more about a subject. I think that empiricism is important, but we have to remember that it is not the only method we should use when we are learning about something or someone. Because some times ones first assumption is not the correct one, which is why we have to do more research in order to truly know about something or someone. But nonetheless, I think our first observations are very important and make up what we know. 

Chapter 12, Question #2

There are a lot of times where you can misjudge someone by just looking at them. We try not to do that, but I think it is natural for humans to judge in order to keep themselves safe. For instance, I was on my way home on the bus and I was scanning the aisle to find a seat. I saw a woman sitting there, she seemed a little off or upset, but she offered me the seat next to hers. So I sat down, and it turned out to not be so bad. She was actually very nice and friendly, which made the bus ride go a lot quicker. This shows that your first observation is not always right when you base it solely on looks. And it also shows that you have to get to know the person before you make a judgment on whom they are or how they would act. 

Chapter 12, Question #1

GEMINI: “Do you want to take things to a deeper level in your life? Instead of having a job, do you want to have a career? Instead of having a romantic relationship, do you want to be married? Instead of renting a home, do you want to buy one? These goals are good, they are healthy, and best of all -- they are attainable. You need to understand that. To reach them, take baby steps. You can't get to where you want to go all at once. Understand that things take time, and you will get there.”

            In my opinion I think this horoscope is very relatable, but it is very broad so I think that a lot of other people can relate to it as well. At this point of my life I am starting to really think about my future and I would like to be done with school and start my career. In this case, I guess my horoscope was quite accurate. I am occurring figuring out my schedule of the coming semester and keeping my long term goals in mind. 

Chapter 11, Question #3

One concept that I thought was important to discuss this week was the misrepresentation of scientific findings. According to the Boss text, we tend to trust that scientific findings are true simply because what we are reading is “science”. I find that to be very true. When I hear or read about something that has to do with science, I tend to believe it to be true, compared to other stories about celebrity. But I also think I believe it because it was in the news. Another thing I thought was interesting was that most reporters are not trained in science and sometimes make mistakes in reporting the results of scientific studies. I never thought of that before, and it makes me think twice before fully trusting what I hear or see on the news. This shows how important it is to think critically when information is given to you and you should always be skeptical of the different scientific findings. 

Chapter 11, Question #2

Both Sadler and Hunt brought good points to their argument for and against plagiarism. Sadler focused on the negative consequences that participating in plagiarism would cause and that people who do commit plagiarism should be punished with a heavier penalty. Whereas Hunt focused more on the good outcomes of participating in plagiarism. He thought that plagiarism can challenge both the student and the professor and therefor helping them learn in the end.

            I think that Sadler had the stronger argument because he was straight forward and gave ten reasons on why plagiarism was wrong and went against the mission of education. The reason I saw Hunt use was that it would challenge everyone, but that doesn’t seem as appealing as Sadler’s argument. Sadler analyzed how it would affect the student, the professor and the businesses graduated would apply for. Sadler really went in depth in finding all the consequences that people would experience if plagiarism were to be practiced. Therefore, Sadler had the stronger argument compared to Hunt’s. 

Chapter 11, Question #1

Growing up in such a technology based society there are many ways we can access the media. Like the book said, many people choose to watch or listen to the news rather than read it. So it the media is very influential since it is all around us, whether we receive the information through our computers, phones or even through the people we see everyday. I think that the media does have an affect in what you believe and value. You grow up with an idea of what it is you believe, but something occurs in the media might chance what it is you believe, as well as challenge those beliefs. For instance, growing up we were taught a certain way depending on your family, friends and schools, the media can reinforce or challenge what you already know. But it is also important to remember that not everything in the media is certain to be true, so we should never be quick to jump to a conclusion.