Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?
Rationality: I DO believe. Many people use rationality to make good decisions on a daily bases. The book defines rationality as "the belief that most people are capable of discovering the truth through logical analysis - underlies many American institutions, including democracy, trial by jury, and free enterprise, all of which are based on the idea that the average person can be trusted to make good decisions." Based off this definition is hard for me not to agree with it. I think that the US was based on this idea, which is why we are a democracy, they trust us to make the right decision.
Perfectibility: I DO NOT agree with this theory as it seems to be based on religion. By looking as everyone as sinful it may not b helpful at all. Many people only live up to the expectations that are set for them. If we dont expect people to make the right decisions, they may wont. I believe every person is born pure at heart, although this may not stay thrue their whole life. Although many religions are based on this theory.
Mutability: I Do believe in this. In fact, I believe in this one the most. I think someones environment plays a strong effect on the choices they make. For example, if someone grows up around gangs and violence, it is a very strong chance they will fall into that as well. This is why their are organizations like Big Brother and Big Sister that try to step in and break the cycle.
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Hi ImaginePeace,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that rationality is based on the social institution of our country that is very much embedded into the government. I can see that one of the reasons why Hilary Clinton was not voted for by many men is because she is a women and their view of a women is being emotional. Being emotional leads the men to think that she cannot be rational at times. Even though I agree with the definition, that doesn't mean that I can agree fully with how this premise is applied to real life.
As for your mutability, I like how you use the example of an individual growing up around gangs and violence. Because they are surrounded by violence, they then behave like those people to gain acceptance, security, and safety.
Signing out,
Events Dreamer
I have to agree with Events Dreamer. Your example of the mutability premise is a very good one. A person's environment is something that can affect a persons life and future. Perhaps even creating a barrier for an individual from gangs and violence. The only way they can break free from this, as the text says is to improve their physical and psychological circumstances. In other words, those who find themselves in this situation have to be able feel that they can break the cycle and move beyond violence.
ReplyDeleteHi imaginepeace!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. The rational premise is an interesting concept and I enjoyed your comment that most people are capable of making logical decisions. Unfortunately there are many people who "are capable" but still fail to make logical decisions. I also found it interesting how you stated that the perfectibility premise is based on religious beliefs. I agree that Christianity is one of the reasons why most Americans might agree with this particular premise. Finally, I also enjoyed reading how you agreed with the mutability premise. I must say I might not agree that ALL human behavior is shaped through a persons environmental factors but I do agree with how improving an individuals psychological and physical circumstances can change human behavior. Great post!
Hey imaginepeace,
ReplyDeleteI believe in the three premises with the sides you took. I most totally agree that people are cpabale of making logical decisions. It gives everyone a fair chance to show what the can do, like in the work environment, the quiet one may actually be the one with the best decision making skills as compared to the outgoing co worker. I also agree with your take on the perfectibility premise, I am a Christian but I don't agree with this premise. I believe that the rationality and mutuality are premises that are fair and keep everyone on the same level of life.