It is important to care for your beliefs, but there are certain subjects that are just hard to justify. For example, God. It’s a touchy subject that most Americans show faith in, but there are not much ways to explain it and give facts. I belief in god by respecting my religion and by following the Old Testament, but can I tell someone that is atheist that they are wrong? Not really, because I don't any evidence that my god is true. The big bang theory and evolution is backed up with certain facts and theories that the story of 'Adam and Eve' isn't. There are some things about my religion that I can justify like eating kosher and not mixing dairy and meat is actually proven to be healthier, but to justify that my bible is right and you are wrong, is not only intolerant but also makes me look very uneducated. Some subjects are just too hard to justify because when you don’t have proof to back it up, doesn’t mean it’s not true, but too hard to explain. You don’t need to justify something to believe in it.
i believe that the beauty of believing in God is exactly the fact that nobody can tell you that he really exist or he really doesn't. The believe comes from your heart and you believe it because everybody needs sometimes to believe in something..
As i am thinking now, it happens that always more often i think that i believe in something just because of the need of having an opinion about x, which allows me indeed to express a thought about x. But the times that i really care about having a justification or the time i employ or commit myself in finding a justification for my beliefs, i have to admit that are very few. I think instead, i care about x being true, but now as i am learning more to doubt, it appears more evidently my lack in critical thinking. Therefore is true that my believe in x lacks in care of justification; so it is hard for me to sustain the fact that i care about x being true. My example is the belief that the sun is yellow ( or orange, this is not the point). We have learnt that when our senses receive imputs that have characteristics equal to those of the sun, we say that thing is yellow or orange or red.... But reality is that I think that the sun is yellow, without me having never cared about justifying my statements, and never cared about the truth. The reason is because that everybody say it is yellow and it is convenient for me to say so too.
Suppose “x” is something you believe in, and that is important to you, and you know is true, then you should try to justify it, even if your arguments are weak, you should make the arguments strong in any shape way or form. For example that video posted on the blog about the male chicks just being grinded up like leftovers just because they do not bring any profits. To me, that is just animal cruelty. Even if I do eat meat, there is a line between taking what we need and creating an animal holocaust in our own backyards. It is normal for humans to eat meat, because we are on top of the food chain, and we are predators. But to the point of not respecting anything around us, and treating it with no consideration what’s so ever is satanic of our part. So I do take back what I said on my first comment, the things you believe in should be justified. claire harroch
I have always consider myself to live by one motto in life "we can either get bitter or better", but who are we to pass judgment on anyone without fully understanding motives and reason behind their circumstances. For instance, when I was 16 years old (6days before my 17 birthday) I received a phone call from a dear friend of mines around 2:35 a.m on September 10, 2006 stating that my boyfriend at the time had committed suicide. The fact that I didn't want to accept reality at the moment, doesn't mean that what the perosn on the other end of the phone was saying didn't hold any truth. So how do one explains to a father or mother that their child just vanished from the face of this earth without any warring. How can we determined if this person is in hell or heaven now because according to the commandments "Thou shalt not kill", murder, and that would mean yourself too. Where is the justification here? The fact that I'm typing this now doesn't guarantee that I will be in class tomorrow morning because there is not a such thing as eternal life. Just because I believe that we can all get better rather than bitter doesn't mean that their is any justification behind my statement because I don't know what the person who is reading this is enduring at this very moment.
Critical Time for the planet! “X” to me, will be that if we don’t stop our way of living on the planet, (consumption, overpopulation, etc, etc) and if scientists don’t find a solution fast, our time on this planet is very limited. Some solution to the problem could be to star applying the three “R’s” Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Although this only will gain us a bit more of time on this planet, but it’s something. I really care about what the facts are saying, and that every day we have fewer resources, I really care about my daughter seeing a lion in real life and not in pictures or youtube. I know that this topic has been mentioned a lot by every body in the last three years, but there is not time to waste. Here is a link that can open ours eyes to the reality we are all in. http://www.youtube.com/homeproject
Ok Claire, that's better, and kids, let's address beliefs that really matter, like death penalty, stem cell research, euthanasia, marijuana use, prostitution...
If "x" is something that I believe in and it is important to me I will try to justify it. I do care if "x" true because I believe in facts rather than theories. So in order for "x" to become a fact to me, I must first justify it and that will help me in proving "x" to be true.
My "x" would be god and yes i an one that definetly needs justification for it. How can i go about beliving in something where its origin seems to be flawed. How can i beleive that this happened in the bible, but science can prove that this particular event or situation never happened. It seems at times that people used religion as a way to control and keep whole societies in check from not rioting or genecide. Is it possible then that there is a god ,but there are humans of the past that felt they just needed to make things up to get people to have "faith". What can th answer be, is "god" just a more advanced being that visited us in the past and had technology a million years more advanced then ours?? Could the civilazations of our earlier times just be explaining what they saw to the best of their abilities by saying it was the gods and no other way simply because it was beyong their understanding?? All of these questions must be asked because if any of it is true then we NEED to reevaluate how we percieve the world and how we would act in it. Are we subconsciously acting a certain way because deep down we just dont want to go to hell?? Has religion brainwashed us for hundreds of years just because a few ignorant men in power couldnt take the truth that maybe there is no god just other intelligent alien higher beings?? What is the truth, well i need to now and because of this i have suspended my belief in god in awaiting new evidence that can diminish my doubt and bring me back into having faith
I believe that it is essential to know more than one language to succeed in life. First of all, knowing languages gives access to great work opportunities. Languages do not only represent cultures, they are equivalent to currencies. Success requires a mastery of communication skills. I consider my own life experience a proof of that premise: languages propelled me from a standard life in a small town in Italy to a future I could have scarcely imagined here in the United States. After a lifetime of hard work to achieve my goal of being coherent, of battling for my daughters’ bilingual education, I do care if my belief is justified. Knowing foreign languages is an instrument to excel. Those who excel are successful. Knowing foreign languages is important to succeed in life. I am clearly proud of transmitting this powerful belief to my children and I hope that no one will take it away from them even though it won’t be this which will make my children successful. I think that is very important to care about our own beliefs because they are our reflection: they change along with us. I need a justification for believing in X; but I do not need to care about X being true for believing in X.
Michael Evans once said “if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.” Your beliefs are basically your stand or your take, or your opinion on anything, x if you will. Beliefs are passed down from parent to child since the dawn of early man. Some beliefs have been brainwashed into us. However, that’s not to discard the fact that your beliefs make you, well you. For example an atheist believes that there is no God, no higher power. It is that person’s lack of belief in God that makes him an atheist. A Christian on the other hand believes that there most definitely is a God and that he sent his son Jesus to die for us. It’s that person’s belief in Christ that makes him a Christian. Furthermore, most people have to believe in something. Or for that matter not believe in something, x. Many beliefs cannot be justified. For example, Christians argue that their proof of God is the bible. But, how do I know it’s a legitimate work send down from heaven from God himself for me to believe and live by? How do I know its not some creative piece of Literature? In essence, some beliefs are just theories, for example the Big Bang. In my opinion, the science world collectively decided that was how the world was made. Is it a wonder why they teach it in schools? I myself don’t care for that theory. And I refuse to believe I came from monkeys. I like to think I was created for a special purpose. My belief, I cannot justify it. I believe it because I simply choose to, that’s the only justification. But aren’t most of our beliefs like that? Or have we been brainwashed to believe in x?
In essence, some beliefs are just theories, for example the Big Bang. In my opinion, the science world collectively decided that was how the world was made.
Some beliefs are theories, but not all theories are beliefs. Ex: E=mc2 which was a theory and then proven a fact. So, you really think that scientists really decide how the world was made? And how you think that might different from those who are not scientists and tell us how the world was made?
First of all, I don't believe anything that has not been justified. Just because I believe an argument does not make the case to be true. Justifications make the argument true and eliminate any reasonable doubt that I may have. I can tell anyone that I believe in God, If I don’t have anything to prove that he in fact does exist I’m not really saying nothing to them at all. I don’t have the truth so all I can do is use the best explanation that justifies my belief. For example, the world had to be design by a great hand in order for everything to perfectly arrange as they do. We were created from dust because when we have no more life (die) we just turn right back to the dust that we are. Eve had to come from Adam ribs which explain why female has one more ribs than men. I also have faith that God Exist base on the lifestyle that I came from. The bible is base on God Word which he send through his prophet ,to show human the way to the everlasting world, and the most famous his son Jesus Christ.I think it's very important that each person has justification to their belief other wise they are just hypothesis that needs to become theory.
You make a very valid point. However the BIG Bang theory is just that a theory; It is not a law. It has not been proven to be a fact. It is merely a gathering of observations and explanations proposed by Georges Lemaitre. Although, it is supported by explanations, they just explanations, a way of trying to prove your point. It is important to note that not everyone believes in the Big Bang theory. Some believe that a higher being, God created the world. Equally important, some of the most influential thinkers of his time Benjamin Franklin, a professed deist agrees that the only way for the Earth to function so well, a higher being had to have some input.
Is today unethical going over our own self interest? Example: Would you rather pay a piano 400$ or 2000$? Given you the chance of paying it 400$, how would you feel if you pay 2000$? Would not you feel screwed in the same way that the person that would have sold it for 400 instead of 2000$? Who you care most? You or Mr. X? Matteo Russoniello
Matteo: Obviously, I made a point by reversing the issue back to you being the seller of the piano instead of the buyer. I think that my argument this morning was very simple. Capitalism (as a system based on profit-making, corporations, market and private property) is not divorced (and should not be) of ethical considerations. And yes, if all a person has is that piano and it's worth more than what she thinks it's worth, I prefer to disclose the truth. The reason is that it's the right thing to do.
Thank you Prof. Triff. I hope that you don't mind if I work an example with JTB+BEJE about it and post it. I love to find the justification to what i said in class and i think i have. Please review it and please be aware that is purely about the class and nothing personal; i want to try to be objective. The piano is just happens to be a good example. Matteo Russoniello
Mr. Triff's piano example. Mr. Jones goes to Mr. Triff's house and sees a piano. The piano happens to be a Steinway of the 1850'. It is worthy on the market 30000$. But this is an information that only Mr. Jones knows. Now, it happens that the piano is the only thing that Mr. Triff owns, and is also without money. Instead Mr. Jones has plenty of money and offers 400$ for the piano without disclosing the fact that the piano is worthy 30k. They make the deal. Now, Mrs Smart that happens to be friend with both of them walks in Mr Triff house and with surprise asks: Where is the piano? Being the only thing he owns is the only thing that she can notice; and Mr T. says: Can you immagine? I sold it for 400$$$$$. MR.Smart:But that was worty 30K???? Triff: i did not know that, it was there since my granmather passed, and nobody ever played it, and with the 400$ i bought all i needed to start my new business!!! i don't need anything else!!! It is all i wanted! (So Mr. Triff is happy and got what he wanted and needed). Mrs Smart walks now in the Mr. Jones house and sees the piano and she asks Mr Jones why he did not buy a brand new yamaha with all the effects and for the same 400$. Mr Jones goes like this: Well, you know, i just needed a piano to practise my limited skills and to fill the space in the living room, i don't even know if i am never going to use it; but it looks good and the sounds is great! (Mr Jones is happy and got what he wanted and needed). Both the Mr. Jones and Mr. Triff came to a deal that made both of them happy eventhough Mr. T did not maximize his profit which happens to be irrelevant for him, and Mr. Jones did not get the best deal because it was not in his interest. The only unhappy here is Mrs Smart that did not get anything, probably even the understanding of the matter. The fair value of X is the value that fits both needs Y and Z. Here what happens his just that Y and Z agreed about X. Bot have justified true beliefs about $400 being the fair value and also the best explanation for it. Is not it? Matteo Russoniello
Im the type of person that I must have an explanation for everything now, at this age; but when I was younger & naïve I just believed something that was told to me because I was brain washed to believe in some one else words with no proof or justification because I wasn’t taught that there are many theories in the world, and just like theories many people have different beliefs all of which can and most will not be true. I personally believe that I have to have facts to truly believe something therefore I have doubt. I too sometimes doubt the existence of god because I haven’t seen visual proof of a god. Maybe I am just that type of “see it to believe it kind of person” but after all what makes something a fact without careful analysis and correct information to be proven in every aspect of the situation that is present.
When it comes to beliefs I really do not think there is going to be an agreement ever in the world, because as you explained today there are different kind of believers and different kind of beliefs and that is not going to change. People will always argue and try to prove their beliefs although some beliefs do not have any support or justification. Anyways they will continue believing what they believe no matter what other people could tell them. I personally do not believe on anything and at the same time I do believe. I do not mind any body's beliefs or the reason they believe and I respect them, but I can not understand things such as the issue of God, I believe in God, but I just do not understand the way that belief works, so I doubt it, because there are not facts or proofs of God. The big bang is in my opinion the best explanation of the world, but still there are things that theres no way to prove, so I do not understand it. I just believe that there is life on earth and that is a present fact and that is the only thing I can be certain of.
Triff: i did not know that, it was there since my grandmother passed, and nobody ever played it, and with the 400$ i bought all i needed to start my new business!!! i don't need anything else!!! It is all i wanted!
Matteo, you definitely have a mentally-challenged Triff in mind. LOL
I believe that freedom is an illusion. Most of the people in this world believe that they have the power to decide what to do with their lives but the true is that society controls must of our decisions. Everything starts when we are kids our parents teach us how to behave and what to believe in, at school peer pressure makes us act in ways to be accepted by our classmates. When we get to the age were we are suppose to know who we really are and want we want, we don’t know, we know who are we expected to be and what normal society is waiting for us to do. Yet there are few people who are able to shed all society demands, they are considered rebels and are frequently judge for there eccentricity or boldness to do what everyone else only wishes to do. We live in a society who pretends to be opened minded but the sad reality is that we are living in a society that is inclined to follow traditions. My believe is that freedom is an illusion; my justifications are all the laws and judgment we live under. Is this true? For me it is, but each person sees it in a different way.
I believe that one of the worst cases and life problems today is prostitution. It’s a worldwide issue that keeps growing and only getting worse. It’s a shuddering thought to know that women of all races, age, and nationalities are being sold by men who are using their bodies as if they were a piece of good to be sold. Not only do I believe this is wrong, but it’s wrong on so many levels. It is wrong morally, health wise, abuse wise, and so much more. To know, that men and sometimes even women are selling other women bodies for goods and their own benefit is just plain horror and disturbing. To see so many women even young little girls being abused in such a matter at such a young age makes me think how people can even have a heart to commit such a crime. Some women involved in prostitution even die or get extremely ill from this act. I think it is important to care because our beliefs are what makes us who we are today; they can change and grow. In any case “X” I believe that it is important for it to be justified. So if there is something that I believe is important or that I believe to be true I will try to justify in order of proving my point when necessary or justify to the point where it will help me to prove that “X” is true. But not all beliefs are able to be justified. Beliefs are beliefs that have been either brainwashed into our mind, or belief that we have grown up to believing. So as much as we may try to prove that our belief is the “right” one, others won’t agree for what it is. So although I believe “X” prostitution to be wrong, I will try to justify the best to my ability that it is wrong, but there are a few people that wont see it wrong.
I became a vegetarian a bit more than 8 months ago. The reason as to why I did it are numerous and plenty. There are people who become vegetarian because they cannot eat anything that was once moving. Others do it because of health reasons, for example, lose weight. There even others who just can't stand the taste of meat. I did it because right now I am majoring in Biology so I can get in to Zoology later on. People ask me, "I like animals too, but I still eat them." It may be a bit drastic for me to say this, but I like people yet I don't resort to cannibalism.I also get the weird looks and raised eyebrows and people start asking, "what do you do for protein? I get more than enough protein from Tofu.
Do I have justification for my becoming vegetarian? I think so. As I said before, the reasons for becoming vegetarian are many. As for my justification, I believe that it is a personal choice.
I am some one who beliefs may not warrant justification. For example capital punishment I believe that certain crimes are warranted for the person who committed the criminal act to be put to death. And I believe it's the right thing to do. Now certain people will say you're just enforcing "an eye for an eye theory" by using the government system and that murder is murder no matter how you paint it. And I say well if someone is willing to take a life then that person doesn't deserve to live amongst human beings. The government shouldnt have to justify there beliefs then neither should I. You dont need jusfication to believ in something no matter what it is.
If a belief is justified, there is something which justifies it. For example, if a woman is aware of the fact that her husband returned from a business trip smelling like perfume and that his shirt has smudged lipstick on it collar, the perfume and lipstick stain can be evidence for her belief that her husband is having an affair. The justifiers are all the perfume and the lipstick stain. Her belief is justified that her husband is having an affair.
A belief usually defines who you are. Many beliefs are hard to justify because it lacks evidence. Death penalty is a very controversial topic that many could disagree on. I personally think that death penalty is wrong unless there is a visual evidence of the case. For example, the stabbing that recently happened in Coral Gables high school. Students saw the attack, therefore I wouldn’t think its bad for this person to be given a death penalty. But what if for example a crime scene happened where no one was around how would you really justify his crime? In that case I think this person should be given lifetime in jail instead of death penalty because no visual evidence was given and there’s a possibility that this person might be innocent.
I believe in facts. I think I can't believe in something that is not justified and true. If x is something I believe in, then I really care to a have a justification for it which leads to believe that x is true. I find hard to believe in something that I doubt, so I consider the justification as the most important part of a belief because it is supposed to get rid of doubts. If the justification of x induces to doubt x, I won't belive in x. If x is something I believe in, then there must be a justification with proven facts that make my x true.
I believed what I was to believe. I could think of as much or as little that I had been taught, shown, or supposed to think. I did not have a choice of what language to speak at early years. I did not have a choice of what religion, or any, to join. I did not have a choice of where to live. I was able to change some things, and then chose. I speak a different language I used to. I believe in some God different from the one they imposed to me. I do care of what believe now. Moreover, I doubt most of the things I never got to choose. I now make my decisions, and I think I am justified in believing that.
I believe that in life nothing happens randomly. Everything is connected one way or another. The choices I make, the people I meet, the situations I come across. Everything happens for a reason. Sooner or later the reason or the purpose makes it self clear. I believe strongly in that and that’s how I live my life and go by everyday. When something happens to me either good or bad I know that there is a reason for it and that particular outcome will facilitate or prevent something else to happen. I always do my best in everything I do and I always accept the outcomes. Because whether its good or bad I learn something essential from it anyways. I care strongly about this belief, and it is true to me because I have real life experience to back it up.
A belief that I have repeatedly talked about with friends is the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana isn't even the most popular drug in the United States; it's only the third behind alcohol and tobacco.This government has brainwashed us to think that marijuana is bad for you, when in reality more people die from the use of alcohol and tobacco. About 50,000 people die a year from alcohol poisoning and 400,000 from tobacco. Overdosing on marijuana only induces a good and healthy coma (sleep) and in comparison it isn't toxic. Alright, alright, yes it's true. Marijuana does impair judgement, and can give you a difficult time when trying to focus, not to mention your reaction abilities aren't up to par. But if I'm not mistaken doesn't alcohol do the same? So then why is it that alcohol is legal and marijuana isn't? Some have argued it's because it makes you lazy and it kills your ambitions, and if it kills your ambitions the person settles and doesn't amount to being any thing in the future. They become a "dead head" and eventually start to feed off of the government and in result its another "bum" that tax payers have to take care of. But what the tax payers don't know is that more money (about $10 billion) is used to arrest and enforce marijuana prohibition than any other crime such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Whats ironic of the whole situation is that the government could be making money off of the estimated 14 million regular smokers, 25 million who have smoked in the past year, and the 100 million who have used it. All they have to do is tax it like they do everything else.
Let’s assume you were walking down the street and a man came up to you and stated "the Earth is flat". Most probably, you would think he is insane and pay him no mind. Why? Because you KNOW for a fact that the Earth is not flat but spherical. How do you know this? Because you have seen countless pictures and videos. Because you have been studying the Earth since elementary. Because many people have been to outer space and seen the Earth with their own eyes. We live in a time where hundreds of beliefs and theories are created yearly. Where people believe what they hear because it sounds good, or because they were raised to. I think that we need to be able to understand and defend the thoughts and feelings we chose to act on. If I were ever asked why I choose to believe in something, I’d feel ignorant and stupid if I were to say “just because”. I like to absorb an idea, juggle it around in my head a bit, and then come up with a conclusion towards my belief of it. If the idea was not true, I’d feel like I have been living a lie or a dream, because in essence we are what we think. If we think a lie, then our life is a lie. And now to talk about an important topic: Stem-cell research. I believe that from the results of the studies, it can be very beneficial to us humans. With further research, we might very well be able to uncover cures for many harmful diseases and conditions. I do not agree with the opposing arguments against it. Many people believe that using embryos for this research is immoral and unethical. But their views only go so far. In the end, all they state is “it is wrong”. That’s great, but how is it wrong? Using willingly given embryos is not a crime. It is not murder, since the word murder only applies to human beings. And embryos are not conscious or aware. They can not think, or believe, or feel, or argue. So thus, using them is the almost the same as using a pig or a monkey. With the exception of course that pigs and monkeys do feel and think to a certain extent. I’m sure the people against it had an incurable disease, and the only way to fix it was using stem cell research, they might give it a very prolonged second thought. This is what I believe and my justification for why it is not unethical.
The possibility of legalizing gay marriage in the United States is one that stirs much controversy. Personally, I am a fervent supporter of the legalization of gay marriage in our nation. In a time where the institution of marriage appears to be crumbling (50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce), I believe that legalizing gay marriage will save it. With loads of Bridezillas running around who focus more on the superficial details of their wedding than the actual ceremony, I feel that a significant amount of gay couples who genuinely love each other would be completely satisfied if states could simply acknowledge their marriages. Frankly, I do care if I have a justification for my beliefs and opinions, since it is a topic of discussion that others feel so strongly about. I feel that it’s important to be able to back up beliefs since they will inevitably be challenged or questioned. Despite the fact that I care if my belief is true, I realize that this topic is completely subjective to others. No matter what, I understand that not everyone will agree with me (in essence, this applies to most beliefs). However, in about 30 years, I feel that people will look back at our time, laugh, and then wonder why we ever worried about letting gays marry (which I believe will eventually happen). I mean, don’t people of today laugh when they look back at 1967 and wonder why people ever worried about the legalization of interracial marriage? Things will always change with time.
A belief is an idea that someone holds to be truth. Although sometimes we hold believes because someone else believes in it and they want us to believe in it. For example: Religious Beliefs. I believe that everyone should have the right to follow any religion that they want to follow, instead of been "forced" or influenced to join one. I say "forced" because when we're young our parents brainwash us with the idea of religion (no matter what religion they follow) the same way they were brainwashed when they were young. I believe that we should not follow a religion just because we are influenced to join, but because we believe it's right and it's a path we want to follow. I, like many others, like to have a reason to believe in something, because in my opinion believing blindly in something that makes us vulnerable to those who want take advantage of that. We must have justified reasons to believe in something, and we must also respect what others believe in, regardless if it's truth or not because there are always somethings that are complicated to explain through facts.
Based on my understanding, i can approach to a conclusion that everything is unsure and unclear. For me the human mind is a machine full of conclusion. We will never have the guaranteed to state something that will remain consistent for ever. Us human have the knowledge only to protagonize just for the time being alive. but after others brains diffuse some ideas that contradict the previous, we retreat back to the same statement of doubt. Doubting is something that is a part of human kind. It's always there no matter if you show it or not. Even when we have evidence for a situation or a case, doubt is always a part. If I was a philosopher i will state something like that, something like an equation. Doubt + a case = unclear. we never sure of something. Now the biggest prebloms between science and religion is a case that we will never solve. it's unclear or unsure to state that God is the creator or not. As a seeker for the truth, i don't know which one that have more evidences because both parts are not certain with their theories.
Many people have beliefs without really having a justification for them or without bothering to find out whether their beliefs are true or not. Even religious people sometimes fail to know the history of their own religion. The reason why individuals have beliefs is because they are always in the quest for an explanation of why things happen, or how we came to be humans in the first place. I believe in the Big Bang Theory, because there is evidence for it and it seems to be a logical explanation of how the universe began. Just because the Big Bang theory is not a law doesn’t mean it is erroneous. People who argue that they don’t believe in the Big Bang theory just because is a theory and not a law, often forget the difference between a theory and a law. A scientific law must always apply under the same conditions, and it must be confirmed through inductive reasoning. A law doesn’t explain phenomena. On the other hand, a theory such as the Big Bang is an event that only happened once and we cannot be sure it applies under the same conditions that’s why it is not a law. However, it doesn’t take away its accuracy and credibility. Even though I went to a Roman Catholic school and I come from a religious family, I have always doubted the existence of God because I don’t have any evidence. Perhaps the evidence for the existence of God just hasn’t been found. However, my curiosity, and insatiable hunger for knowledge of how the universe formed, and why I am a functional human being is not satisfied with the explanation that an omniscient being is the cause of all.
I believe in living positively. I believe doing so enables one to have a more produtive life. By this I mean having a positive outlook and approach to life. Energy is something that I find very insightful. If you surround yourself with positivity and act accordingly then I believe everything will fall into place eventually. I do have a justification for believing in living positively. In my experience I can say that it's been very effective. A couple months back I was faced with quite a few ordeals that I didn't know how to handle properly. I always looked at things from the most positive perspective, in my opinion. I didn't give up on my goals and in the end I prevailed. A counter argument for this may be.. how do you know positivity from negativity. Well to that I would say that for the most part it's a feeling. Our conscience is always reassuring these feelings. I don't care if this belief is true. I believe in it therefore I don't need any external reassurement to tell me it's valid. I think a belief is always true to the person who beieves it otherwise one wouldn't believe it. Though it may not be true to others because everyone has different beliefs and perspectives, a belief should be held authentic by the believer.
Trust goes without justification. Some say that trust must be earned however, I beg to disagree. Most people have friends but don't put them through a set of tests to see if trust should be rewarded. I only have friends that I can trust. Those I cannot, I forget about.
I once had a friend who I trusted with everything because she was there in my time of need. She told me stories that only someone who trusted me could tell. I didn't need to put her through tests or go into her past to she if she was always trustworthy.
After a period of time went by, I came into contact with a couple of her old friends, and I discovered she was a compulsive liar. She made up stories I wanted to hear. The majority of the things she told me were lies or exaggerated truths. And best of all, she loved backstabbing people with their dirt.
Although most people believe I shouldn't have trusted her and I should be more weary next time, I still give people I meet the benefit of the doubt. Trust(X) doesn't need to be justified. It's similar to faith. To this day, the things I disclosed to her haven't risen to the surface, so maybe I was her exception.
I believe in many things and I must say that almost all of them can be justified. So if I strongly believe in something I do care if I have justification for it and I do care if it’s true. For example I strongly believe marijuana use should be legalized. This issue should have been taken care of years ago. There is an estimated 40-100 billion dollars in new revenue waiting for the government if the sale of marijuana were to be legalized and taxed. That by no means is chump change and in the crisis we are currently in with the economy it is a needed helping hand that I don’t think the United States of America can afford to turn away.
On a regular Sunday morning, i was forced to attend mess, and the word being taught today was the "Sound Doctrine". While the pastor was brainwashing everyone, one thing really caught my attention - HOMOSEXUALITY. Why would anyone hate a specific group of people based on their sexual preference? Rating on things they clearly don't understand, chastising them for their "lifestyle", telling them to change it or else. This all goes back to the civil rights movement, even further back to the Holocaust. Why hate a person because of their ethnicity, race, sexual preference or even gender? I believe in living a positive life, without the stress of the world, without judging others or being judge by them, without having to live with the stereotypes pined to us by the world and the right to live as a normal human being.
I believe in a lot of things. However, there are some things that I don't care to believe in simply because I have little or no interest/little or not enough justification to establish a true belief for example: "superstitions". Most things I care to believe in are because I have justified truth for that belief within myself which is where I feel that most beliefs start. But the topic that I wanted to point out the most was Gay Marriage. Life is all about making choices and I believe that we as a people have the right to choose our own lifestyle and that no one should judge or try to destroy it.
I was born in a Catholic family and attended Catholic school for the first six years, yet I do not believe in Catholicism or it's similar religions. I do believe God exists, I just don't believe in church or the people who claim to be holy. My mother always told me it was my choice to attend church. She once told me she does not believe that church is necessary if I need to seek God. God is wherever I am, that to communicate with him all i have to do is talk and I will know he is listening. whether she is right or wrong I don't know. All I know is, these so called people have done terrible things and are still allowed to be called holy. Churches are supposed to be simple and all I see are churches asking for money and competition for which is the better looking one.
56 comments:
It is important to care for your beliefs, but there are certain subjects that are just hard to justify. For example, God. It’s a touchy subject that most Americans show faith in, but there are not much ways to explain it and give facts. I belief in god by respecting my religion and by following the Old Testament, but can I tell someone that is atheist that they are wrong? Not really, because I don't any evidence that my god is true. The big bang theory and evolution is backed up with certain facts and theories that the story of 'Adam and Eve' isn't. There are some things about my religion that I can justify like eating kosher and not mixing dairy and meat is actually proven to be healthier, but to justify that my bible is right and you are wrong, is not only intolerant but also makes me look very uneducated. Some subjects are just too hard to justify because when you don’t have proof to back it up, doesn’t mean it’s not true, but too hard to explain. You don’t need to justify something to believe in it.
i believe that the beauty of believing in God is exactly the fact that nobody can tell you that he really exist or he really doesn't. The believe comes from your heart and you believe it because everybody needs sometimes to believe in something..
Usmatteo: Read my note in red above. We're not talking now about religious beliefs.
sorry if i used this spot to answer to clair..that was not my assignment..sorry Prof. Triff
Oh, I'm sorry then.
As i am thinking now, it happens that always more often i think that i believe in something just because of the need of having an opinion about x, which allows me indeed to express a thought about x. But the times that i really care about having a justification or the time i employ or commit myself in finding a justification for my beliefs, i have to admit that are very few.
I think instead, i care about x being true, but now as i am learning more to doubt, it appears more evidently my lack in critical thinking. Therefore is true that my believe in x lacks in care of justification; so it is hard for me to sustain the fact that i care about x being true.
My example is the belief that the sun is yellow ( or orange, this is not the point). We have learnt that when our senses receive imputs that have characteristics equal to those of the sun, we say that thing is yellow or orange or red.... But reality is that I think that the sun is yellow, without me having never cared about justifying my statements, and never cared about the truth.
The reason is because that everybody say it is yellow and it is convenient for me to say so too.
Matteo Russoniello
MWF 11-1150
PHI2010
Suppose “x” is something you believe in, and that is important to you, and you know is true, then you should try to justify it, even if your arguments are weak, you should make the arguments strong in any shape way or form. For example that video posted on the blog about the male chicks just being grinded up like leftovers just because they do not bring any profits. To me, that is just animal cruelty. Even if I do eat meat, there is a line between taking what we need and creating an animal holocaust in our own backyards. It is normal for humans to eat meat, because we are on top of the food chain, and we are predators. But to the point of not respecting anything around us, and treating it with no consideration what’s so ever is satanic of our part. So I do take back what I said on my first comment, the things you believe in should be justified.
claire harroch
I have always consider myself to live by one motto in life "we can either get bitter or better", but who are we to pass judgment on anyone without fully understanding motives and reason behind their circumstances. For instance, when I was 16 years old (6days before my 17 birthday) I received a phone call from a dear friend of mines around 2:35 a.m on September 10, 2006 stating that my boyfriend at the time had committed suicide. The fact that I didn't want to accept reality at the moment, doesn't mean that what the perosn on the other end of the phone was saying didn't hold any truth. So how do one explains to a father or mother that their child just vanished from the face of this earth without any warring. How can we determined if this person is in hell or heaven now because according to the commandments "Thou shalt not kill", murder, and that would mean yourself too. Where is the justification here? The fact that I'm typing this now doesn't guarantee that I will be in class tomorrow morning because there is not a such thing as eternal life. Just because I believe that we can all get better rather than bitter doesn't mean that their is any justification behind my statement because I don't know what the person who is reading this is enduring at this very moment.
Vianca Breton
MWF 11:00-11:50 a.m.
Critical Time for the planet!
“X” to me, will be that if we don’t stop our way of living on the planet, (consumption, overpopulation, etc, etc) and if scientists don’t find a solution fast, our time on this planet is very limited. Some solution to the problem could be to star applying the three “R’s” Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Although this only will gain us a bit more of time on this planet, but it’s something. I really care about what the facts are saying, and that every day we have fewer resources, I really care about my daughter seeing a lion in real life and not in pictures or youtube. I know that this topic has been mentioned a lot by every body in the last three years, but there is not time to waste. Here is a link that can open ours eyes to the reality we are all in.
http://www.youtube.com/homeproject
Wilson tique
Phi 2120 MWF 11 am
Ok Claire, that's better, and kids, let's address beliefs that really matter, like death penalty, stem cell research, euthanasia, marijuana use, prostitution...
James Bourdeau
If "x" is something that I believe in and it is important to me I will try to justify it. I do care if "x" true because I believe in facts rather than theories. So in order for "x" to become a fact to me, I must first justify it and that will help me in proving "x" to be true.
My "x" would be god and yes i an one that definetly needs justification for it. How can i go about beliving in something where its origin seems to be flawed. How can i beleive that this happened in the bible, but science can prove that this particular event or situation never happened. It seems at times that people used religion as a way to control and keep whole societies in check from not rioting or genecide. Is it possible then that there is a god ,but there are humans of the past that felt they just needed to make things up to get people to have "faith". What can th answer be, is "god" just a more advanced being that visited us in the past and had technology a million years more advanced then ours?? Could the civilazations of our earlier times just be explaining what they saw to the best of their abilities by saying it was the gods and no other way simply because it was beyong their understanding?? All of these questions must be asked because if any of it is true then we NEED to reevaluate how we percieve the world and how we would act in it. Are we subconsciously acting a certain way because deep down we just dont want to go to hell?? Has religion brainwashed us for hundreds of years just because a few ignorant men in power couldnt take the truth that maybe there is no god just other intelligent alien higher beings?? What is the truth, well i need to now and because of this i have suspended my belief in god in awaiting new evidence that can diminish my doubt and bring me back into having faith
I believe that it is essential to know more than one language to succeed in life. First of all, knowing languages gives access to great work opportunities. Languages do not only represent cultures, they are equivalent to currencies. Success requires a mastery of communication skills. I consider my own life experience a proof of that premise: languages propelled me from a standard life in a small town in Italy to a future I could have scarcely imagined here in the United States. After a lifetime of hard work to achieve my goal of being coherent, of battling for my daughters’ bilingual education, I do care if my belief is justified. Knowing foreign languages is an instrument to excel. Those who excel are successful. Knowing foreign languages is important to succeed in life.
I am clearly proud of transmitting this powerful belief to my children and I hope that no one will take it away from them even though it won’t be this which will make my children successful. I think that is very important to care about our own beliefs because they are our reflection: they change along with us. I need a justification for believing in X; but I do not need to care about X being true for believing in X.
Camilla Fantechi
MFW 11:00
Michael Evans once said “if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.” Your beliefs are basically your stand or your take, or your opinion on anything, x if you will. Beliefs are passed down from parent to child since the dawn of early man. Some beliefs have been brainwashed into us. However, that’s not to discard the fact that your beliefs make you, well you. For example an atheist believes that there is no God, no higher power. It is that person’s lack of belief in God that makes him an atheist. A Christian on the other hand believes that there most definitely is a God and that he sent his son Jesus to die for us. It’s that person’s belief in Christ that makes him a Christian.
Furthermore, most people have to believe in something. Or for that matter not believe in something, x. Many beliefs cannot be justified. For example, Christians argue that their proof of God is the bible. But, how do I know it’s a legitimate work send down from heaven from God himself for me to believe and live by? How do I know its not some creative piece of Literature?
In essence, some beliefs are just theories, for example the Big Bang. In my opinion, the science world collectively decided that was how the world was made. Is it a wonder why they teach it in schools? I myself don’t care for that theory. And I refuse to believe I came from monkeys. I like to think I was created for a special purpose. My belief, I cannot justify it. I believe it because I simply choose to, that’s the only justification. But aren’t most of our beliefs like that? Or have we been brainwashed to believe in x?
In essence, some beliefs are just theories, for example the Big Bang. In my opinion, the science world collectively decided that was how the world was made.
Some beliefs are theories, but not all theories are beliefs. Ex: E=mc2 which was a theory and then proven a fact. So, you really think that scientists really decide how the world was made? And how you think that might different from those who are not scientists and tell us how the world was made?
First of all, I don't believe anything that has not been justified. Just because I believe an argument does not make the case to be true. Justifications make the argument true and eliminate any reasonable doubt that I may have. I can tell anyone that I believe in God, If I don’t have anything to prove that he in fact does exist I’m not really saying nothing to them at all. I don’t have the truth so all I can do is use the best explanation that justifies my belief. For example, the world had to be design by a great hand in order for everything to perfectly arrange as they do. We were created from dust because when we have no more life (die) we just turn right back to the dust that we are. Eve had to come from Adam ribs which explain why female has one more ribs than men. I also have faith that God Exist base on the lifestyle that I came from. The bible is base on God Word which he send through his prophet ,to show human the way to the everlasting world, and the most famous his son Jesus Christ.I think it's very important that each person has justification to their belief other wise they are just hypothesis that needs to become theory.
You make a very valid point. However the BIG Bang theory is just that a theory; It is not a law. It has not been proven to be a fact. It is merely a gathering of observations and explanations proposed by Georges Lemaitre. Although, it is supported by explanations, they just explanations, a way of trying to prove your point.
It is important to note that not everyone believes in the Big Bang theory. Some believe that a higher being, God created the world. Equally important, some of the most influential thinkers of his time Benjamin Franklin, a professed deist agrees that the only way for the Earth to function so well, a higher being had to have some input.
bleezy is joe pyatt my comment is already up triff
Is today unethical going over our own self interest?
Example: Would you rather pay a piano 400$ or 2000$?
Given you the chance of paying it 400$, how would you feel if you pay 2000$? Would not you feel screwed in the same way that the person that would have sold it for 400 instead of 2000$?
Who you care most? You or Mr. X?
Matteo Russoniello
Better, Zoraida. We'll have time to argue again.
Matteo: Obviously, I made a point by reversing the issue back to you being the seller of the piano instead of the buyer. I think that my argument this morning was very simple. Capitalism (as a system based on profit-making, corporations, market and private property) is not divorced (and should not be) of ethical considerations. And yes, if all a person has is that piano and it's worth more than what she thinks it's worth, I prefer to disclose the truth. The reason is that it's the right thing to do.
Thank you Prof. Triff.
I hope that you don't mind if I work an example with JTB+BEJE about it and post it.
I love to find the justification to what i said in class and i think i have. Please review it and please be aware that is purely about the class and nothing personal; i want to try to be objective. The piano is just happens to be a good example.
Matteo Russoniello
Mr. Triff's piano example.
Mr. Jones goes to Mr. Triff's house and sees a piano. The piano happens to be a Steinway of the 1850'. It is worthy on the market 30000$. But this is an information that only Mr. Jones knows.
Now, it happens that the piano is the only thing that Mr. Triff owns, and is also without money.
Instead Mr. Jones has plenty of money and offers 400$ for the piano without disclosing the fact that the piano is worthy 30k.
They make the deal.
Now, Mrs Smart that happens to be friend with both of them walks in Mr Triff house and with surprise asks: Where is the piano? Being the only thing he owns is the only thing that she can notice; and Mr T. says: Can you immagine? I sold it for 400$$$$$. MR.Smart:But that was worty 30K???? Triff: i did not know that, it was there since my granmather passed, and nobody ever played it, and with the 400$ i bought all i needed to start my new business!!! i don't need anything else!!! It is all i wanted! (So Mr. Triff is happy and got what he wanted and needed).
Mrs Smart walks now in the Mr. Jones house and sees the piano and she asks Mr Jones why he did not buy a brand new yamaha with all the effects and for the same 400$.
Mr Jones goes like this: Well, you know, i just needed a piano to practise my limited skills and to fill the space in the living room, i don't even know if i am never going to use it; but it looks good and the sounds is great!
(Mr Jones is happy and got what he wanted and needed).
Both the Mr. Jones and Mr. Triff came to a deal that made both of them happy eventhough Mr. T did not maximize his profit which happens to be irrelevant for him, and Mr. Jones did not get the best deal because it was not in his interest.
The only unhappy here is Mrs Smart that did not get anything, probably even the understanding of the matter.
The fair value of X is the value that fits both needs Y and Z.
Here what happens his just that Y and Z agreed about X.
Bot have justified true beliefs about $400 being the fair value and also the best explanation for it. Is not it?
Matteo Russoniello
the 30K information is irrelevant for both....
Matteo Russoniello
thanks prof! Did I justify my position?
Im the type of person that I must have an explanation for everything now, at this age; but when I was younger & naïve I just believed something that was told to me because I was brain washed to believe in some one else words with no proof or justification because I wasn’t taught that there are many theories in the world, and just like theories many people have different beliefs all of which can and most will not be true. I personally believe that I have to have facts to truly believe something therefore I have doubt. I too sometimes doubt the existence of god because I haven’t seen visual proof of a god. Maybe I am just that type of “see it to believe it kind of person” but after all what makes something a fact without careful analysis and correct information to be proven in every aspect of the situation that is present.
When it comes to beliefs I really do not think there is going to be an agreement ever in the world, because as you explained today there are different kind of believers and different kind of beliefs and that is not going to change. People will always argue and try to prove their beliefs although some beliefs do not have any support or justification. Anyways they will continue believing what they believe no matter what other people could tell them. I personally do not believe on anything and at the same time I do believe. I do not mind any body's beliefs or the reason they believe and I respect them, but I can not understand things such as the issue of God, I believe in God, but I just do not understand the way that belief works, so I doubt it, because there are not facts or proofs of God. The big bang is in my opinion the best explanation of the world, but still there are things that theres no way to prove, so I do not understand it. I just believe that there is life on earth and that is a present fact and that is the only thing I can be certain of.
Triff: i did not know that, it was there since my grandmother passed, and nobody ever played it, and with the 400$ i bought all i needed to start my new business!!! i don't need anything else!!! It is all i wanted!
Matteo, you definitely have a mentally-challenged Triff in mind. LOL
Cannot find the question.. What is it?
Cannot find discussion question... What is it?
I believe that freedom is an illusion. Most of the people in this world believe that they have the power to decide what to do with their lives but the true is that society controls must of our decisions. Everything starts when we are kids our parents teach us how to behave and what to believe in, at school peer pressure makes us act in ways to be accepted by our classmates. When we get to the age were we are suppose to know who we really are and want we want, we don’t know, we know who are we expected to be and what normal society is waiting for us to do. Yet there are few people who are able to shed all society demands, they are considered rebels and are frequently judge for there eccentricity or boldness to do what everyone else only wishes to do. We live in a society who pretends to be opened minded but the sad reality is that we are living in a society that is inclined to follow traditions. My believe is that freedom is an illusion; my justifications are all the laws and judgment we live under. Is this true? For me it is, but each person sees it in a different way.
Josseline Barrientos
MWF 11-11:50 a.m.
Cannot find discussion question... What is it?
Laura, what do you mean?
I believe that one of the worst cases and life problems today is prostitution. It’s a worldwide issue that keeps growing and only getting worse. It’s a shuddering thought to know that women of all races, age, and nationalities are being sold by men who are using their bodies as if they were a piece of good to be sold. Not only do I believe this is wrong, but it’s wrong on so many levels. It is wrong morally, health wise, abuse wise, and so much more. To know, that men and sometimes even women are selling other women bodies for goods and their own benefit is just plain horror and disturbing. To see so many women even young little girls being abused in such a matter at such a young age makes me think how people can even have a heart to commit such a crime. Some women involved in prostitution even die or get extremely ill from this act. I think it is important to care because our beliefs are what makes us who we are today; they can change and grow. In any case “X” I believe that it is important for it to be justified. So if there is something that I believe is important or that I believe to be true I will try to justify in order of proving my point when necessary or justify to the point where it will help me to prove that “X” is true. But not all beliefs are able to be justified. Beliefs are beliefs that have been either brainwashed into our mind, or belief that we have grown up to believing. So as much as we may try to prove that our belief is the “right” one, others won’t agree for what it is. So although I believe “X” prostitution to be wrong, I will try to justify the best to my ability that it is wrong, but there are a few people that wont see it wrong.
I became a vegetarian a bit more than 8 months ago. The reason as to why I did it are numerous and plenty. There are people who become vegetarian because they cannot eat anything that was once moving. Others do it because of health reasons, for example, lose weight. There even others who just can't stand the taste of meat. I did it because right now I am majoring in Biology so I can get in to Zoology later on. People ask me, "I like animals too, but I still eat them." It may be a bit drastic for me to say this, but I like people yet I don't resort to cannibalism.I also get the weird looks and raised eyebrows and people start asking, "what do you do for protein? I get more than enough protein from Tofu.
Do I have justification for my becoming vegetarian? I think so. As I said before, the reasons for becoming vegetarian are many. As for my justification, I believe that it is a personal choice.
Tomas Egoavil MWF 11am
I am some one who beliefs may not warrant justification. For example capital punishment I believe that certain crimes are warranted for the person who committed the criminal act to be put to death. And I believe it's the right thing to do. Now certain people will say you're just enforcing "an eye for an eye theory" by using the government system and that murder is murder no matter how you paint it. And I say well if someone is willing to take a life then that person doesn't deserve to live amongst human beings. The government shouldnt have to justify there beliefs then neither should I. You dont need jusfication to believ in something no matter what it is.
If a belief is justified, there is something which justifies it. For example, if a woman is aware of the fact that her husband returned from a business trip smelling like perfume and that his shirt has smudged lipstick on it collar, the perfume and lipstick stain can be evidence for her belief that her husband is having an affair. The justifiers are all the perfume and the lipstick stain. Her belief is justified that her husband is having an affair.
I am some one who beliefs may not warrant justification.
Eddy: Don't you see you're contradicting yourself?
Tomás: I'm not eating meat either. But I sure have justifications, 'cause I love it.
A belief usually defines who you are. Many beliefs are hard to justify because it lacks evidence. Death penalty is a very controversial topic that many could disagree on. I personally think that death penalty is wrong unless there is a visual evidence of the case. For example, the stabbing that recently happened in Coral Gables high school. Students saw the attack, therefore I wouldn’t think its bad for this person to be given a death penalty. But what if for example a crime scene happened where no one was around how would you really justify his crime? In that case I think this person should be given lifetime in jail instead of death penalty because no visual evidence was given and there’s a possibility that this person might be innocent.
I believe in facts. I think I can't believe in something that is not justified and true. If x is something I believe in, then I really care to a have a justification for it which leads to believe that x is true. I find hard to believe in something that I doubt, so I consider the justification as the most important part of a belief because it is supposed to get rid of doubts. If the justification of x induces to doubt x, I won't belive in x. If x is something I believe in, then there must be a justification with proven facts that make my x true.
Sebastiano Rivera
I believed what I was to believe. I could think of as much or as little that I had been taught, shown, or supposed to think. I did not have a choice of what language to speak at early years. I did not have a choice of what religion, or any, to join. I did not have a choice of where to live. I was able to change some things, and then chose. I speak a different language I used to. I believe in some God different from the one they imposed to me. I do care of what believe now. Moreover, I doubt most of the things I never got to choose. I now make my decisions, and I think I am justified in believing that.
Diego Garcia
I believe that in life nothing happens randomly. Everything is connected one way or another. The choices I make, the people I meet, the situations I come across. Everything happens for a reason. Sooner or later the reason or the purpose makes it self clear. I believe strongly in that and that’s how I live my life and go by everyday. When something happens to me either good or bad I know that there is a reason for it and that particular outcome will facilitate or prevent something else to happen. I always do my best in everything I do and I always accept the outcomes. Because whether its good or bad I learn something essential from it anyways. I care strongly about this belief, and it is true to me because I have real life experience to back it up.
A belief that I have repeatedly talked about with friends is the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana isn't even the most popular drug in the United States; it's only the third behind alcohol and tobacco.This government has brainwashed us to think that marijuana is bad for you, when in reality more people die from the use of alcohol and tobacco. About 50,000 people die a year from alcohol poisoning and 400,000 from tobacco. Overdosing on marijuana only induces a good and healthy coma (sleep) and in comparison it isn't toxic.
Alright, alright, yes it's true. Marijuana does impair judgement, and can give you a difficult time when trying to focus, not to mention your reaction abilities aren't up to par. But if I'm not mistaken doesn't alcohol do the same? So then why is it that alcohol is legal and marijuana isn't?
Some have argued it's because it makes you lazy and it kills your ambitions, and if it kills your ambitions the person settles and doesn't amount to being any thing in the future. They become a "dead head" and eventually start to feed off of the government and in result its another "bum" that tax payers have to take care of. But what the tax payers don't know is that more money (about $10 billion) is used to arrest and enforce marijuana prohibition than any other crime such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Whats ironic of the whole situation is that the government could be making money off of the estimated 14 million regular smokers, 25 million who have smoked in the past year, and the 100 million who have used it. All they have to do is tax it like they do everything else.
Let’s assume you were walking down the street and a man came up to you and stated "the Earth is flat". Most probably, you would think he is insane and pay him no mind. Why? Because you KNOW for a fact that the Earth is not flat but spherical. How do you know this? Because you have seen countless pictures and videos. Because you have been studying the Earth since elementary. Because many people have been to outer space and seen the Earth with their own eyes.
We live in a time where hundreds of beliefs and theories are created yearly. Where people believe what they hear because it sounds good, or because they were raised to. I think that we need to be able to understand and defend the thoughts and feelings we chose to act on. If I were ever asked why I choose to believe in something, I’d feel ignorant and stupid if I were to say “just because”. I like to absorb an idea, juggle it around in my head a bit, and then come up with a conclusion towards my belief of it. If the idea was not true, I’d feel like I have been living a lie or a dream, because in essence we are what we think. If we think a lie, then our life is a lie.
And now to talk about an important topic: Stem-cell research. I believe that from the results of the studies, it can be very beneficial to us humans. With further research, we might very well be able to uncover cures for many harmful diseases and conditions. I do not agree with the opposing arguments against it. Many people believe that using embryos for this research is immoral and unethical. But their views only go so far. In the end, all they state is “it is wrong”. That’s great, but how is it wrong? Using willingly given embryos is not a crime. It is not murder, since the word murder only applies to human beings. And embryos are not conscious or aware. They can not think, or believe, or feel, or argue. So thus, using them is the almost the same as using a pig or a monkey. With the exception of course that pigs and monkeys do feel and think to a certain extent. I’m sure the people against it had an incurable disease, and the only way to fix it was using stem cell research, they might give it a very prolonged second thought. This is what I believe and my justification for why it is not unethical.
The possibility of legalizing gay marriage in the United States is one that stirs much controversy. Personally, I am a fervent supporter of the legalization of gay marriage in our nation. In a time where the institution of marriage appears to be crumbling (50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce), I believe that legalizing gay marriage will save it. With loads of Bridezillas running around who focus more on the superficial details of their wedding than the actual ceremony, I feel that a significant amount of gay couples who genuinely love each other would be completely satisfied if states could simply acknowledge their marriages. Frankly, I do care if I have a justification for my beliefs and opinions, since it is a topic of discussion that others feel so strongly about. I feel that it’s important to be able to back up beliefs since they will inevitably be challenged or questioned. Despite the fact that I care if my belief is true, I realize that this topic is completely subjective to others. No matter what, I understand that not everyone will agree with me (in essence, this applies to most beliefs). However, in about 30 years, I feel that people will look back at our time, laugh, and then wonder why we ever worried about letting gays marry (which I believe will eventually happen). I mean, don’t people of today laugh when they look back at 1967 and wonder why people ever worried about the legalization of interracial marriage? Things will always change with time.
Glenda Romualdo
MWF 11-11:50 AM
A belief is an idea that someone holds to be truth. Although sometimes we hold believes because someone else believes in it and they want us to believe in it. For example: Religious Beliefs. I believe that everyone should have the right to follow any religion that they want to follow, instead of been "forced" or influenced to join one. I say "forced" because when we're young our parents brainwash us with the idea of religion (no matter what religion they follow) the same way they were brainwashed when they were young. I believe that we should not follow a religion just because we are influenced to join, but because we believe it's right and it's a path we want to follow. I, like many others, like to have a reason to believe in something, because in my opinion believing blindly in something that makes us vulnerable to those who want take advantage of that. We must have justified reasons to believe in something, and we must also respect what others believe in, regardless if it's truth or not because there are always somethings that are complicated to explain through facts.
Based on my understanding, i can approach to a conclusion that everything is unsure and unclear. For me the human mind is a machine full of conclusion. We will never have the guaranteed to state something that will remain consistent for ever. Us human have the knowledge only to protagonize just for the time being alive. but after others brains diffuse some ideas that contradict the previous, we retreat back to the same statement of doubt. Doubting is something that is a part of human kind. It's always there no matter if you show it or not. Even when we have evidence for a situation or a case, doubt is always a part. If I was a philosopher i will state something like that, something like an equation. Doubt + a case = unclear. we never sure of something. Now the biggest prebloms between science and religion is a case that we will never solve. it's unclear or unsure to state that God is the creator or not. As a seeker for the truth, i don't know which one that have more evidences because both parts are not certain with their theories.
Many people have beliefs without really having a justification for them or without bothering to find out whether their beliefs are true or not. Even religious people sometimes fail to know the history of their own religion. The reason why individuals have beliefs is because they are always in the quest for an explanation of why things happen, or how we came to be humans in the first place.
I believe in the Big Bang Theory, because there is evidence for it and it seems to be a logical explanation of how the universe began. Just because the Big Bang theory is not a law doesn’t mean it is erroneous. People who argue that they don’t believe in the Big Bang theory just because is a theory and not a law, often forget the difference between a theory and a law. A scientific law must always apply under the same conditions, and it must be confirmed through inductive reasoning. A law doesn’t explain phenomena. On the other hand, a theory such as the Big Bang is an event that only happened once and we cannot be sure it applies under the same conditions that’s why it is not a law. However, it doesn’t take away its accuracy and credibility. Even though I went to a Roman Catholic school and I come from a religious family, I have always doubted the existence of God because I don’t have any evidence. Perhaps the evidence for the existence of God just hasn’t been found. However, my curiosity, and insatiable hunger for knowledge of how the universe formed, and why I am a functional human being is not satisfied with the explanation that an omniscient being is the cause of all.
Cinthia Lavin
PHI 2010 MWF, 11 A.M.
I believe in living positively. I believe doing so enables one to have a more produtive life. By this I mean having a positive outlook and approach to life. Energy is something that I find very insightful. If you surround yourself with positivity and act accordingly then I believe everything will fall into place eventually. I do have a justification for believing in living positively. In my experience I can say that it's been very effective. A couple months back I was faced with quite a few ordeals that I didn't know how to handle properly. I always looked at things from the most positive perspective, in my opinion. I didn't give up on my goals and in the end I prevailed. A counter argument for this may be.. how do you know positivity from negativity. Well to that I would say that for the most part it's a feeling. Our conscience is always reassuring these feelings. I don't care if this belief is true. I believe in it therefore I don't need any external reassurement to tell me it's valid. I think a belief is always true to the person who beieves it otherwise one wouldn't believe it. Though it may not be true to others because everyone has different beliefs and perspectives, a belief should be held authentic by the believer.
Trust goes without justification. Some say that trust must be earned however, I beg to disagree. Most people have friends but don't put them through a set of tests to see if trust should be rewarded. I only have friends that I can trust. Those I cannot, I forget about.
I once had a friend who I trusted with everything because she was there in my time of need. She told me stories that only someone who trusted me could tell. I didn't need to put her through tests or go into her past to she if she was always trustworthy.
After a period of time went by, I came into contact with a couple of her old friends, and I discovered she was a compulsive liar. She made up stories I wanted to hear. The majority of the things she told me were lies or exaggerated truths. And best of all, she loved backstabbing people with their dirt.
Although most people believe I shouldn't have trusted her and I should be more weary next time, I still give people I meet the benefit of the doubt. Trust(X) doesn't need to be justified. It's similar to faith. To this day, the things I disclosed to her haven't risen to the surface, so maybe I was her exception.
KO, Luis 19, Cynthia, Laura L, Luis G., Tomás and K Franco: all interesting points.
Tchalton, you're a religious skeptic. That's Ok.
I believe in many things and I must say that almost all of them can be justified. So if I strongly believe in something I do care if I have justification for it and I do care if it’s true. For example I strongly believe marijuana use should be legalized. This issue should have been taken care of years ago. There is an estimated 40-100 billion dollars in new revenue waiting for the government if the sale of marijuana were to be legalized and taxed. That by no means is chump change and in the crisis we are currently in with the economy it is a needed helping hand that I don’t think the United States of America can afford to turn away.
On a regular Sunday morning, i was forced to attend mess, and the word being taught today was the "Sound Doctrine". While the pastor was brainwashing everyone, one thing really caught my attention - HOMOSEXUALITY. Why would anyone hate a specific group of people based on their sexual preference? Rating on things they clearly don't understand, chastising them for their "lifestyle", telling them to change it or else. This all goes back to the civil rights movement, even further back to the Holocaust. Why hate a person because of their ethnicity, race, sexual preference or even gender? I believe in living a positive life, without the stress of the world, without judging others or being judge by them, without having to live with the stereotypes pined to us by the world and the right to live as a normal human being.
Yes, but what's your name???
Bassey, you think you have proved that justification is important?
I believe in a lot of things. However, there are some things that I don't care to believe in simply because I have little or no interest/little or not enough justification to establish a true belief for example: "superstitions". Most things I care to believe in are because I have justified truth for that belief within myself which is where I feel that most beliefs start. But the topic that I wanted to point out the most was Gay Marriage. Life is all about making choices and I believe that we as a people have the right to choose our own lifestyle and that no one should judge or try to destroy it.
I was born in a Catholic family and attended Catholic school for the first six years, yet I do not believe in Catholicism or it's similar religions. I do believe God exists, I just don't believe in church or the people who claim to be holy. My mother always told me it was my choice to attend church. She once told me she does not believe that church is necessary if I need to seek God. God is wherever I am, that to communicate with him all i have to do is talk and I will know he is listening. whether she is right or wrong I don't know. All I know is, these so called people have done terrible things and are still allowed to be called holy. Churches are supposed to be simple and all I see are churches asking for money and competition for which is the better looking one.
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