Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Comm 105-question 2-premises

In chapter 12 of our book, it discusses how most Americans are rational, perfectible and susceptible.  It describes 3 different premises.

The first one, rationality premise, says that most humans are capable of discovering truth through logical analysis.  I don't think this is true of most humans becuase I have dealt with people whose emotions get the better of them and they lash out in a fit of rage or frustration.  No real logic in that action.  I also can't understand when some people don't realize when something they are looking for is right in front of them.  Not many people have the experience to know how to analyze something.  Its through no fault of theirs but, there are people capable of this rationale to help them and society.  Psychologists and therapists are probably the better examples of this logic because they get information in order to do an analysis.  More often then not, they figure a person out for that person they are helping.

The perfectability premise I have seen.  I would like to think that people work to better themselves but I know its wishful thinking in some cases.  I for one work under this premise.  If a job makes you feel good about what you accomplish, your only hope is to become better as a worker and a person.  Its about achieving goodness through effort and control.  Again we can go to the whole therapy thing and also rehab.  People go to rehab to better themselves for their addicitons.  If they really try then they should expect results.  They can't expect to have results if they put no effort.  It's the same as giving up.

Finally, the mutability premise, which I think is also the influential premise.  This is very apparent in people.  Enviormental factors and surroundings can make a person behave or act a certain way given certain circumstances.  I can't think of another example or group that would best fit this premise but I think that social experiments are a good example of seeing what people do in situations they aren't typically involved or associated with.

No comments: