“This rubber tree won’t yield latex—the biologist blames the sapling, the geologist blames the soil, the contractor blames the unskilled laborer and the owner says it is fighting back at being controlled.” (Amitav Ghosh) If different Ways of Knowing or Areas of Knowledge yield contradictory statements about the world, on what basis do we choose among them? `

In everyday life there are choices that need to be made. Nothing can really be agreed upon for there are too many opinions to bring together. Just like the biologist, geologist, the contractor, and the owner all had their opinions about the rubber tree, so do the different areas of knowledge about the world. None of the ideas or statements are wrong or right; but are based on the individuals opinion. It depends on their surroundings and knowledge. The geologist thinks differently from the biologist and the contractor and the owner. They have different knowledge that another might not have and therefore they make their statement on what they know. On a regular basis we choose among contradictory statements. For example, the causes of global warming. Some say that its humans who caused it and others might say that it’s not. For a person that needs to decide on a side may be somewhat difficult. Different articles that are read about global-warming can be biased and really any article can be biased. If you watch a news report on TV, certain information can be left out. The different thoughts develop from the different knowledge possessed.
The knowledge gained is chosen, from the variety of knowledge exposed to, by filters. Filters are used to sort out different substances from others like the filters that are used to purify water. The filters construct the different thought and ways people think. They categorize the ideas of knowledge into two categories; true or false. The knowledge of what is true and what is false can be called beliefs. There are many filters within each individual that vary from person to person. The filters develop from many factors and include but are not limited to; gender, age, culture, religion, experience, race sexual orientation, and many others. Religion is the greatest factor. It can also imply not having a religion at all. It for binds in the thoughts expressed of certain topics and greatly when it comes to how morality is seen. The morale is often a huge issue in religions. A group of people, may judge a person’s actions based on what they believe are right. Gender and/or sexual orientation are another greatly affecting factor in the way a person thinks or reacts. For most females, they tend to respond in a very defensive manner compared to men who react in a more aggressive manner. The sexual orientation allows for a wider range of view in the emotional aspects considered of the opposite gender, unless you’re straight which can limit that point of view. Experience also has an input to the way someone views the world. Experience not only refers to just what you “have” experienced, but also to what you “might” experience, for say if you were in someone else’s shoes. Experience can be reflected upon for future experiences with a similar issue. They are there to learn from them especially from others. People who care about others try to help others by giving advice from their own previous experiences. Throughout life many experiences occur in which more knowledge is gained to be able to judge what the right decision in a particular situation.
On a daily bases choices are being made among contradictory statements. In the areas of knowledge opinions are brought up about a subject constantly. For instance, history is currently being made. History is said to be written by the winners, for they record what is most convenient for them. In different parts of the world history is viewed and has affected in different ways. Technology seems to be grasping every bit of information of the events occurring. Today technology is being used frequently to record events, but it is also a medium to find more information about our world. Although science has progressed, there are moral issues involved in some of the sciences practiced. There are issues about whether to continue stem cell research. There are questions asked like is it wrong to destroy an embryo in order to obtain the stem cells? At what stage is it considered to be existing? The contradictory statement and the benefits and disadvantages need to be considered to choose among the contradictory statements or come to an agreement.
To decide between contradicting ideas many factors need to be considered. One of the factors is, what is the others persons point of view and what influences their ideas/ thoughts? The opinion given is based like I said earlier on many factors that influence the thoughts all the time. What are the disadvantages or benefits? A variety of people may choose from opposing statements for convenience. It is also important to think about the benefit of other people as well. Can I trust what either side is saying? Based on my beliefs what do I think is true, (but remember all opinions are relative)? Beliefs are relevant that encourage the viewpoint of others to be considered as true or false. Even though there is no right or wrong way that is how ideas are categorized in each person’s mind, according to specific criteria created in every individual. Most of the time people are not open minded to other’s opinions. We choose not to take in account someone else’s ideas because we often believe our way is the only way. It deprives us from acquiring more knowledge. Having one’s ideas co-exist with someone else’s is something the majority of the people are just not open to.