Ways of Knowing
Going into the program, I assumed that science was the end all be all of knowledge. Because of its procedures and their incredible outcomes, I always just assumed that it was an impartial discipline. However, over the course of my career, I have found this is not the case. Like the other disciplines, science is influenced by the world around it. Because of this, it is only one stop on the search for truth.
Then we began to learn how personal experiences make up a theoretically valid but socially discarded pool of knowledge. There are lots of factors that influence who we are. Most prominently, societal norms. But these unspoken rules and facts are arbitrary. They are decided by others for us, and have no real root to make them "true," even if we treat them as if they are.
At the beginning of our second year, we looked into religion. This is yet another way of knowing that is incredibly fascinating. People push past science and societal norms to search for a spiritual truth. While this practice differs immensely around the globe, its core purpose persists.
At the close of under-division and in Justine's Political Ecology core, we circled back around to the influence of politics and society on science. We learned how to examine science critically and ask good questions. Who decides what is researched? Why do they get to decide? What are their motives? Is their rationale interdisciplinary? Did they consider all the facts, or pick and choose their own? There are millions of questions that can help guide someone towards a more central version of "truth" as we sift through all the conflicting materials afloat in the digital age.
In conclusion, It seems that although everyone is in search of "the" truth, it is something that simply does not exist. Everyone will have their own slightly different version of truth, and that is okay. If we are going to understand the world around us and get as close as we can to facts and truth, we must listen intently to the person truths of those around us. By treating these testimonies like science and questioning them well, digesting them, and lending them some trust for their methods, we can see that the truths of everyone on earth are not so different after all.
Below are some texts that helped to structure this journey
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Science is not only non-impartial but it is just as biased as the world around it. It is influenced by modern wants and desires. Although we often only see the beautiful finished products, such as life-saving vaccines or trips to space, there is a dark underbelly that forces the few to sacrifice against their will for the many.
Lies My Teacher Told Me
What we are taught, how it is taught, when, and why all factor into the creation of our funds of knowledge. And although we all like to perceive ourselves as free and critical thinkers, the American education system does not provide these skills. This book highlights some of the lies we have been fed, and how these ideas have shaped our worldview as a nation.
Siddhartha
This story about religion, life, and the search for truth helped to show how listening to others stories can shed light on the truth.
The Gene
Our experiences shape us more than we realize. Although our personal lives are not scientifically recognized, they are genetically recorded.
Excerpts from Jared Diamond and Michael Wilcox
Read the following 2 Excerpts below in order and see for yourself the power of a narrative. Try practicing questioning as you read.
If you would like to listen, here is my personal truth