"UFOlogy"

Edward Condon, scientist and author of “Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects,” argues that UFOs do not exist.  He argues that there are many explanations for the phenomenon; such as, meteorites, balloons, hallucinations, and errors in our thinking.  On the other hand, scientist and author of “The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry,” astronomer J. Allen Hynek is a strong believer that some reports of UFO sighting are actually true sightings.  He thinks more research into the phenomenon will bring more answers.  And finally, scientist and author of “Physical Evidence and Unidentified Flying Objects,” Royston Paynter is a semi-believer.  Paynter is definitely skeptical but still thinks there may be a small possibility in the truth of UFOs. Paynter, like Hynek, believes more research should be done.  I think Royston Paynter’s argument was the best because it undermined each view brought up by the supporters of UFO sightings.  Also, I really liked Paynter’s final paragraph urging “the UFOlogical comminuty to adopt properly scientific standards of investigation.”

"In My Expert Opinion...."

One concept from the reading that interested me was section about Experts and Credibility. When a court allows an expert testimony, they are allowing someone to give their opinion to the jurors and the court.  This is very different from ordinary witness testimony because witnesses can only give factual information about what happened, and their opinions do not hold weight with the jury or the judge.  The criteria for a “qualified” expert are:

1.    Education or training from a reputable institute

2.    Experience in making judgments in the field

3.    Reputation among peers as an expert in the field, and

4.    Accomplishments in the field such as academic papers and awards

However, even if a person is qualified on paper under those four requirements, conflicting opinions and biases still exist in their field of expertise.  Therefore, it is important for important to evaluate their testimony and compare it to that of other experts in the same field. 

Knowledge v Wisdom

Wisdom and knowledge are two very different concepts when looked deeper into.  Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and intelligence and to make decisions in the best possible way.  While on the other hand, knowledge is just learned facts.  As it is well-known, knowledge and wisdom are not completely independent.  Knowledge becomes wisdom only after it has been put to practical use.  In college, students inevitably gain knowledge; however, not all gain wisdom.  I think it is our interactions with fellow students, teachers, and staff which aid our wisdom.  Also, incorporation of our knowledge into our everyday lives builds and strengthens our wisdom.  Sandra Carey is quoted as saying, “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom.  One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”  So the question whether one acquires knowledge or wisdom at college is different for each individual and what they make of their experiences.  It is easy to say that the information age has just led us to being more knowledgeable, not wiser.  Knowledge is just a click away; through a cell phone or laptop. 

Definitions & Meanings

Words can be used in many different ways; knowing meanings and definitions is vital to clear, accurate communication.  There are denotative and connotative meanings.  Also, there are stipulative definitions, lexical definitions, précising definitions, and persuasive definitions. 

First, a denotative meaning is a ‘true’ definition, coming from a dictionary, or its lexical definition.  A connotative meaning is not so objective; it is subjective in manner.  According to the text on pg. 69, “the connotative meaning of a word or phrase includes feelings and personal thoughts that are elicited on the basis of past experiences and associations.” 

Stipulative definitions are given to new terms, such as “decaf” Stipulative definitions may also be a combination of new terms with old terms, such as “laptop,” or a new term for an existing word, such as “homosexual” instead of gay.  “Stipulative definitions often start off as jargon or slang and are initially limited to a particular group of people” but have the ability to become the norm.  

Lexical definitions, on the other hand, come from the dictionary.  These definitions are not connotative, just denotative, and they are either right or wrong. 

Précising definitions are used to provide clarification.  These definitions go beyond a lexical definition, setting the exact parameters of the term at hand.  Précising definitions can be broken down into two sub-categories, theoretical definitions and operational definitions.  Theoretical definitions explain the specific nature of a term, while operational definitions “use a standardized measure for use in data collection and interpretation.” 

The last definition type is persuasive definitions.  Persuasive definitions try to influence others to see our point or sway to a certain side.  Persuasive definitions typically use emotive language to effectively sway people.  Emotive language is “language that is purposely chosen to elicit a certain emotional impact.”  An example of emotive language is in a definition of taxation, which is a form of ‘theft.’   

Rhetorical Devices

A rhetorical device uses “psychological persuasion, rather than reason, to persuade others to accept a particular position.”  There are four common rhetorical devices: euphemism, dysphemism, hyperbole, and sarcasm.  Two forms I have used within the past few weeks are hyperbole and euphemism.

A hyperbole is a form of rhetoric that uses focuses exaggeration.  As a student in Psych 01, the psychology department requires students to participate in 4 study hours.  Students are able to choose from a list of surveys, and experiments to fulfill these hours.  One study I participated on measured the psychological effect of various cognitive activities; one of which was a five minute speech in front of two emotionless people and a video camera.  It was so horrifying because public speaking is by far my biggest fear when it comes to school.  The experimenter gave me three minutes to prepare in a room by myself.  I briefly thought about the consent form, which said I could stop my participation at any moment without penalization.  After the whole ordeal was done with, I was at home telling my mom about my experience.  I explained to what had happened and how I had “seriously considered” running out of the study when I was to be preparing my speech.  This is the hyperbole because in reality I only briefly considered leaving. 

When using a euphemism, one replaces a term with negative association with a more neutral or positive one.  A new friend and I were having a conversation about life experiences and he/she mentioned to me that they were once a stripper.  He/she explained that it was a choice that he/she does not regret but an experience to learn from.  Going into further detail revealed that it was more than just stripping, occasionally leading to “taking it further.”  There are two euphemisms to this story.  The first is that we were using the term “stripper” instead of “prostitute.”  The second euphemism is the phrase “taking it further,” which was used to replace “sex.”  

The use of hyperboles frequently leads to more interesting stories, but in excess can diminish your credibility.  The use of euphemisms greatly reduces the awkwardness of conversations because terms like “sex” and “prostitution” are perceived in a very negative manner.  Also, through the use of euphemisms, the speaker can be less specific before approaching a topic head on to gauge ones reactions.   

Ride, Sally Ride :]

Sally Ride, famous astronaut, is an excellent critical thinker.  According to the text, the characteristics of a skilled critical thinker include: analytical skills, communication skills, being well informed and having good research techniques; having flexibility and tolerance of ambiguity; having open-minded skepticism and good problem solving; being attentive, mindful and intellectually curious, and engaging in collaborative learning. 

The text says that “she is able to clearly articulate and develop strategies to meet her life goals.”  This demonstrates the quality of flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity.  “Effective decision making includes setting clear … goals in our lives and developing a realistic strategy for achieving [those] goals.” 

“Ride was chosen to serve as Capcom for the first and second shuttle flights – the person on the ground who handles all the ground-to-staff flight communication.”  Holding this position is demonstrative of her effective communication skills. Also, she is “an excellent writer and speaker.”  Further on that theme, Ride formed Sally Ride Science, which sponsors girls’ camps that encourage development in science through leadership, writing, and communication skills.    

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, or healthy emotional development, “is ‘the ability to perceive accurately, appraise, and express emotion; the ability to access and/or generate feelings when they facilitate thought; the ability to understand emotion and emotional knowledge; and the ability to regulate emotions to promote emotional and intellectual growth.’” 

One requirement to having emotional intelligence is to have empathy, or the ability to empathize.  Empathy, as defined in the text, is “the ability to enter into and understand the experiences and emotions of others.”  This is the well-known idea of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.  Empathy is more complex than sympathy; sympathy is feeling sad or sorrow for someone but not truly feeling their pain or understanding what they are going through. 

Emotional intelligence allows us to be caring, empathetic, and aware of ourselves and others around us.  One’s inability to communicate or recognize these emotions negatively affects his/her behavior and decisions.  “Until we can tap into our moral indignation and empathy for victims – including our own victimization – we’re unlikely to be motivated to use our reason to come up with plans for taking action towards stopping… mistreatment.” 

Dawkins v Aquinas

The idea that evolution and a belief in God are compatible is not true to Dawkins ideas.  He refutes the first three claims made by Aquinas because they all arrive at the same issue, who started it? God, God is the one who made the first move, God is the one who caused everything, and God is the one who brought everything into existence according to Aquinas’ first three proofs.  However, the claims do not address who or what created God.  According to Dawkins, “They, [the proofs], make the entirely unwarranted assumption that God himself is immune to the regress.” 

The final proof is also challenged by Charles Darwin’s ideas of evolution through natural selection; this rules out the idea that “nothing that we know looks designed unless it is designed” [by God].    

I believe if Aquinas were still alive today, his beliefs might be different.  With Darwin’s findings and publications, Aquinas might reconsider his “proofs”.  I believe Dawkins argument is stronger than Aquinas, but that is strongly influenced by my non-religious upbringing and my education in a public school system.

Reasoning Strengths

Before pursuing a career, it is important to ensure you will have success and satisfaction within your position.  This might be common sense to everyone but to do this you have to actually identify your strengths.  However, figuring out your strengths may prove to be quite difficult.  To help evaluate strengths, you want to see what is easiest for you to do and what makes you happiest.

If I decide to pursue my legal career, both my skills in inductive and deductive reasoning would be utilized.  Deductive reasoning will come into play when there is no other possible suspect; the conclusion reached would be certain or definite.  For example, if a suspected drunk driver is pulled over and takes a breathalyzer and gets a BAC level of .20, then it is definite that the driver was operating the vehicle while intoxicated.  Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, would come into play when the conclusion is probable, or reasonable.  In an inductive argument, the decision is up to an officer, the judge, or the jury to weigh the probabilities presented.  For example, if an officer sees someone in a parked car with the keys in the ignition and suspects them to be drunk, gives them a breathalyzer, which they fail, the officer may then assume that the suspect was going to drive the vehicle. 

I believe I am strongest in inductive reasoning, or proving something probable.  This will be useful in trials because the standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”  Knowing what your strengths are before starting a career will help you be more successful and satisfied with your position.