* Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?
I do not believe in the perfectibility premise; I somehow believe in the rationality premise; and finally, I strongly believe in the mutability premise. First, the perfectibility assumes that “humans are born in sin but are capable of achieving goodness through effort and control” (Trenholm, 2008, p. 353). I can not accept the assumption that a newborn is able to commit any sin. As a matter of fact, I am only capable of associating babies with Angels. Yes, I do believe in Angels!
Second, the rationality premise assumes that “most people are capable of discovering the truth through logical analysis” (Trenholm, 2008, p. 353). In my view, the notion of “true” is subjective to interpretation. Any decision based on the rational premise will be influenced by the person’s beliefs and values. Hence, while I believe some people can be trusted to make good decisions (e.g., parents who do not allow their kids to be out until late), I am pretty convinced that some others can make terrible decisions (e.g., people who kill innocents because they believe they have the right to do so).
Third, the mutability premise assumes that “human behavior is shaped by environmental factors and that the way to improve humans is to improve their physical and psychological circumstances” (Trenholm, 2008, p. 353). For instance, the distribution of resources in Brazil is so unequal that many kids are forced to steal or get involved in the drug traffic in order to survive. This is most noticeable in the slums of Rio de Janeiro and some parts of São Paulo. If there was social equality in Brazil, those kids’ lives would be certainly shaped by different physical and psychological circumstances.
Ibirapuera
W16 - Discussion Question # 3
16 years ago
It is refreshing to hear that another person believes in angels, especially in angelic children. I was discussing this topic with some friends and they proposed the question about children that misbehave or scream and holler. It is under my belief that that trait is learned either by observation or the need for attention because the parents neglect the kids. Other times it is hereditary. My friend’s child lacks the ability to know when to stop. She is missing the connection in the brain and is taking medicine for it (the mom took it when she was younger too). There are many factors that contribute to a path of sin but to say that we are born in sin is inconceivable.
ReplyDeleteKolby,
ReplyDeleteI tried to find words to respond your message, but there is nothing left for me to say: you said EVERYTHING! We are indeed on the same page that "humans are not born in sin."
Ibirapuera :)