Evidence In Your World?
Can you find evidence of Puritanical thinking and Rationalist ideology in today's world? If so, where? What do you think about these ideas? How do they impact you? Do they connect with your worldview? Please provide lucid examples to support your claims. This blog post response is due no later than 2:30p.m. on Monday, August 30th.
posted by Greg T at Friday, August 27, 2010
28 Comments:
hattrick85Puritanical thinking is more based on traditions and what you have always done, where as Rationalist thinking is more of where you need information to prove the point. normally you would hear theese questions and answers everywhere. To me theese words show that you can be a person that does what they want to do or you can be a person who need the evidence to prove what is right and what is wrong. The way that theese words have mpacted me is by showing me how to do two different things to get one result, you can either just go with what you know or you can ask questions and figure out the right direction to head in. With my world view the one that mostly connesct with it is the Rationalistic thinking because it never hurts to sk questions and also never hurts to be right.
Rationalist ideology focuses more on things you can see, hear, feel, or anything in the tangible world. Rationalists take information from the outside world that they can see and use it to form their ideas about life. Puritanical thinking is more about a higher power and believing in intangible things that are beyond the senses. They use faith to form their beliefs, and use the idea of an afterlife as a guideline of how to live their lives. Rationalist ideology is still present in the world of mathematics, science, and many other places. Rationalism is more commonly presented in political situations as well, as to not offend other religions. Puritanical thinking is less publicly displayed and instead lives mostly within churches and religions. These ideas are less expressed because they tend to be more sensitive and offensive topics. Personally, I think that neither of these ideas directly impact my life because a lot of people choose not to publicly discuss their beliefs.
There is evidence of Puritanical and Rationalist ideology in today's world; it is just not to the same degree as it was in the 17th century. The evangelists that preach on the streets are similar to the Puritans because the use the same scare tactics to try to scare people into a certain faith. Rationalists are more present today in science, politics, mathematics and they are the big thinkers of the society as they have always been.
I believe in both the Puritanical and Rationalist ideology of reason and learning, the value of independent intellect, and the power of the human will as explained in the Elements of Literature book on page 77. However unlike rationalists I believe there is more than just rational thinking and a God that only exists philosophically. And unlike Puritans I do not believe in the lowliness of human beings in relation to God’s majesty and the human’s pointless efforts to achieve salvation. I believe in a relationship with a loving and merciful God, a relationship that God longs to have with the human beings he created. I do not believe in the scare tactic of Edwards, even though scare tactics work sometimes, it does not depict the true image of God.
I personally do not feel like Puritanical thinking and rationalist ideologies have effects on my life and I haven’t really ever experienced this type of thinking. Although I do feel that other ideologies have had an effect on me from many different standpoints for example in my religion we do not believe that there are a chosen few, but that if you are a good person and follow the ten commandments you will have salvation. Each religion on earth serves the purpose to teach its followers to be basically good and productive people. I do believe that they are in the world around us and that it affects the way that other groups think about their religion. Not only does it relate to a religious standpoint, but also socially, politically, and economically. I think that every other type of religion has ideas that differ from others and the same type of idealism takes place in those religions as well. I think these ideas impact me in that I know what I believe in and these different ideas show me what is out shaping the world around me. These ideas do not personally connect with my worldview’s because I have my own personal understanding about things, do to the way my life has been shaped by my family and my own religion.
Puritanical thinking is where a person believes in evidence that is spiritual compared to rationalist that believe in things that they can prove. You can find evidence of puritanical thinking in the church where people base their beliefs off of having faith in God. Other then religion there is not many places that you can see puritanical thinking. With rationalist thinking you can see that many places. Scientist are a good example, they find information throught tests and studies to determine the truth. I think that these ideas should be combined because they relate to so many things. Puritanical thinking has impacted me through church because I was taught to believe through faith even though you can not see God. Puritanical and rationalist thinking connect with my worldview because they combine to form the opinions that I make of whether things or true or not.
There is evidence all over our world today of puritanical thinking. For me the biggest example is how it seems that everybody uses the expression "Oh my God". I've noticed that people use this expression regardless of their belief in God. This is from our countries origin of Puritanical thinking. I think it is funny that people I know claim to be atheistic in their world view yet still use the expression in everyday life with out thinking twice. It connects with my world view in the sense that I do believe in God and am a Christian but i try to avoid the phrase. I find it interesting that this phrase has very strong roots in our communication today even though the subject of religion has become more awkward to talk about then it has been before.
The ting about puritanical thinking is that it focases only on the things that can't be seen. It focases on the idea of God. God is not somthing that can be scientificly proven, even though it can't be disproven either. Rational thinking is looking at somthing that can be seen or somtimes infered. The main thing is that to many people's eyes, rational thinking and puritanical thinking is somthing that must be opposites because the writings of each seem to counterdict each other. But to some, they both show the parts of the whole picture. Many people think that science ansewers how and riligion can answer why. But puritanical thinking seems to believe that the bible is the direct way things happend, and if you disagree in any way, you are not saved.
Puritanical thinking and Rationalist ideology is found commonly in today’s world. Rational thinking is shown in math and science because they arrive at truth using reason. Also, they do not rely on religion or on irrational mental processes like institution. Puritanical thinking comes up more in churches and self-based religious beliefs. It is more about a higher power and believing in indefinable things that is beyond correct human interpretation. Based upon my own views, I believe Rationalist ideology should be more relevant in today’s world. As technology progresses, there is no longer a need for puritanical thinking.
Many people can argue both sides of either puritanical thinking or rationalist thinking. Rationalist thinking refers to logical or reasoning being involved in our thinking process. Rational thinkers want science and math to prove their point or else they wont believe something. On the other hand, puritanical thinking is based on your own religious views and viewed upon in churches. In my opinion, I think that both puritanical and rational thinking are both important in our society today. Although, I strongly believe that there one true God whether there is evidence to prove it or not. However, neither of these views personally enter my life but, I know that the puritanical thinking has become less popular and rational thinking has entered into many people’s lives.
Both Puritanical and Rationalist ideologies exist in today’s world, maybe they aren’t making as extreme of an appearance as they did in earlier years but they are definitely still around. Take church for instance, that would be a form of puritanical thinking that is used every Sunday if not more, expressing similar beliefs as back in the 17th century. Yes, it has be modernized and twisted with more recent thoughts and beliefs but has it disappeared? Absolutely not. On the other side of the spectrum we see a more modernized version of rationalist thinking which more includes the people who probably aren’t as religious but more so, factual. They take an idea and figure out how to prove it with a clean cut answer, because in science and math we see very few unexplainable events. Everything can be tested or figured out. A good example of how it’s still around today is in schools, we are taught science and math both things that are easily explainable, equipped with formulas and tables and probable answers. Today we can see both sides of these beliefs very easily in our everyday lives, some more than others. Either way it is happening and we are a very active part in either one or both sides of these ideologies.
In today's world there are many examples of puritanical and rationalist ideas. Rationalist ideology is more facts and what people can physical examen with their senses. Examples of rationalist thinking are like Newtons Laws, Gravity and other scientific facts. This ideology is more present than puritanical because there is solid evidence and it impacts everyones life. Everyone knows gravity is a true power on earth because if not, we would all float away. Puritanical thinking has more to do with the unseen and the belief of a higher power. Most of the time this thinking is used in religions, and people have faith in a God/s. Also some think there are powerful beings that can cause horrible stuff to happen. Puritanical thinking also is a way for people in today's world and in the 17th century to explain the unknown. In today's world, even though both rationalist and puritanical thinking are very different, they are very important because they give people the answers to many questions that can't easily be solved.
Rational thinkers are people that want some kind of physical proof of what is being told to them, it kind of goes with the statement “seeing is believing”. These types of thinkers need some sort of background to support the information they receive, like a mathematical or scientific explanation. Whereas Puritanical thinking has to do with an individual’s personal beliefs, often concerning religion. I think in today’s society rationalist thinking has become very important in order to answer the “why’s” of the world. Scientific research is highly invested in because so many people are craving these rationalistic answers.
You can find evidence in Puritanical thinking and Rationalist thinking in today’s world; using the example of, Evolution. For the theory of Evolution the Rationalist agreement is lead by Darwinism. Darwin strived to prove that man evolved scientifically through mutation and “natural selection” which his evidence is based on scientific theory and study of matter. The Puritanical bases the creation of all life on God Basing faith as the sole foundation and the strict adherence to the word of God the puritanical believe solely that creation was made by God as represented in Genesis 1 of the Holy Bible. I think these ideas at least on evolution start your foundation of ideology and thinking patterns. The different ideologies do not connect as they are established as polar opposites.
Both Puritanical thinking and Rationalist ideology are and will be present in society forever. Like Kevin stated, both methods of thinking have changed. They will continue to change as they are different and have different meanings to each and every individual. I feel that people turn to Puritanical types of thinking when coping is needed or for help with certain things out of their control. Rationalist thinking is used to explain and reason with other ideas and concepts. Each type serves its own purpose and each purpose is entirely different for the individual. Those factors will keep people intertwined with Rationalist and Puritanical thinking allowing those concepts to be present for generations to come.
In today's world there is evidence of Puritanical and Rationalist ideology, it is just not as potent as it was 100 years ago. Preachers, nuns and evangelists are similar to the Puritans because they use their faith and what they know about a higher power to convince or prove to people the truth of what they are saying. Rationalists are people that take part in a more informed part of our society like in politics, education, and entertainment. Rationalists are more involved in things that we see, hear, and are involved in.
I believe in the ideas from both the Puritanical and Rationalis reasoning based on there learning, intelligence, and independance. Although unlike rationalists, I do believe there is a higher power then humanity. And unlike Puritans, I do not believe that humans are powerless and weak compaired to God, but are able to achieve greatness with his help.
This comment has been removed by the author.
In my opinion, it depends on the person to do his/her own thinking in this world. Religion would be a big puritanical thought while other things such as Mr. Trotter's American Lit class is during fourth hour, are rationalistic methods of thinking. I feel that both of these methods of thinking are needed in the current world so we, as a people, can keep balance in the world.
I agree with Joe's Comment about how Puritanical thinking is something that is spread far and wide across the world and cannot necessarily be seen. It can be phrases, beliefs or actions that one expresses to show their puritanical thinking whether they realize it or not.
I believe that there is still Puritanical thinking and Rationalist ideology in today's world. A gap still exsists between both beliefs but more people have started to except parts of both sides, so they have started to co-exsist. Our school excepts more of a Rationalist ideology because our school has to teach provable material and isn't allowed to teach religion, so you would find Puritanical in a church.
Puritanical thinking is more strict in moral or religious matters. It is more based off of history or tradition. Puritans are ones with faith and do not need to see in order to believe. I can somewhat relate to the Puritans because of the way I live my life. I live life with the relationship I have with God and the Holy Spirit; which is responding to what my spirit is telling me rather than my flesh/mind. Compared to the rationalist way of thinking where everything needs to be backed up with the facts; focusing on the things you physically hear and see. Scientists are a good example of rationalist thinkers because what they believe is more logical and "realistic." However, I am more of a puritanical thinker because of what I believe. I believe that God has power to do anything, for example if I hear the Lord tell me to pray for someone I will respond by listening to what my spirit is telling me instead of my flesh because God has desired to speak to us and longs for a relationship with every human being
In everyday life there are lots of evidence of puithanical and rationalist ideas. In school especially when u read text one of the first things that I think people should think about is which side the author is writting from and what way they are trying to persuade you. Some writing like in science is 100 percent rationalist and tells u that there is an answer for everything and it can be explained using science. On the other hand in English some stories like franklins autobiography he is very puithanical and shows this through his writing without ever directly saying so. Many more examples exist they are just not always do obvious. Be careful to not belive everything u read because these things can influence one greatly.
Puritanical thinking and Rationalist thinking still show up in today’s world. Though it is not as present as it once was. Puritanical thinking is more of a religious thing. It deals with stuff that can’t be seen. They seem to take things out of the bible to find their way of life. If you do not fallow the will of god or the bible then you will not be saved. Rationalist thinking is more concrete information it is used in science and supported with evidence. People want to see it in order to believe it. In today’s world both are still present. People still have their religious beliefs and can do what they want with them, but more people are excepting science to find out there believe.
rationalist thinking is more based on facts or your five senses to discover the deeper meaning rather than puritanical where they take everything word for word on how the traditions have been passed down over time. they connect with me by other means, my friends (who does not take religion seriously) mother takes religion more literal than most and sometimes tries to express her views over me, but i dont take them to heart as much as she does. but also i think they work together in a way, without one we wouldnt have the other. but my world view is more science and therefore i think rationalist
The two great men basically were speaking about the same consepts, but just used different ideas to fuel their thought process. Rationalists use data and facts to back up/ support their conclusion. Puritans belived in more of a religious and faith based way of thought, everything came back to "God".
great question mr trotter,
let me start of by saying how much I enjoy your class. Now to the question Like Brooklyn I do not think puritanical thing has much influence on my life. I invite my fellow students to watch this video about the puritan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi5c7WJnrUQ&feature=related
Enjoy
Puritanical thinking are broad observable facts whereas rationalist ideology is rather a specific outlook morally or religiously. Generally, many examples manifest everywhere around the world, affecting and spreading through people like a plague, altering quite a lot of perspectives through the process.
hi
Puritanical thinking and Rational thinking are based off of 2 differnt things but can realte to the same topic. The topic I chose to relate them to was religion. Rationalists will not belive things unless it is proven to them, or they can see, smell, taste or touch it. Puritacnical thinking is based off of tradtion and beliefs. It involves faith; Fait is believeing in what you sometimes cannot see. In order to be complete dedicated to most religions faith is needed, because you have to belive not based on only things you can prove 100%.
Post a Comment
<< Home