Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Relativism of Modern Culture: Implications of Belief


            Beliefs are interesting concepts.  They can be direct, meaningful, and heavily opinionated, but they can also be made without conscious intention because they are influenced by everything. Culture, media, upbringing, and location greatly impact the way beliefs are formed. Because of the subconscious effects of these contributing factors, many misconceptions are associated with the topic.
Human reason is based on observation and preconceived ideas.  We base our opinions based on what is fact. But are facts really facts?  Are we basing our beliefs on what is definitely 100% indisputable? Is anything really indisputable? The definition of a fact is something that already exists and is true. General reality. But who decides what is true? Absolute truth is a very controversial topic in our day. It is a belief that there is indisputable truth. Relative truth is the idea that truth is relative to what one believes is true. Both of these are beliefs. Do you see the issue? Not everyone agrees on what truth is, therefore how can facts exist in the realm of ideology and in general? The facts that one accepts agree with his belief. English would define this as a circular argument. Beliefs are based on facts that are based on beliefs. It is a never-ending cycle.
 A belief is completely biased. They are opinions based on opinions. Using an “I believe…” statement is a terrible argument because the basis is opinion holds no significant evidence. But then again, that is my opinion so is that true?
The bigger picture I would like to shine some light on is the error in this relativism. If we hold to no truth it becomes what we want it to. Whatever we say goes. This accounts for a major portion of the moral decay of society. It is a beautiful concept that we can be whatever we want to be, but this is practically anarchy! Who is to tell someone like Hitler that he cannot kill off the entire Jewish population? He believes it is for the better of humanity. Who is to stop him? Using this ideology will lead to governments losing control of citizens, parents losing control of children, and society crumbling. What does the current state of the world look like to you? I support democracy in giving the people the power, but it would be insane to sit back and watch society crumble without at least presenting the question.
What do you base your belief on?  What is your truth and what are the implications of your belief?

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