Blessing Or Curse
In reading Gorgias’ and Scorates’ writings on perception, I begin to see its’ meaning and application in a whole new light. The fact that they believe that outside influences mold and shape our perception of the world is not only revealing but also explains the way people in our society react to each other. In doing research I have found that others share the same viewpoint as these two men and it surprised me to find that there is a whole field of study devoted to Perception. Wikipedia’s definition of perception is "the process of acquiring, interpreting, selecting, and organizing sensory information". If perception is organizing sensory information, then what do we base the organization of that information on? Gestalt (Gestalt Theory of the Berlin School) was one of the first people to study perception as a discipline. He said that perception is like a soap bubble. Its’ spherical shape is not based on mathematical formula or design but on the pressure put on all sides by outside forces. Gestalt, to me, brings a clearer picture of what perception really is. These outer forces have come to bear on my life and have served to shape my character and mold who I am.
As a child growing up, I was raised in a Christian home, and my values and belief system were based on the teachings of the Bible. As I have gotten older, these beliefs have become stronger and in many ways, identify me. For me, faith is not about perception but about reality. I try to live my life by the teachings of the Bible but I have to admit that my perceptions are formed through these beliefs. Many people in society say these beliefs are biased and prejudiced, and from their perspective, they might be. I believe in the absolute truth of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Therefore, my perceptions on all subjects are filtered by these beliefs.
Because my father was in construction, I was always around various cultural groups. As a result of this, I was not insulated from interaction with children from different backgrounds. Many of my friends did not share my viewpoints on various ethnic groups. I soon learned that our parents were really the ones shaping our belief systems. Those who influenced me shaped my character and morals the most. In other words, my environment dictated my perception.
Gorgias, Scorates and Gestalt seem to be correct about perception. Examining the lives of the people that we are around every day can prove their assessment that there is no objective perception. We make judgments on current events, people we meet, and our government based on those forces that have impacted our lives as we have grown. I feel the secret to using your perception in a positive manner is to temper that perception with love. Tempering our perceptions with the knowledge that other opinions exist would serve us well.
7 comments:
Glen I agree 100% that many of our Christian beliefs and perceptions are based on what we were taught and how we were raised as children. I was brought up with a strong faith and belief in Jesus Christ. My beliefs also identify me to a great extent. I also believe that faith is about reality and not what we perceive it to be and that those around us with the greatest influence are the ones who play a great responsibility in the shaping of our beliefs.
passed
PASS I think this was very thought out, and you did a very good job of relating this to your everyday life.
Pass. Good informative blog. You really have researched alot about the topic.
Pass, I like the fact that you put a lot of thought into this, love the way you related to every day life.
pass, i agree that our surrounding environments influence our perceptions. Also, you have lots of deep thought and insight in this passage.
Pass. I think that your example was a very good one that a lot of people can relate to.
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