Taking Social Theories to the People
New theories in the natural sciences are quickly integrated into our society because these theories often lead to new business practices that put money into our pockets. Such is not the case with new discoveries in the human sciences.
New theories in the human sciences often take generations to trickle down to Tom and Jane because Tom and Jane pick up these new ideas normally through a process of social osmosis. Such new theories are not generally taught in our schools.
Our educational system prepares us to become good producers and consumers. However, in the name of efficiency, our educational system leaves us ignorant of many domains of knowledge that are vital to our comprehension of matters that seriously affect the political health of our culture and of the world. Cognitive science is just one example of such a domain.
Popularizer is a word I heard historian William Norton Smith use when discussing American Presidents on C-Span. He did not elaborate significantly but it was apparent to me that he used the word to describe individuals who make popular the theories of authors who write about significant concepts that are seldom disseminated throughout the public educational system.
Mr. Smith and I agree that it is essential that someone carry to the people these vital concepts that I mention. I think of myself as being a popularizer. I try to introduce to my readers new and important ideas recently introduced to the world by the human sciences.
Do you have any desire to be a popularizer?
Isn’t the Internet discussion forum an ideal medium for popularizers to perform their function?
Taking Social Theories to the People
Taking Social Theories to the People
I think that it is worth while to think of comprehension as being like a pyramid with awareness at the base followed by consciousness. Consciousness I define as awareness with conscious focus. Following consciousness would be knowledge and following that is understanding. I would say that understanding is the creation of meaning and is a long step beyond knowing.
Every journey begins with the first step and I would say the first step to comprehension is awareness, which can be quickly followed by consciousness.
I think that the introduction of a theory or perhaps an idea to someone who has had no contact with that idea is perhaps the first two steps to knowing and perhaps understanding at some time in the future.
If the first step is not taken then no comprehension is possible.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead/
Every journey begins with the first step and I would say the first step to comprehension is awareness, which can be quickly followed by consciousness.
I think that the introduction of a theory or perhaps an idea to someone who has had no contact with that idea is perhaps the first two steps to knowing and perhaps understanding at some time in the future.
If the first step is not taken then no comprehension is possible.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead/
Taking Social Theories to the People
You sound just like my Nature of Nursing Professor. Barbara Carper and her 4 ways of knowing. Just had to write a 2000 word essay on it.
So it appears it is already being brought to public education. At least here at university level.
So it appears it is already being brought to public education. At least here at university level.
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
Taking Social Theories to the People
As my role model of an ideal popularizer I imagine Socrates with a PC and the Internet.