Do you prefer knowledge based on people's personal judgments, or findings fr

Question: Do you prefer knowledge based on people's personal judgments, or findings from academic endeavors!?

Answers should be limited to the social sciences (sociology, psychology, geography etc!.); or those that relate to 'life'--however you define that!. I want to exclude the discussion of the natural sciences because ordinary people don't have the resources to study them independently and are reliant on experts!. Whereas with the social sciences, it may be argued that experience is the greatest study, lasting a lifetime!.

I ask because I have noticed that on occasions I have noticed clashes between the objective knowledge presented to me from the world of academia, and my subjective experiences of the world I live in!. Which of these sources of knowledge is more valuable to you, in terms of the accuracy with which they present reality!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Anything that cannot be objectively verified cannot be considered knowledge, even in the realm of social sciences!. Of course, the knowledge presented to you in the world of academia is often not objective, and your subjective experiences can be used as a guide towards how to achieve true knowledge!.

Due to the rise of post-modernism in the 20th century, academics have often fell into the trap that says "nothing can ever be objective and everything is subjective," yet they teach this as an objective fact! This disease has not infected the natural sciences, but outside of those disciplines, be very wary of what you're being taught in academic circles!.

The intelligentsia took the mantle of social control from the priestly class with the rise of the university, and that trend continues today!.

For a solid methodology of distinguishing truth from falsehood, come check out the philosophy conversation that is occurring at http://www!.freedomainradio!.com/ and for an in-depth look at how religion and academia are keeping society from advancing philosophically, check out the new book, How to (Not) Achieve Freedom at http://freedomainradio!.com/free/#HNTAF !. It's available as a free download, either as a PDF or an audio book!. Enjoy!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I would always back my own reality because that is what I have to live within!.Academic Research has been proved to be subjective - I think that its possible to tell what is biased from the consequent arguments about the research and its internal failings!.

I like the kind of research that is readable and taps into peoples wisdom!.

I very much liked Marion Milners study in leisure where she as a pscyhologist, looks at the workings of her own mind when she has!.
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And yes on the whole I would rather listen to peoples judgments -
I have been co-counseling with a friend for 22 years and value every tiny little piece of learning that we have teased out of this relationship!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

Being within an Academic surrounding, I would have to say that my understanding of the world, and beyond has become interlaced with the academia that I perscribe to!. I have previous experiences, present faith, and future aspirations; as well as having a general sense of where I stand (opinion), but I am always looking for what other sources are saying in order to better understand myself, others, and the world!. The world of academics is probably my most increasingly applicable source for any range of topics!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

it should be based on both, because both can be equally flawed!. looking at sciences, you see that scientific theory is in a constant state of change!. People once accepted the world being flat, now experience has told us that it is round!. Not all experience can be trusted however, as people's perspectives change!. I hope i am answering your question!.!.!. but not really sure!. Just my opinion though (from experience ;)Www@QuestionHome@Com

Personal judgement, i work in an industry that involves a lot of cultures worlwide, being taught something and seeing & doing it does not compare as with people, i used to go on 1st impressions but with 21 years field experience now i've learned to give most people the benefit once or twice before judging!. I have no education and have learned by being there, you cant beat experience and can theorise all you want but it'll get you nowhere, make sense!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

The problem today is that people rate Opinion over Knowledge, which equates to only one thing: Ignorance!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Social Sciences seem to be far too!.!.!.fluffy!.!.!.!.to trust!. I'd take a good philosopher over a psychologist anyday!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I prefer to be asked a question with no strings attached!. Your question failed this simple test!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Both, please!. No man is an island!. If you must have one or the other
I'd conclude reader was awfully peninsular!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I find it hard to read an academic journal, with its large words and fancy phrasing, and take its information as solid fact when some of the things they present are wishy washy to my own eyes, and they themselves deem as maybe being untrue by classifying it as theories!.

I must also remember that the world I see through my eyes is a limited one!. I know very little of the whole world, and even if I ask questions from those around me-they are also limited!.

We must also remember scientists are people to, with their own hopes and biases!. They too have asked people, and in some cases-a lot of their work is based off of case studies and natural observations!.

I tend to mix the perspectives of both to get my views on life!. I hate to quantify which one means more to me, but I would have to say science trumps the words of people around me!.

memories are unstable, and scientists have been trained to observe and make sure their work is good!.

But again, nothing in life is certain!. Nothing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If all the knowledge you possess is whispered to you by strangers, can you really gamble on your life!? Who are they to you!? No one, they are the shadows of time faded away, with the presumed truths left for us to never find!. Huge advances are made on the shoulder's of giants, but they are done without gaining the knowledge for ourselves, which leads us to not feel a sense of responsibility for our discoveries!. Every year we build new stories on to our tower of Babel, but real answers can't be found in the depths of the sky!. They are in the empirical experience, the understanding of all the other sciences that not only affect yours, they are yours (just a new twist)!.

Personal experience trumps the stockpile of academic findings, because it is what's real to you!. So much goodness can come from the advances that passing knowledge lends to, but you can not find your own answers in them!. You must find your answers for youself, and if others conflict, DON'T TRUST THEM! Guess (trust) if need be, but don't integrate them into your beliefs and don't find them true when you don't want to!.Www@QuestionHome@Com