Is knowledge an intrinsic good?
By Tally Loyd <Tally_Loyd@Hotmail.com>
Most people who dislike the idea of fate or destiny (predetermination) tend to do so because they do not like the idea of not being in control of their lives. If one believes that one’s circumstances are (at least to a significant degree) a product of informed choices, knowledge becomes the gateway to happiness. However, if one gives up the need to be in control of one’s own life, knowledge becomes extraneous—an expendable luxury, or perhaps even a burden or hindrance towards living a satisfying life.
So, in seeking knowledge, what does one hope to acquire? Does one seek knowledge in order to improve one’s current condition; to increase one’s standard of living; to achieve superiority to one’s peers; or is it a precautionary measure taken subconsciously by one’s instinct of self-preservation to ensure one’s future safety and perpetuate one’s own existence?
It seems to me that knowledge equips one with the power to manipulate and change one’s circumstances, while ignorance facilitates the acceptance of the present. This is due to the impotence generated by a lack of understanding of one’s surroundings.
Presently, our society has evolved to a point where knowledge has changed from a necessity for survival to an abstract currency in a virtual world. Nevertheless, knowledge is still considered to be a powerful weapon—in the hands of an adept wielder.
Contrary to common conception (possibly derived from our Greek heritage), knowledge is not the same as wisdom, but can actually in certain circumstances rather come to resemble its antonym. For example, most religions refute knowledge (any other than the advocated doctrine), holding the inquisitiveness of mankind accountable for much of the misery throughout history, ultimately alluding to our (human beings) unworthiness as possessors of such prowess. However, since the essence of most religions centers around subjugation, and given the role of religion in society, the shunning of knowledge becomes self-evident: ignorant masses are easier to oppress and control.
Today, information is more accessible, and is so to a wider range of people. In combination with democracy, this circumstance limits the influence that the social elite can exert upon the masses. This, in effect, produces a condition which works towards “the greatest good for the greatest number.” But although the masses are becoming more educated, the opportunity gap for taking advantage of the rules of society is not narrowing. Because just as the education level of the average citizen increases, so does the total pool of knowledge available. Essentially, “the rules may have changed but not the game.”
Knowledge is ultimately, just like any other instrument, ambiguous in nature. Just as the splitting of the atom made possible both nuclear power (as an energy source) and nuclear bombs, most other things are subject to both use and abuse. It is up to each individual to decide whether to embrace knowledge or ignorance as the path leading to personal happiness. Perhaps happiness can be found in either, or perhaps neither. Happiness may have nothing to do with knowledge. But if it does, knowledge and ignorance are mutually exclusive, so be careful what you choose. ;)
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Amanda Thompson <amandat211@yahoo.com>your paper was very...enlightening! after reading it, I can't say if I agree or not. It really made me reconsider my views on the issues discussed in your paper. excellent work
Heather Ferguson <AddysmomF@netscape.net>Very well thought out paper. Enjoyed reading!
Kimberly Pitts <KLP103@hotmail>I believe that knowledge is a contributing condition to happiness but not necessary, because to much knowledge and understanding of the world could lead to depression. I enjoyed reading your paper.
missy kergosien <missc4@hotmail.com>Good Paper, Tally! You made some interesting points which caused me to rethink my original position.
Crystal Gray <crystalg32@hotmail.com>Good paper, really good points made.
Heather Renfro <jewel@emeraldis.com>Wow, Tally...that is a great paper! You did your research, and it shows.
Cynthia Glanton <cynthia_glanton@hotmail.com>Good paper and ideas. I'm not so sure that I agree, but it has made me think.
Chris Graham <collge-guy@inetgenesis.com>What a paper. Good work
Matt Wright <surfski8@hotmail.com>i agree with amanda
Eric Howell <grayghost13@hotmail.com>Excellent Paper! Nice use of research. You really knew your topic!
Wendy Garner <wlg51@backroads.net>good paper
Will Mulkey <wrmulkey@hotmail.com>You explianed and supported your opinion very well. I agree with what you wrote. Great Paper!
Travis Galloway <hyperdedo@hotmail.com>At its core, I think we wrote on the same topic. Nice points and great work, I am truly impressed. I happen to differ sightly with you, thinking knowledge is intrinsicly good, but I see where you are coming from... It is the person who harnesses this power who determines the consequences of holding said knowledge, but at its most basic sense, I feel that knowledge is good in itself...
Karen Long <karen_long@email.com>Man, did you help Hospers write the book?
nichole vernon <nichole vernon>good job and good research .
Tally Loyd <Tally_Loyd@Hotmail.com>What makes everyone think I did research on this subject?!!!
Danny Frady <garydfrady@hotmail.com>Great job! Very informative....
jason stansill <jasonstansill@hotmail.com>I enjoyed reading your paper, I thought that it was very well writen and showed alot of thought, good job.
Chad Williams <czm_1@hotmail.com>That was the closest thing to a real paper I've seen all semester. Very, very good work.
Comments Closed <11.28.01>Further Comments are Voluntary.
Eric Doyle Knight <frruita@hotmail.com>Wow. Damn fine job. I don't have much to say. Very eloquent and well-stated. I think I'm inclined to call knowledge an intrinsic good, but I see your points about the ambiguity that may arise. Impressed.