“The first sentence in the Books of Bokonon is this: All of the true things I am about to tell you are shameless lies... Anyone unable to understand how a useful religion can be founded on lies will not understand this book either” (Vonnegut 5-6). This is the author’s primary warning to the readers about the issues which his novel entails. What exactly is Vonnegut trying to say? He is stating that there is no such thing as an ultimate truth. No matter what we go through in our lifetimes, there will be no experience revealing an absolute truth about our world. As postmodernists view there is “no reason for a center”, since there is no center for pure fact (Powell 18). The novel Cat’s Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut, effectively demonstrates the postmodern view that life has no absolute truth.
Let’s put into account the study of science. This process is an excellent example demonstrating this concept about true things all being shameless lies. When scientific research is performed, it is based on two types of studies, qualitative and quantitative reasoning. Qualitative reasoning will give you information dealing with behaviors and cycles, and quantitative reasoning will give you information dealing with numbers and statistics. This entire time these scientists are studying and calculating, they begin creating conclusions about their findings. And in the end, after compiling all of their data and conclusive ideas, they come up with this ultimate idea depicting the truth that came out of their tireless research called a theorem. So how does science relate to this concept of truth being shameless lies? According to the website Dictionary.com, the word theorem is derived from the Greek word theorema, meaning spectacle, hence, subject for contemplation, thesis, to be proved. There is nothing in the scientist’s research saying that their data is the absolute truth. Although the information is leading to an ultimate truth, there is still nothing verifying their studies as purely true. As the definition states, there is still subject for contemplation. And how do scientists overcome such a hurdle as this? They use even more science as proof and evidence. They are using lies to prove other lies. Maybe the use of the word lies is a little harsh; even I do not like using that word to describe these concepts. Science is best described as a grand narrative, “big stories, stories of mythic proportions – that claim to be able to account for, explain, and subordinate all lesser little, local narratives.
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
~ Oscar Wilde
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MY BOI drew Killa. I don't get your question"Shouldn’t people care about scientific research and how far technology has come? People probably don't care if the research and technology have nothing to do with them. You talked about the nano technology of liqued robots who can sqeeze through doors and rebuild themselfs. What good does this junk do for people who don't have doors? How is that improving mankind? It's nice to know thats happening but I could care less. You also replied,"but I believe that the benefits greatly outweighs the harm" I would like an example. I find that these benefits that we make indirectly cause harm. Think of mans first great scientific discovery "FIRE" It helped them see in the dark but it also KILLS people. It's a great thing but it also harms people. We use cars to get around, But these same cars can KILL people. One helpful thing will lead to something that is very destruction prone. Lastly you said you don't get that post- postmodern stuff. Its mainly just takin about the New ways stuff like twitter is able to install new ways to socialize and make ideas global.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you said that Science is a big narrative to explain little narratives of life. That's a really interesting idea, and it definately makes me think. Also, the idea that you can't use science to prove Science. It's like when dictionary uses the word being defined in the definition. I never thought of it that way.
ReplyDeleteThe quote by Oscar Wilde really compliments your entry well. I think, that's what Bokonon means my Foma too. Because, you can't help but think that a simple, pure truth to give your life direction is a good thing. And, since it can't be the same for everyone, live the by the foma that make you healthy and happy--- the simplest and purest truth in your life. Whether spiritual, mental or physical, everyone has SOME concept that guides their life. ...I don't know where I'm going after that.
Great job though. Really insightful.
(oh... on my blog, I didn't mean to sound like I was totally ok with marginalization. I was pretty tired, my sentences are scrambled. I just think I meant that there will always be some? Hmmm... I don't know what I was trying to think exactly. Just promoting the idea of agreeing to disagree).
Andrea
Andrew! I’m going to expect something good from you. Nice, nice, very nice, I like all those weird and unique questions. It made me think for a while of how it was going to affect me in the long run, but it seem like it didn’t. That statement about nano technology with the robot thing, that’s weird. I concur with what Jaideep said. How is this going to really affect people to think about it. It was a cool idea but it just threw me off. This was one interesting insight about science though. So good job. I think that some of your ideas is just so far from what I consider postmodernism but some good things. Oh wow, the usage of other resources connected well with what you planned to say. Just amazing Andrew! Keep it up, my azn brother.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I am guessing you like science!! Haha just kidding I know you like science! But, your blog was very interesting to read about. Usually the blogs I have read are about the book we are reading in class, and then maybe something outside the book is being compared. I do not think the second part of the blog was much about the book, but I am still confused about what the book is talking about since each chapter is so different and the book jumps around a lot, making it hard to follow what the story is about. However, I did enjoy your input on science and I also liked how you compared science to narratives. I agree with this statement to an extent. I believe science is false in some of its theories and I also believe that science has some truth in it. Overall, your blog was interesting and did not make me bored!! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Andrew! This was really good, and made me think. I hadn't thought about that science could be a narrative too, although now that I've read this it does make sense. And then what you said about science using more science to prove the science; it's just like Dominguez was talking about, like the Cat's Cradle, never ending and just getting more complicated the more you try. I agree that that's kind of lies backing up other lies, although I don't know if lies is the best word. Maybe untruths? Because then like in other narratives, they are based off of other parts of themselves that you have to take as truths for it to all make sense. Umm, I dunno if I just rambled into something that made no sense. If I did, just ignore it. Anyways, I think you did a really good job, I like your ideas. Hoorays! :)
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