In class on Wednesday, we discussed Fricker's view of credibility and discrimination. The discussion was mainly based on how we, as human beings, tend to either write things/people off or accept them too quickly, based on our initial impression. An example would be if a Tennessee fan was to talk to a Florida fan about football, they would most likely write off what the other had to say before the conversation even began. This is a type of discrimination because someone is losing their credibility based on a preference. This form of discrimination can be seen in so many different instances, including race, age, gender, and so on.
If we could be more willing to listen to those we don't necessarily know or trust, we may find that they probably have valuable input. As we talked about in class, a doctor of 30 years may know more than a med student in the long run, but that doesn't mean to write off the med student as useless...it could save your life.
The basis of this topic was credibility, and how your own prejudices can affect who you find credible. Fricker gave examples such as a woman in the same job position as a man, may not be found as credible to her male colleagues. I think this type of credibility write off is something we will see a lot of due to the upcoming political election. It seems all political propaganda is aimed at using people's preferences, in terms of parties, viewpoints, etc., to discount the other side's credibility. Although Fricker didn't necessarily relate her topic to this issue, I feel like it something we can definitely relate her point of view to.
ReplyDeleteOne question that came in mind for me is do you think that this idea of people making judgements based on what they see is the same in other foreign countries? Particularly less fortunate countries or tribes.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was very interesting for Fricker bringing up the subject of discrimination. Is this a relative factor in establishing credibility? I think it is very relative and prevalent in today's society. It's an issue in everyday life situations from that kid starting on the football team, to the guy who committed the murder. I think it comes to the point of being observant and being stereotypical and everything in between.
ReplyDeleteFactual question.
What is a key commitment of value-driven epistemology?
that we focus on what sorts of virtues enquirers need to have in order to be good knowers and effective enquirers.
Discrimination is a major problem in today's society. But it does not appear to be anything new. Discrimination has been going on since the beginning of human history. Whether it's race, religion, gender, social status, or sexual orientation. Some people will use just about any excuse they can come up with to diminish the value of another human being. I think everybody, whether they would like to believe it or not has some prejudices that are usually handed down to them through their peers or culture. And it is important for people to own up to their prejudiced beliefs and learn to view people as individuals with worth and dignity in order that they can make changes to better society and the lives of those around them.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the Discrimination topic presented by Fricker and her interesting point of view. To make a long point short, I think the world would be a smoother environment if discrimination wasn't in the equation, but until we as people decide to turn the pages and get to know the book we are judging, we will all be stuck on the cover on that book.
ReplyDelete