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Writing Program
English Dept

Is All Knowledge Equal?

Today, your focus will be on the attributes different pieces of knowledge might possess.

Suppose you know two things quite well:

• How to find your way home, and
• How to find your way to Schnectady

Are those two pieces of knowledge of equal value? That is to ask, do they have the same value(s) or attributes? If not, then why are they different, and how are they different?

Suppose you know two things that seem to be in conflict:

• Some very smart people who are now dead thought the earth was flat, and
• Some very smart people who are now dead thought the earth was spherical

Are those two pieces of knowledge of equal value? That is to ask, do they have the same value(s) or attributes? If not, then why are they different, and how are they different?
Are these two things you know in conflict?

Suppose you know three things that don't add up:

• One friend says, "Honest, I'd never do anything to hurt you,"
• Another friend says, "Honest, I'd never do anything to hurt you," and one of your two friends is lying

Are those three pieces of knowledge of equal value? That is to ask, do they have the same value(s) or attributes? If not, then why are they different, and how are they
different?

Journal Activity---Part One of One

Form a group with at least two other people
Discuss the questions in "Things to Ponder"

Things to Ponder

• Are all "pieces" of knowledge of equal value?
• Can a piece of knowledge be true? Give an example
• Can a piece of knowledge be false? Give an example.
• Can a piece of knowledge be good? Give an example.
• Can a piece of knowledge be evil? Give an example.
• Can a piece of knowledge be pragmatic? Give an example.
• Can a piece of knowledge not be pragmatic? Give an example.
• Who can (i.e., has an ability to) decide if a piece of knowledge is true or false?

• How do those who can (ability) decide decide?
  Who may (i.e., has permission to ) decide if a piece of knowledge is true or false?
• How do those who may (permission) decide decide?

• Who can (ability) decide if a piece of knowledge is good or evil?
• Who may (permission) decide if a piece of knowledge is good or evil?
  Who can (ability) decide if a piece of knowledge is pragmatic or not pragmatic?
• Who may (permission) decide if a piece of knowledge is pragmatic or not pragmatic?
  
• Does whether or not a piece of knowledge is true affect how it behaves? Please explain
• Does whether or not a piece of knowledge is good affect how it behaves? Please explain
• Does whether or not a piece of knowledge is pragmatic affect how it behaves? Please explain
• How might/does whether one can (ability) decide or one may (permission) decided whether or not a piece of knowledge is true, good, or pragmatic affect how that knowledge behaves?
  

Are there differences between those who can (ability) decide and those who may (permission) decide? If "yes," then please list some of the differences.

Journal Assignment:
Explore your experience with today's journal activity and group activity. Use the questions in "Things to Ponder" (above) as a springboard.

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