“The initial question” was a very detailed and interesting writing sample that stimulated me to immediately question my own reasons of belief. The article’s style did manage to make me slightly nervous about the quality of research done. One example is how, much of the material for this article consisted of questions asked and answered by Lewis H. This article was although very eye opening and insightful. I think it is important to study the reasons why we do things in detail. But when it all comes down to life applicable behaviors Lewis asks, “If we establish a framework for sorting through values, and keep it as objective as possible, will it help us in our lives?” After all the research I agree that this is what matters. Maybe understanding and manipulating personal values will change who we are? Or could this act of understanding happen to make one a better person for themselves. In this article Lewis explained that many people were unsure how to respond to the informational overload of the value systems. When I cant give a fully unbiased reason to why I believe something it makes me uncomfortable. Not being able to control something so seemingly easy is bewildering. I also agree with Lewis when he says that personal values are as essential as food and air. I also feel that “without a clear set of personal values it is hard to live a satisfying life.” To me this talks about all the reasons we work, learn, exercise, and have fun. although they are not as explained as possible the fact that they are there is acknowledgeable. For example without an inner drive caused by emotion to do homework, there would be no reason or urge to do it. This article brings up so many good points about inner belief systems but once again makes me feel so small in respect to the unknown parts of existence.
I like that in your post you question what establishing a “framework for sorting through values” will do for people, after validating that it is overall important. I agree with you in that by doing this we have the potential to better understand different values that we may not necessarily possess or completely agree with. By understanding certain values, or how people come to believe certain things, we can identify with others and look at various ideals more objectively. To me a framework would be incredibly enlightening, and I also believe that understanding personal values would “change who we are” and make people better versions of themselves. Ultimately, people have a better chance of being able to put themselves in another person’s shoes if they have the ability to grasp others’ values without the prejudice of their own biases; being able to do this more readily would make us more compassionate and perceptive individuals. I also agree with your point that our values and beliefs provide us with an inner drive to live our lives. Values provide us with immense motivation to do things in life because they provide meaning and significance to different aspects of our lives.
Thank you for the post Alexa. I think I contradicted myself because I felt I had to consider the possible negative side effects that could arouse from sorting through values. I think it is safe to say that finding and acknowledging certain values and reasons for beliefs would be beneficial for both of us in our own lives. I like your view that, “people have a better chance of being able to put themselves in another person’s shoes if they have the ability to grasp others’ values without the prejudice of their own biases.” This would actually solve a ton of conflicts that occur between people. When I questioned the framework of sorting through values, I considered the people who might personally hold greed, or anger as their motives for behaviors. Not having done any research or studies myself I saw a potential problem with someone reflecting on this. I now see that I should have explained this a little further and not made it as big of a point in my reflection of “The Initial Question.” Thank you for pointing this out. If you feel this is applicable, I would suggest looking at more possible scenarios when reflecting. Maybe changing who we are could be for the worse or make a worse version of ourselves. But in a perfect world I would also hope that everyone would see benefits from understanding their values and reasons for belief.