A Model For Trusting People as Sources of Information

 

In order to evaluate a person as a source of information with full rationality we must always begin with the question of:

"Did this person give us a reason to think that they are being dishonest?"

If this person has not provided a reason to believe that they are being dishonest then you can continue listening to the person with open ears, otherwise, you can take note of their past dishonesty and continue listening. Dishonesty in the past does not directly lead to the conclusion that the next statement will be dishonest. Likewise, consistent honesty does not directly lead to the conclusion that the next statement will be an honest statement.
Some people may be tricked into believing others based on their appearance alone, but the evaluation of the truth takes time. In order to obtain the most rational perspective, the question that we must ask ourselves when we encounter a new person is "Who are you?"

We may not have the answer to this question or we can learn about this person. If we learn about this person, then we may have this person's record of providing valid information. We cannot, however, accept any information to be the truth until we have given the provided information careful consideration ourselves.

Things to consider when judging a person as a source of valid information: 

 1) How does your perception of the individual change the more that you learn about them?

2)  If the individual makes many consecutive statements that are true, will you believe the next thing that they say?

What do we believe in?
We only believe in things that can be understood with common sense as according to what can possibly exist or be done in the physical realm using our body and the resources that are available to us or by what we observe with our own eyesight.

You can always listen with open ears if you can entertain a thought without accepting it at first.

To evaluate the truth we can ask questions. If you practice this teaching by Socrates, you can obtain the truth.

To practice this, we can always ask the questions "What is this?" and "And what is that?"
When we hear people make statements we can ask them for the meaning of their statements in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the meaning. We must also listen to others with the perception of the knowledge of metaphors and the ability to say things for the effect that they will have on the other person.

We must always ask the question "why?" about everything. For example, if someone makes an action we can ask ourselves the question of "why?" in order to obtain a greater understanding. Asking the question of "why?" enhances our overall understanding.
We need to figure out the answer to "why?" by looking into the minds of others and by contemplating their perspective. We can do so by considering their lives, as in where they are coming from, combined with the knowledge that people can have different ideas about the same things, different interpretations, and can also say things that convey a different meaning.

We must always listen to the emotional sound of the voice of the speaker in order to interpret the feeling of the meaning that they convey.

For example, someone could be sarcastic by saying "I love you" and convey the opposite meaning.

If we put all of the above into practice, we can gain a better understanding of the world based on all of the information that we have been exposed to from news sources combined with information that we receive from other people as our sources.

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DNA Mutations in Microbes Are Not Evidence of Evolution

 

Scientists believe that the ability of a microbe to acquire DNA mutations that are useful for surviving it's external environment is an example of natural selection. Scientists consider this to be the best example of evolution and "evolution that we can see in the lab."

The DNA mutations that allow microbes to adapt to their environment within their own separate entity of species is not evidence of evolution from one species of microbes to another.

The useful traits acquired through DNA mutations, such as the trait of antibiotic resistance, can also be lost and forgotten over time.

Can bacteria lose their antibiotic resistance?
"Yes, antibiotic resistance traits can be lost, but this reverse process occurs more slowly. If the selective pressure that is applied by the presence of an antibiotic is removed, the bacterial population can potentially revert to a population of bacteria that responds to antibiotics."

If what is being considered as evidence of natural selection and evolution does not show a change from one species of microbes to another, and it's acquired trait through what we consider to be natural selection can be lost and forgotten over time, then DNA mutations in microbes are not evidence of evolution.

© 2021 Hazon, Nir

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How Did Scientists Discover the Functions of the Anatomy of the Human Brain?

When inspecting scientific knowledge, one must consider the experiment that was used to obtain the knowledge. In the pool of scientific education we frequently encounter many teachings for which the experiment that was performed in order to obtain that knowledge is not mentioned or discussed. For example, we may learn the teaching of neurology of the functional areas of the human brain without considering the experiment that was used to obtain this knowledge.

What experiment could have been performed in order to obtain this information? This knowledge may have been obtained through unethical surgical practice on living specimens.

The National Library of Medicine states that the modern diagram of the functional areas of the human brain was published in the year 1909 by the German neuroanatomist Korbinian Brodmann. Various sources claim that this information was obtained through studying patients who suffered brain injuries and survived.

Our modern technological advancement of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) which is capable of leading the acquisition of this knowledge was introduced at a much later date in the year 1991.

This diagram that details the functional areas of the human brain was published prior to the advent of modern medicine. This means that the knowledge that was used to develop this diagram was obtained through the cumulative studies of living patients who sustained brain injuries that were caused by accidents or violent attacks. It is also possible that unethical surgical practice took place in order to obtain this knowledge as well. It is documented in medical history that the unethical practice of psychosurgery which involved cutting into living people's brains was performed for decades during the 20th century.

For another example, what experiment did doctors use in order to obtain the knowledge of how long humans can survive without food and water? Many sources claim that this knowledge was acquired by observation of famine and not through experimentation. It is also entirely possible that this information was obtained by experimentation.

The cases of unethical and deadly medical experimentation that are listed include the Nazi Medical Experiments and Japan's Unit 731. It is said that “Unit 731 was able to prove scientifically that the best treatment for frostbite was to immerse it in water a bit warmer than 100 degrees but never more than 122 degrees.”

Much of the knowledge of scientific teachings are professed and learned without discussing the acquisition of the knowledge itself. In order to attain a greater understanding of scientific education we must always ask the question: “What experiment was used to obtain this information?” 

© 2021 Hazon, Nir 

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A Model for the Acceptance of Knowledge in Politics

 

In today's world, most voters get their information from media sources without giving the information they are receiving serious consideration before they accept it as knowledge. I therefore developed this model for the educated mind to apply in the acceptance of knowledge in politics. 

In order to form more educated political opinions, we must seek a perspective that encompasses all the viewpoints. Consider the following teaching from Nir Hazon's Scroll of Wisdom:

8. "Bias is ignorance in the lightest sense. We can alleviate our ignorance by considering a viewpoint that encompasses all possibilities."

The lightest sense of bias is ignorance. If we have a predetermined rejection of an opposing viewpoint, it will only serve to hinder a greater understanding and prevent us from seeing the larger picture. If we want to form more educated opinions, we should approach a topic with objectivity. The more knowledge that we attain, the greater the number of new ideas that we can form. Sometimes, we will be able to find new solutions to a problem if we consider different sides of an argument. Our view of the larger picture should encompass all the possibilities.

After we realize the benefits of leaving our biases behind, we must also remember to never already have our minds made up and refuse to listen to any additional information that might change our minds as all of the information deserves serious consideration. If our goal is to form more educated opinions, we must always consider all of the options.

I would also highly recommend memorizing the following teaching from Nir Hazon's Scroll of Wisdom:

18. "The moment we believe that we are smart, we are giving away our power to continuously analyze with scrutiny."

The moment we believe that we are smart and know something with absolute certainty, we invite possible foolishness. While there are some things that we can know with absolute certainty, many things that are not facts are foolishly believed due to overlooking. We must always invite other perspectives to our consideration, search for questions that could be asked, and continuously analyze knowledge with scrutiny; otherwise, we might become just as dumb as our predecessors.

I must reiterate again that we should never already have our minds made up or think that we know something with absolute certainty and the previous quote explains the reason very clearly. In order to form more educated opinions, we must leave open the ability to listen to new information and to continuously analyze knowledge in politics with great detail.

Accepting Knowledge From Media Sources

When it comes to accepting knowledge in politics, many people just think "What source?" and soak in the information. In order to form more educated political opinions, we must think about the information that is being presented to us:

1. We must consider the intentions of the news sources.
2. We must separate the events that took place from what the news sources want us to think about the events that took place.
3. We must make an effort to seek the truth by reading multiple sources including the sources of the opposing arguments. We must then compare and contrast the information in an evaluation of the truth.
4. We must become aware of the ability of the media to use manipulation techniques in the spread of information, and we can try to recognize manipulation when we can.
5. We must never blindly accept knowledge from our authority, friends, or family members. We must reach our own conclusions based on the evidence presented and we must form our own educated opinions.

I highly encourage Americans to turn off the televisions and start reading the news.

We have politicians running based on gender and race, with no written arguments, and with no biography on themselves. We don't even know who these people are that we vote for.

For a complete theory on what knowledge we can easily accept and what knowledge is questionable and therefore up for consideration, check out the following theory:

"If we measure truth by it's existence, then we will know the truth."

Click the following link to view:

The Measurement of Existence in the Theory of Acceptance of Knowledge 

 

© 2021 Hazon, Nir 

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The Levels of Reading

 

There is illiteracy, which is lacking the ability to read, there is reading and not understanding what you are reading, there is reading and understanding the face value of the material, and there is reading with inference and insight into the mind of the writer.

Having the ability to read and not understanding what you are reading can also be considered to be illiteracy. There are many cases where people may be illiterate. Illiteracy is frequent even among those who consider themselves to be experts of their subject, as can be seen with several examples of knowledge that are professed but are not valid. Some of these examples are noted in the articles of this website.

Another level of reading is reading and understanding the face value of the material. This can be done by plain reading, cramming, or memorizing information.

A deeper inspection into the writing leads us to expand our scope of understanding into looking through the lens of the writer. Reading with insight and inference into the mind of the writer can help us see the writing strategy of the writer as well as to comprehend the author's understanding of the subject at hand. The power of inference can be used to obtain additional information by seeking to understand the author's intentions, goals, persuasion techniques, preferences, etc...

For example: We can infer that the doctor used long-term interview processes to extract the information that is given to us about the patients if we read that the details of the patient's life history were recorded.

 

In school, there is cramming to pass the test, and there is studying the material by giving it serious consideration.

 

© 2021 Hazon, Nir

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The Book of Enoch Was Rediscovered in 1773

The Book of Enoch, which is claimed to have been written by Noah's great-grandfather Enoch from the bible, was written as an attempt to save Enoch and his family from the flood. This, of course, never happened according to biblical scripture. It is for this reason that the Book of Enoch is not considered as part of the canon of inspired scriptures in most major sects of Christianity and in Judaism.

The Book of Enoch was rediscovered by an explorer from England named James Bruce after he searched Ethiopia for the book and found it with the Ethiopian Jews. James Bruce returned to Europe in the year 1773 with three copies of the Book of Enoch and successfully recovered it.

The story of the Book of Enoch is it was written during the flood and didn't result in the sparing of Enoch and his family, then it was rediscovered again by Moses where he saw his prophecy fulfilled on Mount Sinai. Then the book disappeared again for millenniums until European Christian knowledge of the book influenced James Bruce on a search of the world to find it and return with copies of it to Europe in 1773, 3 years before the independence day for the United States of America.

The Book of Enoch states the following prophecy in the beginning:

The Holy Great One will come forth from His dwelling, And the eternal God will tread upon the earth, (even) on Mount Sinai,  [And appear from His camp]  And appear in the strength of His might from the heaven of heavens.

It is said that Moses saw his prophecy fulfilled on Mount Sinai.

It is interesting to consider the implications of the history of the Book of Enoch and how it was rediscovered, disappeared, and rediscovered again. It brings to question the actual truth of the bible as well as the truth of rumors that are spread by word of mouth, as it was successfully rediscovered in 1773.

© 2021 Hazon, Nir

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A Model for Understanding the Psyche

 

In the analysis of the psyche, we must consider all the factors of a person's reality which affects their psyche. If we are to define the conditions of the psyche, then we must appropriately give consideration to the existence of the condition.

How do we measure the existence of a condition of the psyche?

A condition of the psyche could be classified as an emotion, emotional reaction, a mood, or a state of consciousness. A condition of the psyche is present for the duration of the time that the habitual thought pattern arises. Our thinking and resulting behavior mostly exists as habits that we form. Our thought processes tend to arise in patterns. If we are currently experiencing a negative thought pattern, then we can switch into a better habit of thinking. If another habit of thinking is something new to us, then we can form a new habit. The first step to forming a new habit is to make a conscious decision to do so. The more we activate a circuit of thought patterns, the more easily accessible the circuit becomes. This means that the more we activate a better circuit of thought patterns, the easier it will become for us to engage in one. Our ability to change our habitual thought patterns proves that a state of consciousness can be transformed.

 

When we are to analyze the current mental condition of a person, we must accept the truth of the nature of it's impermanence. We might make an observation that a person is sad, but a deeper analysis would lead us to examine the cause of the person's sadness. We may ask ourselves "What is it that is triggering this person's depression?" and recognize it as a habitual thought pattern that is the result of negative sensory stimulus from that person's experience. It is important to be conscious of the fact that a person's current thoughts which lead to their emotions that affect their mood are based on what they are currently paying attention to. A delusional state of consciousness that is persistent is hereditary in only a fraction of the people that experience the symptoms of what is currently being categorized as a mental disorder. 

 

From the first textbook on psychiatry:

"Observations and Inquiries into the Diseases of the Mind" by Benjamin Rush (1812).

 

What does the mind have access to?

Our minds have access to observations made through our five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

Access of the mind to truths of the existence of entities that cannot be observed in the physical realm is considered to be mysticism.

Mysticism - beliefs characterized by self-delusion.

Mysticism can be found everywhere from an individual that believes they're a shaman that can predict the future to the establishment of entire industries, professions, and subjects of study. We should be able to recognize mysticism when we see it and separate it from what we believe can possibly be accessed by the human mind.

Understanding the Unique Experience of Individuals

Each person has their own opinions based on what they like or based on their biases.
For example: John can like going on roller coasters and view roller coasters as a good thing, while Bob can have a completely different idea of roller coasters and view them as a simulation for a car accident.

An opinion is a personal interpretation of an observation that was made using any of our five senses.

Consider the following teaching from my Scroll of Wisdom:

7. "Every person is unique and has a unique understanding of the world and interpretation of it."

Oftentimes, we may try to understand others based on our own experience; however, we cannot understand others unless we understand the uniqueness of every individual's experience. If we wish to understand others better, we can become aware of the fact that each person has had their own life experience which has led to their own understandings about the world. It is also important to note that we are all capable of various interpretations of the same things.

 

Understanding the Psyche by Understanding Intentions

Thoughts lead to intentions lead to speech leads to actions. This is knowledge in eastern psychology.

If we make an effort to evaluate the intentions that lead to a person's speech or actions, then we will gain a better understanding of a psyche. We can become observant of our own intentions that lead to our own speech and actions if we want to practice conscious awareness and mindfulness. The ability to identify the intentions that lead to a person's speech or actions will aid us in the course of developing a better understanding of the psyche.

For example: Brittany might eat a candy bar. Her intentions are to enjoy it. Based on her decision of eating the candy bar, we can infer her intentions. If Brittany's intentions were for personal health, then she would have not eaten the candy bar.

The consideration of the intentions of an individual can help us understand their values and preferences better; however, we must always consider the possible changes in behavior people may experience around different people, in different places, and at different times.

 

The Existence of Mental Illnesses

The idea for the current model for all psychiatric diagnoses is borrowed from astrology and attempts to fit people into categories of behavior. The model for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from 1952 has not been updated since. What is currently being identified as mental disorders cannot be observed by any of the scientific instruments that we currently have.

You can view my proposal for a new model for all psychiatric diagnoses below.

Click the following link to view:

A Suggestion for a New Model for All Psychiatric Diagnoses

 

The natural ability to heal ourselves: 

The innate ability of the mind to heal itself is proven in science with the placebo effect.

Methods for Self-Healing 

• Distressful thoughts and feelings can be remedied by shifting our attention towards other things that may bring us joyfulness such as feeling rewarded for achieving a goal, or by the removal of the root causes to our mental suffering.
• There are other possible methods of achieving mental healing that require more consistent mental efforts and practice such as the practice of making beneficial changes to our personal behavior by first making a conscious decision to start paying attention and begin to observe our own thoughts, intentions, speech, and actions, in that specific order. With the awareness gained through our observations of ourselves, we become more mindful and can consciously adjust our thoughts, intentions, speech, and actions to our liking.

Click the following link to view: 

The Placebo Effect is Evidence of the Innate Healing Abilities of the Mind

© 2021 Hazon, Nir  

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