2006-07-30 09:35:33 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I think there is a good deal of understanding that can be gleaned vicariously. I think it may hinge upon an individual's ability to empathize and to question themselves. So, I would say no, it is not necessary to experience something in order to understand it, but to understand it fully, it is necessary.
2006-07-30 09:43:14 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes experiencing something can actually make it more difficult to understand it. For example, mind-altering drugs affect your perceptions and hinder your ability to understand what they are doing to your brain. Another example is a heart attack-- you may have several heart attacks and never understand what they are. Just think about the ancients, who probably thought heart attacks were punishment from the gods. I think, far from being necessary to understand it, first hand experience often clouds our judgment. A thing can only be truly understood from an objective point of view.
2006-07-30 09:51:24 · answer #2 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a really good question, I like how you left it open-ended and didn't pick a topic.
I don't think you HAVE to experience it. You can always do research and ask questions about something.
If you are talking about experiencing a rush or feeling though... then you may have to experience it. For example, the rush you get when you jump when bungee jumping. I bet there isn't a way to understand that. I haven't been, but I'm sure saying, "It's just like the feeling you get when you _______." isn't truly understanding it.
2006-07-30 09:40:42 · answer #3 · answered by dancinginplace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is. I know the rules to football but I know I don't understand how it feels to play. That would be a part of understanding it, wouldn't it? Also, I went to college to be a teacher. I took all the necessary classes, but I never really understood all of the in's and out's until I had my classroom.
2006-07-30 09:40:20 · answer #4 · answered by jen12121980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to understand it, but it can be necessary to experience something to know how someone else who has been through that feels.
2006-07-30 09:39:14 · answer #5 · answered by sheristeele 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion i would most definetly say yes, but it also varies depending on what it is exactly ur talking about. you can't know what stress is unless you experienced it so i would more lean to experiencing somenthing in order to understand it.
where you thinking of something more specific, if so hit me back up and let me kno, ill be interesting to find out.
2006-07-30 09:42:50 · answer #6 · answered by ChanteC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sure helps but not absolutely necessary.
2006-07-30 09:42:17 · answer #7 · answered by I wonder too ! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes to understand a assgasm you need to experience it
2006-07-30 11:16:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. I have learned from other people's mistakes many times. That's why I scared boys away in high school!
2006-07-30 09:39:05 · answer #9 · answered by Kats 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To understand it 100%, probably yes. To understand it all you need to, not necessarily.
2006-07-30 09:38:40 · answer #10 · answered by Rjmail 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋