2006-10-08 21:56:51 · 6 answers · asked by Tricky Dicky 2 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
Please understand, that "Pure Reason" doesn't exist. As the Nobel Laureate, Herbert Simon pointed out, we human operate in a universe of "Bounded Rationality."
One of the Binding factors is social and group norms. If, for example, you are raised in a gang culture, and someone insults you, the "rational" response might be to kill. Please understand, within the boundaries of that culture (assuming that is all you know) you are behaving rationally, and anyone in your group would agree.
Pure reason is essentially mathematical logic. It measures costs and benefits (rights and wrongs) in abstract ways. The problem is, we don't live abstract lives. Thus, we filter costs and benefits through the cognitive filter of our cultural experience, and decide everything in a group context.
So the answer is, yes; group norms, values, prejudices play an overwhelming importance in our decisions. Reason does not overcome this, but is made to conform and serve the achievment of subjective group influenced goals.
2006-10-08 22:06:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there is something that is called individual and something called group reasoning. Sometime individual is not sure if its act is the best way, and calls for group reasoning "what would most of us do in the same situation". Its simple math, nothing to do with best way.
And about prejudice, its more exception than example. The best thing one can do is to constantly overcome itself - this is like a tendency, and life is one big iterative process.
But remember, something that is logically is not always the best and opposed to group prejudice. Truth is very often illogicall cause its complex.
2006-10-08 22:14:30 · answer #2 · answered by Mudri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personal and group prejudice creates fear in a person or persons based on our or others experiences in the past. Fear is what fuels todays society. Fear will always rule our attitudes and desires. If the past experience doesn't involve fear then we will change our reasoning and our actions.
2006-10-09 03:39:07 · answer #3 · answered by TMAC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of us are prejudiced whether we realise it or not. Logical reasoning can help but it takes a saint to truly overcome his or her background influences.
2006-10-08 22:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by andy c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both.........it really depends a great deal on other factors and the person. In general as a whole....yes would be the perferred answer
2006-10-09 03:34:31 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, mob thinking has caused many nice people to be animals
2006-10-08 22:10:53 · answer #6 · answered by john doe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋