What does it mean to say that theories affect observations? What can be concluded from this claim?

Answer 1

if i had a theory that on Tuesday night,, the questions in philosophy would be very intelligent and creative,,,,, then i would observe them looking for intelligence and creativity,,,,,,,it probably would take blatant lack of both for me to question my theory

Answer 2

it's preprogramming yourself. it might be as simple as 'think positive' as a theory, and eventually you'll soon take the optimist's point of view. or as simple as, 'i don't like how i look', and then you skew yourself to thinking that you're ugly and can't see yourself differently.

what can be concluded?
1 just because there's a theory, in no way, shape or form should it be the only approach to living.

2 human observations, our perspectives, are constantly bombarded by preconceived notions, and worse, NORMS. what is viewed as 'normal' does not necessarily make it universal or near universalm. or vice-versa for that matter.

3 it can also be concluded that a theory, any theory, prejudices us to look for things that the theory itself proposes or imposes.

4 but most importantly, i think, you can conclude that a theory is simply one method. as much as a theory is designed to provide a way to see and question the world, the theory itself must be seen for what it is and questioned accordingly.

Answer 3

In subjective reality a theory on what is being theorized as the truth can make perfect sense, whether or not it is true. If someone perceived something to be the truth and truly believed it then they would see evidence that it is the truth regardless of it actually being objective or anything outside of the mind.
For instance, I have had spiritual enlightenment and often I can see great beauty in the world that I relate to spirituality, this gives evidence to the existence of God. Now I believe this without a shadow of a doubt but in objective reality this beauty could be nothing but a stale nature which is given beauty by my subjective beliefs.

For instance, this theory itself could be seen and believed as being true, and whether or not it actually is, anyone who sees it as the truth will either begin to see evidence or will recollect that they already knew this, and will observe this as being true in their reality.

Answer 4

In common people terms, it means that everybody is looking at the world through their own shade of coloured glasses. And the conclusion is, in common terms, don't believe that everything you see plainly is as obvious to anyone else - no matter how perceptive, intelligent or supposedly "unbiased" they may seem.

Answer 5

If I told you that the moon was made of swiss cheese and the first time you saw it through binoculars you would think maybe I was right. Since Swiss chees and the moon both look familiar.

Answer 6

Well basically it means we all view the world in our own way, and all perceptions are correct to the individuals themseleves.

Answer 7

Pre-conceived ideas can blind us to information which differs from our pre-conception. The conclusion is that we tend to see what we know, not know what we see.

Hey Ho,

Maggie

Answer 8

It means you often find what you are looking for, and conversely it's you often miss what you don't expect to see.