Reading 1.pdf

Reading 1 (About theory) A good book, in theory (Sears, Alan and James Cairns) Theory's Reputation: Theory is often seen as impractical, difficult to understand, and disconnected from reality. The phrase "in theory" is used to describe ideas that are idealized and don't align with real-world experie...

Reading 1 (About theory) A good book, in theory (Sears, Alan and James Cairns) Theory's Reputation: Theory is often seen as impractical, difficult to understand, and disconnected from reality. The phrase "in theory" is used to describe ideas that are idealized and don't align with real-world experiences. Illustration from "The Bald Soprano": A scene from Eugène Ionesco's play is used to illustrate the gap between theoretical assumptions and reality. Two couples experience a ringing doorbell with no one at the door, leading to a discussion on the expectations vs. the actual outcome. Common Misconceptions about Theory: The dialogue in the play highlights a common belief that trusting one's senses and immediate experiences is more reliable than theoretical assumptions, which are seen as idealized and not reflective of reality. Purpose of the Book: The authors aim to challenge the negative perception of theory, arguing that theoretical thinking is crucial in everyday life and not just an academic exercise. The Role of Theory in Action: The book suggests that theory guides actions and decisions by helping to understand and plan based on generalizations from past experiences. Practical Application of Theory in the Play: Both characters in "The Bald Soprano" engage in theoretical thinking based on their experiences, creating general rules about the doorbell ringing, which then guides their actions. The Flaw of Narrow Generalizations: The example shows how people often create universal rules from limited experiences, which may not always align with broader realities. This process of refining generalizations is a common way of adapting theoretical understanding to fit real-world experiences. Disconnection in Academic Study of Theory: The text criticizes the academic approach to studying theory, which often focuses on complex theories without connecting them to practical, everyday experiences. Reading 1 (About theory) 1 Value of Theory: The authors advocate for the usefulness of theory in understanding the world and influencing it, emphasizing that theory provides insights that help navigate life effectively. Challenge in Teaching Theory: Despite the authors' belief in the importance of theory, there is an acknowledgment of the difficulty in conveying its practical relevance to students, who may see formal theories as detached from their everyday lives. Objective of the Book: To demonstrate the usefulness of theory in illuminating everyday experiences and to encourage readers to use theoretical thinking for examining their environment and assumptions in new ways. Integration of Theory and Facts: The book aims to show how theory plays a role in the cycle of inquiry, integrating the collection of facts and theorizing to enhance understanding of the world. Content Overview: Chapter 1: Introduction to the utility of theory in understanding daily life. Chapter 2: Discussion on formal theoretical models used in academic research. Chapter 3: Exploration of these models within a broader cycle of inquiry and positioning academic research as a form of rigorous inquiry. Chapter 4: Examination of the classroom environment and its social relations to start questioning one's immediate surroundings. Chapter 5: Analysis of the perceived "real world" outside academia, challenging assumptions about the academic and external worlds. Chapter 6: Consideration of contemporary societal views on nature. Chapter 7: Investigation of how theoretical work can illuminate the understanding of time use in everyday life. Approach and Topics: The book takes a journey from the immediate environment of the reader (the classroom) to broader societal generalizations, using theoretical questions to guide this exploration. Questions Raised: It questions the organization of classrooms, assumptions about the "real" world outside academia, the naturalness of Reading 1 (About theory) 2 these perceptions, and whether experiences like the passage of time are universally human or socially constructed. Dialogue Between Theories: Establishes a conversation between everyday theoretical thinking and formal academic theories, aiming to bridge the gap between personal insights and scholarly research. Value of Formal Theories: While acknowledging the accessibility challenges of formal theories, the book argues for their importance and aims to show how everyday theorizing can be deepened through engagement with established theoretical frameworks. Things fall down, in theory Understanding of Gravity Pre-Newton: People were aware that objects fall towards the ground before Isaac Newton formulated the law of gravity. The anecdote about an apple falling on Newton's head symbolizes his realization and formulation of gravity's principles, not the discovery of the falling phenomenon itself. Newton's Contribution: Isaac Newton's significant achievement was not in noticing that objects fall, but in developing a comprehensive theory that explained the reasons and mechanisms behind this phenomenon, enhancing our ability to interact with and manipulate the physical world (e.g., in engineering and space exploration). Role of Theory in Scientific Advancement: The progress in science is not solely due to improved observation tools like telescopes and microscopes, but critically depends on theoretical frameworks that interpret observed phenomena, leading to groundbreaking understandings of the universe and humanity's role within it. Darwin and Evolution: Charles Darwin is known for formalizing the theory of evolution, particularly through natural selection, rather than for discovering evolution itself. His work built on previous ideas and focused on how random genetic variations that offer survival advantages are likely to be passed down through generations. Lamarck's Evolutionary Theory: Before Darwin, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed a different evolutionary theory, suggesting that traits acquired during an individual's life could be inherited by offspring—a concept that contrasts with Darwin's theory of natural selection. Reading 1 (About theory) 3 Theoretical Debates in Evolution: Darwin's and Lamarck's theories represent divergent understandings of evolution, leading to extensive debates within the scientific community. These discussions highlight the importance of theoretical frameworks in shaping scientific knowledge and guiding research. In my opinion, Mr. Darwin, your theory sucks Theory vs. Opinion vs. Fact: Understanding the differences among theory, opinion, and fact is crucial in theoretical thinking. The text emphasizes that while dictionary definitions are useful, the complexity increases in social theory where terms may have specific meanings. Theory: A system of ideas intended to explain something based on general principles, offering explanations that go beyond mere descriptions of phenomena. Opinion: A personal view or judgment not necessarily based on fact or knowledge, reflecting personal tastes, feelings, and worldview. Fact: Something indisputably the case, based on empirical data and observable through the senses, though interpretation of facts can still lead to disputes. Complexity in Discussion: In everyday discussions and academic debates, facts, opinions, and theories often intermingle, making it challenging to distinguish between them. This complexity underlines the importance of careful and precise use of language in theoretical thinking. Political Dimensions of Theory: The text highlights that theoretical work often carries political implications, influencing how we perceive the world and societal structures. The historical context of Darwin's and Lamarck's evolutionary theories illustrates how scientific debates can reflect broader political ideologies and concerns. Darwin vs. Lamarck: The debate between Darwinian and Lamarckian evolutionary theories not only represented a scientific disagreement but also had significant political and philosophical implications. Darwin's theory focused on inherited characteristics and natural selection, while Lamarck's theory suggested that acquired characteristics could be passed on to offspring. Reading 1 (About theory) 4 Theoretical Debate in Academia: In academic settings, debates are expected to be rigorous, with arguments that are internally consistent, coherent, and externally fitting with observable facts. This process is essential for advancing knowledge and understanding in various disciplines. Application of Theories to Cultural vs. Biological Evolution: The text discusses how different theories may better explain different types of evolution—Lamarck's theory fitting cultural changes within societies, and Darwin's theory fitting biological evolution. This distinction underscores the importance of selecting appropriate theoretical frameworks for different phenomena. Importance of Analytical Skills: Developing the ability to unpack arguments, distinguish between facts, opinions, and theories, and understand the methodology behind information collection and interpretation is vital for persuasive communication and critical thinking. The text likens theoretical training to physical training, emphasizing its role in strengthening analytical abilities for various applications beyond academic debates. Find your voice, In Theory Educational Goal and Expression: The primary aim of education is to enable students to express themselves and their learning. The University of Windsor's Women’s Studies Program encapsulates this with the slogan “Find Your Voice.” Challenges in Classroom Expression: Many students struggle to find their voice in educational settings, feeling disconnected from the subject matter and intimidated by the evaluative atmosphere of the classroom, which can physically impede their ability to speak. Personal Experience with Voice Loss: Keath Fraser’s experience with spasmodic dysphonia, a condition affecting his ability to speak, highlights the complex interconnection between the mental and physical aspects of voice, influenced by settings and perceived authority. Voice and Power Dynamics: The difficulty of finding one's voice is exacerbated in situations of unequal power dynamics, such as classrooms, where discussions rarely incorporate students' personal life experiences. Reading 1 (About theory) 5 Impact of Diverse Backgrounds: Students who feel like outsiders, particularly those from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds, often experience a heightened sense of exclusion within academic environments, as their perspectives and experiences are overlooked or marginalized. Historical and Social Contexts: The book references Dionne Brand’s concept of the “Door of No Return” to illustrate how historical experiences of displacement and slavery haunt contemporary black identities, yet these profound historical impacts are seldom integrated into classroom discussions. Inclusivity in Education: The classroom often inadvertently creates insiders and outsiders, with the experiences of women, working-class individuals, and LGBTQ+ communities rarely being central to academic discourse. Learning Theory and Personal Voice: The authors advocate for a learning process that integrates personal opinions and experiences with analytical thinking, aiming to connect individual perspectives with broader theoretical frameworks. This approach seeks to empower students to engage with formal theories through the lens of their unique experiences and insights. Theory and common sense Philosophical Nature of Everyone: Antonio Gramsci posits that all individuals engage in philosophical thought in their unique, often unconscious ways, shaping their actions and expectations based on assumptions about the world. Concept of Common Sense: Gramsci differentiates between everyday "common sense" philosophizing and conscious theoretical thinking, noting that common sense is an eclectic mix of personal experiences, wisdom from close contacts, and information from societal institutions, without necessarily seeking coherence or consistency. Gramsci's Marxist Perspective: As a Marxist activist, Gramsci viewed theory as essential for emancipation and challenging the status quo. He criticized common sense for often reinforcing the acceptance of the existing social order as the only possible reality. The Need for Theoretical Work: Gramsci advocated for the importance of breaking away from undigested common sense to envision and work Reading 1 (About theory) 6 towards alternative societal structures, emphasizing the need for serious theoretical engagement. Democratizing Theoretical Thinking: He argued for making theoretical thinking accessible to all, encouraging critical reflection on common-sense assumptions and active participation in shaping history. Purpose of the Book: The text aims to inspire readers to employ theoretical thinking as a tool for navigating personal, economic, and political challenges, promoting clear thinking as a valuable skill for effective action in the world. Making the familiar strange Diverse Starting Points: Individuals begin their search for causes and explanations from different perspectives, influenced by their positions in society (e.g., a banker versus a student in debt, a warden versus an inmate). Feminist Standpoint Theory: Nancy Hartsock emphasized the unique insights women can offer on gender inequality, noting that experiences, such as walking through a campus at night, vary significantly between genders due to perceived threats. Perspective and Perception: One's position in the world—not only physically but also socially and economically—can make certain aspects of society more visible while obscuring others. Case Study of the Washington Redskins: A poll showed a majority of Americans did not support changing the football team's name, contrasting sharply with the view of many Native American groups who see the name as racist and degrading. Cultural Sensitivity and Perspective: Notah Begay highlighted the discomfort and difficulty in explaining to Native American children the mockery of their culture at a Redskins game, underscoring the disparity in perception based on cultural background. Standpoint Variability: People with the same social or cultural background may have differing opinions, and individuals from dominant cultures can, through effort and openness, begin to understand the perspectives of marginalized groups. Reading 1 (About theory) 7 Power of Standpoint: Recognizing that viewpoints are shaped by one's social and cultural standpoint is crucial, but understanding across different standpoints requires genuine effort, critical self-reflection, and acknowledgment of unequal power dynamics. Decolonizing knowledge Historical Context of Colonialism: It discusses the attempts by colonizing powers to suppress Indigenous ways of knowing through various means, including legislation like Canada's Indian Act, and policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples. Colonial Impact on Indigenous Knowledge: The text highlights the severe measures, such as banning Indigenous languages and ceremonies, and forced assimilation in schools, which aimed to disrupt the transmission of culture and knowledge across generations. Indigenous Writers' Perspectives: Indigenous scholars like Vanessa Watts and George Dei provide insights into the Indigenous epistemologies, emphasizing the inseparability of land and spirituality from knowledge. Diversity within Indigenous Knowledge: It is noted that there is no monolithic "Indigenous Knowledge" opposed to "Western Knowledge," acknowledging the diversity of experiences and knowledge traditions across different Indigenous cultures. Interaction of Knowledge Systems: The text mentions Ato Sekyi-Out's perspective on the complex interchange between colonizer and colonized knowledge, suggesting an intertwined history rather than isolated categories. Influence of Western Thinkers on Indigenous Scholars: Indigenous activists and scholars have been informed by Western thinkers, as illustrated by Frantz Fanon's engagement with Marx and Freud, while still advocating for Indigenous rights and perspectives. Methodological Differences: The book points out the differing methodologies of social sciences and Indigenous ways of knowing, particularly regarding the treatment of facts versus stories and the role of place in knowledge. Debates and Decolonization: Indigenous perspectives challenge Western social sciences and raise questions about decolonization processes. The Reading 1 (About theory) 8 book aims to explore these tensions and encourage readers to critically assess the potential of theoretical thinking in social sciences as either a liberating force or a perpetuation of colonization. Self-Reflection for Readers: Ultimately, the book encourages readers to reflect on these discussions and decide for themselves the relationship between various perspectives and the potential for theoretical thinking to contribute to a just and decolonized world. Indigenous Knowledge: Seeks harmony in the relationship between people, plants, animals, and the spirit world. Values traditional knowledge passed down through storytelling, ceremonies, and written documents. Integrates spirituality as a key component of understanding and interacting with the world. Does not sharply differentiate between human life, the natural environment, and the spirit world. Informs daily actions of community members and is applied continuously. Has resisted Western colonialism, although it has also experienced internal conflicts among different Indigenous groups. Social Science: Aims to create trustworthy and generalizable knowledge about human conditions through rigorous observation and formal theory. Stresses the importance of written research and expert scrutiny. Treats spirituality as a personal belief, separate from the research process. Maintains clear categorical distinctions between nature, culture, and spirituality. Conducted by specialists, often for purposes such as publishing results, informing public policy, or achieving business success. Has contributed to the colonization of Indigenous peoples (this role has been criticized). Thinking theoretically in order to solve problems Reading 1 (About theory) 9 Theory vs. Action: Some view theory as a distraction from practical action, especially when facing urgent global issues like climate change, poverty, war, and discrimination. Interdependence of Theory and Action: Theory and action are interconnected; theory guides action, and action informs theory, even in seemingly straightforward situations. Practical Example: The scenario of finding someone unresponsive in a shoe store illustrates how even immediate actions are based on underlying theoretical knowledge, such as first-aid training. Climate Change Example: Addressing climate change requires understanding whether small-scale individual actions are sufficient or if systemic economic transformation is necessary. The Danger of Unguided Action: Acting without theoretical guidance can be ineffective or even detrimental, stressing the importance of theory in defining problems and strategizing solutions. Theoretical Thinking in Personal and Global Problems: The book posits that both personal and global problems benefit from systematic, theorygrounded approaches. Case Study of Millennial Stereotypes: The example of writing an essay about millennial behaviors demonstrates how theoretical thinking can challenge and refine generalizations based on personal experiences. Critical Evaluation of Facts: Theoretical thinking involves critically assessing what is considered a fact and exploring alternative evidence. Questioning Definitions: It calls for reflection on the definitions of terms, such as "lazy," and how they influence our understanding of social phenomena. Seeking Explanations: Theoretical thinking pushes for explanations of observed behaviors, questioning underlying reasons rather than accepting surface appearances. Next Steps: The discussion will move from general theoretical thinking to specific traditions of formal theoretical thinking within academic research. Reading 1 (About theory) 10 Reading 1 (About theory) 11