Week 4

1. To an extent, of course language has an effect on reality. If I shout "bomb" people will run out of a building. However, reality, the referent, exists outside of language. Language cannot change essential reality. The greatest affect language can have is influencing our perception of reality, or poisoning the well. Even this phenomena has been greatly exaggerated in recent scholarship and has lead to language becoming just another battleground of different philosophies, rather than the tool for arguing the philosophies themselves. Indeed, when this concept is expanded to far it easily strengthens the influence of language instead of lessening.

2. Well, obviously the website promotes 6 different, conflicting views, and since I'm not a psych major I'm not sure how comprehensive it is. However, it does seem to present these views accurately. After examination the Naive Cognitive view is obviously the most correct.

3. The Article essentially forces a "what came first the chicken or the egg" scenario. Additionally, it tries to infer a claim that its data does not support. By attempting to say that "emotional" reactions are the result of already existing physical conditions is defied by the need for a cognitively processed external stimuli. In fact the physical and mental signs of emotion are both derived from this cognitive decision.

Perception

Week 3 - Perception

This website does have a unique input on the material of the chapter. The website demonstrates how our perception can be inaccurate. Additionally, it shows how truth and reality exists outside of ourselves and can many times be quite different than our perception.

Due to this discrepancy between reality and perception, it is important to realize in communication that often two people will not share the same perception. Additionally, even in this situation it is quite possible neither perception is accurate.

Self-Concept

Week 2 Self-Concept

Justice
Respect
Logic
truth
history
fantasy
intelligence
technology
compassion
aesthetics

What types of descriptors seem most fundamental to your self concept?

Descriptors of items essential to humanity seem to be the most important to me. Descriptors that involve my own personality or interests are most subject to change.

Do you think others would describe you as you have yourself?

This is really a difficult question. I believe some of the descriptors I hold closest to, are far more subtle. Additionally, the less important descriptors seem to show up more in everyday pursuits. Thus, the least important might be more obvious to an outside observer.