Analyzing My Own Assumptions

In this post, I will analyze my own personal values and beliefs about the topic of this article. By answering four questions about my assumptions, I will get a more clear idea of how these assumptions shape my perception of this article.

AllyUnion, "Science-symbol." 11/28/04 via Wikimedia Commons. Attribution License.

1. What cultural or social values, beliefs, etc. do you share with the society or culture in which the text was written? Why have they endured?

Since this text was written in the society and culture that I am accustomed to, I share most of the values and beliefs that the text expresses. The cultural belief in scientific progress and the betterment of society is something that has endured in our society for years, and this might be because we as a society have consistently sought to better the world through science. Most people I have talked to express a similar belief in the value of scientific progress, and this belief has become something that I also value.

2. What cultural or social values, beliefs, etc. do you not share? Why not?

I agree with most of what the author puts forth in this text, so I find myself sharing most of the values and beliefs offered in the text. One thing I might not believe in, and that the text does not explicitly address, is the cost of such scientific advancement. There are definitely some ethical implications of these values, and while the author does not explicitly address them, I do not think I would share his opinion regarding this.

3. If the text is written in a culture distant or different from your own, what social values, beliefs, etc., connect to or reflect your own culture? What social values, beliefs, etc., can you not see in your own culture? 

This text is written in the U.S. within a very scientific culture, so it is very similar to the culture that I am accustomed to. Thus, the values and beliefs that are expressed in the text reflect those of my own culture.

4. If the text is written in your culture but in a different historical time, how have the social values, beliefs, etc., developed or changed over time? 

This text was written only a year ago, so the values and beliefs have not really changed over the small period of time that has elapsed. However, the text does allude to a historical trend that has led to a greater acceptance of technologies such as 3-D printing, so the values and beliefs of the culture have definitely evolved to include this belief in scientific advancement and progress.

Reflection

After reading Victoria's and Chelsea's blog posts, I got more of an idea of where my classmates are with regards to their assumptions.

Victoria's topic is very similar to my own, in that we are both interested in advancements in medicine. She did a great job identifying how her own background has shaped her assumptions, and that is something that I'll definitely need to keep in mind when I have to address my own assumptions.

Chelsea did a great job pinpointing exactly what beliefs she did and did not share with her text. I think it will be important for me to learn from this approach, since I do tend to agree with the values expressed in my own text. In addition, I found it interesting to read about how her text's cultural values have changed over time. Even though my text was written recently, I think it will be important for me to remember, that the culture's values have been evolving over time.