The Implications of Elective Modernism - Week 2: Blog 1

Expertise, as Collins claims, is a much softer standard utilized for judgment. Instead of embracing a standard to find and publicize absolute truth – used to justify skepticism – the standard of expertise provides a different sort of fundamental framework through which elective modernism can function in its essential nature and thus deter divisions among the knowledgeable and general populous. Living in an elective modernist, scientific yet socially scientific world - where sociologists and natural scientists work together - would be ideal for society as we would employ a standard of expertise and standard of possible fallibility.

The implications of such a society are disastrous. As one who is particularly interested in human behavior, I have found a very common thread in human behavior and need (sociologists would claim this as well) -- a desire for solid truth; for things to be as they are and without doubt. These are mostly phenomena that are able to be seen by the human eye, however another common thread of humanity is that we know that just because we don't see something does not indicate the lack of existence. Rather, the unseen invokes a curiosity to be able to see or understand that which is not able to be seen. Living in a world where fallibility is suggested in every area and aspect of existence, standard of life, and living is completely contrary to this important characteristic of human behavior. It would invoke a world of chaos. It would invoke a world of indecisiveness (which is commonly associated with psychological disorder(s)) and ultimately we would get nothing done because we would not be able to trust anything we see or hear as we are taught to consider the fallibility of everything.

What Collins does not understand is that the scientific community and rules for existence are only able to be handled by certain people. Everyone can not live in a society such as this and should not have to. People believing in something wholeheartedly is a necessary contribution to society. People whoa re constantly skeptical or always considering fallibility are also a contribution to society. We need both. Instead of moving to this extreme, we must embrace the differences and realize the use of them all.

Perhaps I could be wrong. I highly doubt it, but my claim is worth consideration. Perhaps it is a little on the negative side -- but it could be true.