Problem
These barriers address some of the material and topics we covered in the beginning of the semester in regard to mindset, social identities, and implicit / unconscious bias. We are going to continue to explore these topics in relation to Bacon's Four Idols. *I give specific examples of what these barriers look like in "real life" in the audio lecture.
1) Begin by sharing what your social identity groups are and reflect how belonging to these groups has affected your ability to acquire new and expand upon existing knowledge. For example, if you are religious then by adhering to some religious beliefs may impede your ability to acquire new knowledge such as regarding the evolution theory.
2) Choose ONE idol to discuss. First (a) summarize what psychological barrier the idol represents and then (b) use a specific example from your own life where you faced difficulty or discomfort by questioning this barrier in your quest for acquiring knowledge. A vague example is to make a statement such as, "People are always seeking to validate what they believe in based on their religion. Sometimes I find it hard to listen to other people's ideas or point of view on religion because it is different than what I believe in. My beliefs often times get in the way of my ability to understand or listen to somebody else." This is vague because it is too broad of a statement. Instead, think of a specific situation from your life, clarify specifically what your thoughts/beliefs are, etc. (see example below).
3) Using the example from above about religious beliefs clashing with that of contemporary scientific theories, this falls under the idol of the cave.