Had an interesting discussion today about forbidden knowledge in American society.
What is acceptable knowledge?
What is legitimized inquiry?
In a democracy, who has the power to act as gatekeepers of forbidden knowledge? Direct or indirect censorship is practiced all the time in all areas.
Who has the power to manipulate knowledge? Is it ethical?
Where does free speech fit in? free press? academic freedom?
A lot of human progress have come about from people who "pushed the envelop" of "forbidden knowledge" in all areas of life. Folks who were labeled as "crazy" during their time are touted as heroes with new discovery. Previous acceptable knowledge have also been debunked with new discovery.
Where does critical thinking fit in? Is critical thinking teachable or is it innate?
What about socio-biology - nature vs. nurture?
Is the search or thirst for knowledge genetically driven or influenced by the environment of the individual?
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
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