Two Questions For The Community

[Rattlecat]

Not going to start any debate battles or arguments, but I am curious on your position on these following questions if you're willing to answer them:

1. Do you believe we only use a small percentage of our brain in all functions we perform?

2. Do you believe psychology, or any field of psychology is considered a science?


I ask that you do try to back up what you say. If it's just a guess, or an opinion of yours, that's alright, but if you know you can back it up, go for it! I'm curious on how this community would respond to these questions, as they seem to be two of the questions I always get asked.

 

[Hermes]

Let me see, Rattlecat.

1.-

---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:27 PM ----------

Let me see, Rattlecat. LOL.

Obviously I am not using even then so-called 10% .....

1.- I believe we only use a small percentage of our brain. Then again that idea is ridiculed by some savants. So, who knows?

2.-I read that "Psychology is a science which concerns itself with the study of behavior". Perhaps it is an art rather than a science. Again, opinions appear to differ.

Hermes

 

[Yuray]

Science. A method of discovering knowledge about the natural world based in making falsifiable predictions (hypotheses), testing them empirically, and developing peer-reviewed theories that best explain the known data.


......ummmmmmm........just what part of your homework are we helping you with?

Both of your questions are asking for subjective answers based on time periods, historical influence, bias, personal beliefs (not evidence), experience, and well, a whole lot of other variables. There are those who diligently study these issues and gather factual evidence to support their claims, and they have no interest in changing the status quo or public opinion, they just do it from interest, curiosity, and, science. As well, there are those who are waiting for answers to these questions, and some are predisposed to accept any answer that will compliment their thinking, so in a way, every hypothesis is right.

In time, a majority may agree on a hypothesis, but it doesn't always give the hypothesis credibility, only popularity. Evolution has allowed us a larger brain, just as it has allowed all life to (through genetic mutation) become adaptable. It seems odd that evolution would go overboard on brain size and expect the host of the brain to 'grow into it'.

Analogously speaking, a single person may live in a 4 bedroom house, and not be in all rooms at all times, yet each room has a function, and is employed so. That science is self correcting (look up eugenics) is the saving grace to your questions, for the answers you receive today, may differ from the answers a few years from now, and it will be your personal criteria for acceptance of 'proof', (majority or not), that will guide your belief.

I'm curious on how this community would respond to these questions, as they seem to be two of the questions I always get asked.

You have wandered into a community where psychology, whether viewed as a science or not, is of the utmost importance in diagnosing problems, and offering solutions. The fact that a psychologist, and psychology itself is recognized by academia as a doctorate programme for some, certainly lends credibility to the fact it is a science. For sure, there is a lot of quackery going on that detracts from the 'science' aspect of it. So now, when you are being asked these questions, use my 'non commital' response to them.

To further illustrate my points, think of climate change (its not called global warming anymore) and why people beleive / don't beleive in it. Both sides, pro and con for climate change have at the head of their organization educated people, with absolute proof (in their eyes) that they are correct. Unimpeachable sources with great respect shown them. If these people make a certain claim, who are we to dispute it? We are not educated in such things. The best we can do is make a choice based on our own emotional satisfaction of the evidence, and acceptance of the evidence because we are predisposed to think that way. Some people change views given new evidence, but some don't.

Is psychology a science? Of course it is. Do we use only part of our brain? Beats me. I would like to think that in order to write what I have written here, that I have called upon all parts of my brains influences. I may not require them all at the same time, and use only parts of it for specific reasons, but its there for a reason. Evolution hasn't had time yet to relegate parts of the brain to the same function as an appendix.

 

[Hermes]

This sure is a steep learning curve. Would the curve be so steep if one were using 100%of the brain. Would one not be able to take in the whole doctorate course in two days?

Hermes

 

[Yuray]

Hmmmmm....well, you are equating 100% use of the brain with intelligence. And as scientific anecdotal evidence, I offer this:.....we often hear, or have said, that someone is only 'using half their brain' when being critical of them. By that measure, and you inferences, they should get their Phd in 4 days, not 2!

 

[Hermes]

LOL Yuray.
Indeed, one forgets that having a brain is not the same as being bright or intelligent. And yet one hears the word "brainy" often used to describe an intelligent person. Oh well, evolution being what it is (slow, apparently) in another million years or so people may be able to get degrees in several dsciplines in the blink of an eye. Then again, that may not even be necessary, as by that time everyone will know everything LOL

Hermes

---------- Post added at 07:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:47 AM ----------

So, Rattlecat, what do YOU think?
Hermes

 

[sarek]

1. Do you believe we only use a small percentage of our brain in all functions we perform?

Yes and no. I think in a physiological sense there are no parts of the brain lying about doing nothing. I believe in seeing the brain in a holistic way. There may be separate parts and regions with definable functions but the total functionality of the brain is not in the parts, it is in the whole.
And by definition, the whole is 100%
Having said that I think we have not nearly reached our full potential. There is no telling what we will yet be able to comprehend.
After all, The same brain that could handle throwing spears and making fire thousands of years ago has proved capable of understanding microchips and concepts of multidimensional space.

2. Do you believe psychology, or any field of psychology is considered a science?

Yes, in fact I do. The deciding factor in determining whether or not something is a science is to see if they apply the scientific method. That means creating theories that can be tested and if need be proven false by others.