THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
ESSAY
TERM 1 2007
“In order to find out how things really are, one must understand the filters through which one perceives the world.” Discuss and evaluate this claim.
Siti Ernst
1102
Word Count: 1092
Everybody in this world perceives things differently and has a different perception of things. Some people perceive things totally different than others, such as an affluent westerner and an African refugee, and others are quite similar in their perception, like two superstars in Hollywood. The similarities in perception rely upon filters of perception such as media, experience, religion, culture and language. Although it is often when one does not understand or agree with the perception of another that conflict occurs it is only natural that as human beings we all have different perceptions of things. But it is important for one to have the broadest possible knowledge about the filters of perception in order to really understand the way others perceive the world.
Language at first glance seems to be something that we can speak, write, read and hear but language is also seeing. It is widely estimated that 80% of all language is non-verbal. We sometimes don’t recognise it but body language occurs in almost every situation. When talking to someone it is often not what we say that has the greatest effect on the person but the way we say it and our body expressions that we use to say it. Language is closely linked to culture because it varies from one culture to another. In Fiji raising the eyebrows shortly in response to someone’s question is simply an agreement to the statement they have made but in other cultures this expression may be an insult. So if a Fijian goes overseas and performs this expression unconsciously he may cause insult to others because they do not understand this form of language he uses. This all happens accidentally but it happens because one or both parties involved are not aware of each others perception of language. When two people have similar perceptions of language, expression often help aid transmit the message more clearly. I recently had a short conversation with someone using purely expressions. My dad’s friend was at the road in his car and we looked at each other. Using expressions we both knew I was able to tell him that my dad was not there. This is quite remarkable I think but it was only possible because we both understand the meaning of expressions used.
