Becoming Internationalists

I have this belief that we cannot move from nationalists to internationalists without creating some form of a dictatorship. I don't think all or most of the countries in the world could come together and compromise on the same agreements. It doesn't seem realistic to me. Different countries have their own beliefs and cultures, they're couldn't be a way to merge everyone. Unless it's by a superior force. We could reach a level of world peace where each country is accepting of others and their ways of life, but I think that's about as far as that will go. Until something directly affects each citizen in the world, then will things positively change. Until then, people will think things are okay, they're unaware like I was, and things will get worse.

American Patriotism

After reading the articles for class, I was left asking myself, how does the patriotism of our country affect the world? We're one country out of almost 200 on this planet. After some research, it seems to be that patriotism keeps nations separate because it promotes bitterness between them. It was said patriotism worked for the 19th and 20th century, but for the 21st,  we need to move on to humanism. I didn't think there was anything wrong with patriotism until last week. I thought it was a good thing, to be proud of where you come from. It turns out that patriotism has lead to increased military status,     promoting defense and war. Some "patriotic" citizens say our lives are more important than third world country's citizens. Now that I see this side of patriotism, I agree we need to move on to humanism and internationalism. It's time to respect humanity, human dignity, and human rights, and focus less on our "love" for the United States.

Manipulative Society

Society definitely manipulates the ways humans look out at different parts of the world. For example, the media makes the impression that stick skinny girls are attractive. Teen girls strive for this look through unhealthy habits when a full, athletic, healthy body shape is much more attractive. I feel society is trying to manipulate us into turning away meat because of the "treatment" they receive. The savage beatings of animals and brutal killings surely happen in some places of the world, but not all. These places have to pass a certain regulation, I'm sure. I don't think humans will ever fully turn away from meat for several reasons. Besides dairy products, what else is a cow used for? By using the meat, we're using it for more purposes where we would be wasting the rest of the animal. Same with chickens, we could solely use them for eggs but then we're wasting the body.  Instead of pushing us away from meat, regulations for butcher shops should be more strict and animal "friendly."

Meat consumption natural for humans?

With having a vegetarian in my family, I know how difficult it is for them and vegans to receive adequate amounts of protein, which is typically consumed through meat. I believe since humans for thousands of years have ate meat, it's natural for us now to consume it as well. Whoever began this meat eating trend must have had some natural desire and instinct to think of digesting another animal. Whether it was due to starvation and crazed drive to kill something or the "I can, so I will" stand of humans, something lead us to where we are now.

Is there a limit on knowledge?

Before asking this question in class, I was rather confused on how this could be answered. One student proposed the idea since time is limited for an individual, then knowledge is as well because we can only learn so much in our life time. With endless subjects of knowledge, it does not seem possible for a limit. Also, as one begins to learn more, he/she also tends to realize how much there is to the subject than anticipated, along with seeing through different perspectives. 

I personally don't believe there's a limit on the capacity of knowledge for the human race, however an individual is limited by time and themselves. 

How does one recognize their limit? (Fallibism)

Some students answered my question about a limit on knowledge in favor to this question. Some said since technology is limited a the moment, it holds up the ability to learn past what we can now. Another also mentioned about limits on language and words. In a way I understood what he meant, but not fully. Are there no appropriate words to describe the newly findings? Professor Johnson brought up the idea that humans prematurely place limits, such as history. What they thought was certain hundreds of years ago, are now false or more complex. I definitely believe our knowledge has a limit for certain subjects, such as life after death. No one can say for sure what happens to our souls. Reason can be limited based on evidence as well but some people base their beliefs on faith despite evidence. For all we know, valid statements we believe to be true could certainly be proved false some time in the future.
I believe, depending on the subject of knowledge, limits are possible.