For Question 1 the answer I would choose is D. As is stated, while the fake statistic is ironic, it does speak to our current society and the emphasis we place on numbers. Which reminds me of an example of this emphasis that can be seen in the philosophical school of Positivism, especially in A.J. Ayer's work "Language, Truth, and Logic" where he tries to tear down Metaphysics through the use of a "criterion of verifiability". Ayer even writes that the Metaphysician does not communicate if he cannot verify his claims "empirically".
As for Question 2 the answer I would choose is G, but that is because I do not fully agree with either A or B. Maybe my own answer would be a mixture of both A and B: people seem to use 23andMe out of simple curiosity and desire to know one's self.
I enjoyed this, thank you Dr. Bonanno! Guess I'll finally have to pick up "Lost in the Cosmos".
Thanks for reading and for your comments here, Sarah. You've broken the ice! Perhaps others shall follow your lead and offer their comments, as well...
I suppose it is reasonable to suggest that statistics provide us with the semblance (if not the actuality) of verifiability. If true, it makes me wonder what else provides people with the comfort of verifiability....
An interesting read!
For Question 1 the answer I would choose is D. As is stated, while the fake statistic is ironic, it does speak to our current society and the emphasis we place on numbers. Which reminds me of an example of this emphasis that can be seen in the philosophical school of Positivism, especially in A.J. Ayer's work "Language, Truth, and Logic" where he tries to tear down Metaphysics through the use of a "criterion of verifiability". Ayer even writes that the Metaphysician does not communicate if he cannot verify his claims "empirically".
As for Question 2 the answer I would choose is G, but that is because I do not fully agree with either A or B. Maybe my own answer would be a mixture of both A and B: people seem to use 23andMe out of simple curiosity and desire to know one's self.
I enjoyed this, thank you Dr. Bonanno! Guess I'll finally have to pick up "Lost in the Cosmos".
Thanks for reading and for your comments here, Sarah. You've broken the ice! Perhaps others shall follow your lead and offer their comments, as well...
I suppose it is reasonable to suggest that statistics provide us with the semblance (if not the actuality) of verifiability. If true, it makes me wonder what else provides people with the comfort of verifiability....