blog 13

 Bacon:

1. Define the word idols in the sense that Bacon seems to use it. Is the word idol a good term to use for the idea that lies behind it?

Bacon uses the world "idol" with a different meaning behind it. He thinks that idol is an error made because of  society. We get the errors from ourselves, culture, false teachings, etc. I do not think the term "idol" fits this well. When I think of "idol," I think of something positive. An idol is something you look up to or someone you want to be.

2. Compare the importance of one idol with that of another. Is it possible to determine which is more likely to prevent the acquisition of true knowledge?

Bacon uses the word “idol” meaning that these are the false images in which a person has an error; they idols are errors in man.  We have the tribal idol that symbolizes our natural human errors as a group. I believe that the least severe idol is the idol of the tribe; we constantly come up with new information so as to not base it on what the whole human race is doing. The most severe idols are the idols of the marketplace and idols of the theatre.  

3. Which of the idols are the results of social intercourse, and which are the results of individual reflection? Would a person be more likely to be free of the tyranny of the idols if he/she were restricted in society? Is it possible that a hermit would be completely free of the idols? Or would he become more free the more he socialized?

The idols that are the result of social intercourse are those of the tribe and marketplace. The idols that are the result of individual reflection are the idols of the cave and theatre. If a person were restricted in society they would be even more trapped with the idols. Although we would not have society give us false information and error, we could not correct ourselves if we were ignorant to the information at hand. This is why a hermit would not be completely free of the idols, not only this but they would be ignorant in all facts. People who travel know more, and people who are around other people are more knowledgeable as well.

 Darwin:

1. Define the phrase the survival of the fittest (the title of this chapter in a later edition of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection). Look for ways in which its implications can be fully understood. Look, also, for examples by which it can be illustrated.

"Survival of the fittest" means that only the strong survive, not the weak. The weak die off because of their inability to survive such as malnourishment or diseases or anything that comes along that one is notable to complete successfully. An example that illustrates this is kittens. A few may die because they didn't get fed enough by the mother.

2. Compare the breeding of animals with natural selection. Which is more directed? Which is more dominated by chance? Which is more efficient? Which is more important?

When breeding animals in natural selection, you get to choose the specific traits you would like in the offspring. For example, if you are breeding horses and you want the best offspring for racing, you are going to choose a male and female who have good muscle and have good standings in the races that they participated in. Natural selection is more important than breeding because it is indeed more efficient and it helps with natural selection. 

3. How does cloning affect Darwin’s views? Is cloning likely to undo the beneficial work of natural selection?

Darwin would have liked the idea of cloning. It allows humans to be stronger and to inherit certain traits that they want them to have. I feel like cloning is similar to breeding because you want the best of the best. However, they definitely are not the same concept.

4. How does human social policy affect the survival of the fittest? Are modern medicine and modern social welfare agencies causing humans to be less fit? 

Medicine and welfare agencies are not causing humans to be less fit. I believe that rather than them being less fit, they are aiming at making them better and to be stronger.