1. Saturday Prompt 9/17/2011

2. Prompt Relativism entails the presupposition that all knowledge is situated within a context of knowledge, and this context must be taken into account in our formulations and presuppositions of the certainty of knowledge. The inherent dilemma of relative knowledge is that the relativist’s “world view” is construed within the context of the culture in which it originates and takes shape. To reinforce an understanding of relative knowledge, contextual knowledge, or “positional” knowledge stemming from relative beliefs, the following essay will analyze and evaluate the nature of beliefs, how they are formed, and how they are facilitated in the norms and patterns of those who adhere to them.

3. certainty of knowledge What is knowledge: Absolute: a truth that is universally true. It has constancy. Relative: a truth that is contingent on beliefs that are based on subjective value that are according to differences in perception and consideration.

4. The inherent dilemma of relative knowledge is that the relativist’s “world view” is construed within the context of the culture in which it originates and takes shape. Relative beliefs are determined by time, space, culture, age, religion, but do not translate to other cultures. They limit a world view to a positional view.

5. To reinforce an understanding of relative knowledge, contextual knowledge, or “positional” knowledge stemming from relative beliefs, the following essay will analyze and evaluate the nature of beliefs, What is a belief. If they are relative they are the result of time, space, culture If they are absolute they are reality that all should know and accept.

6. Relative absolute is a belief that is considered an absolute, but is positional. It is thought to be true for all people, but comes from a groups dominant belief

7. how they are formed, They are formed by the process of perception and processing the world Through relativistic beliefs Through absolute beliefs

8. and how they are facilitated in the norms and patterns of those who adhere to them. Norms: things one thinks to be considered right and/or normal Patterns: behaviors one do to be considered right and/or normal

9. The Taoist tradition is a tradition of enlightenment theory. Self oriented awareness that focuses on: Discovering one’s true reality Accepting one’s true reality Sharing one’s true reality

10. Tao Te ChingWritten by Lao-tzu Fill your bowl to the brimand it will spill. What happens when you try too hard? When you have too much to do? When you try to be more than you are?

11. Keep sharpening your knifeand it will blunt. What happens when you keep remaking yourself someone/thing that will fit into the expectations of other?

12. Chase after money and securityand your heart will never unclench. How much stress is caused by wanting and wanting and never being satisfied? Never accepting yourself?

13. Care about people's approvaland you will be their prisoner. What happens if you try to please others or gain their praise? Do you belong to them?

14. Do your work, then step back.The only path to serenity. Do your best and then get away from what you have done to get clarity. This whole essay is about discovering yourself, accepting yourself, and sharing yourself.

15. Realize you have the rights to: Think what you think Say what you think Don’t say what you think Feel what you feel Say what you feel Don’t say what you feel

16. Prompt # 2: You are a fish in a bowl in your home. What do you see and experience?