Oft I start debates with my own conscience. Usually these are not of intriguing interest, but one I started the other day was quite interesting. I see it as a great example that can be used in other forms of thought. The topic is open for debate, and I kindly ask you to do so, if for no other reason than practicing a form of critical thinking.
The topic of the debate was, “How do you define the value of a box?”
Let’s start with the rudimentary basics of: What is a box? A box is a three-dimensional object in the physical world. It contains a volume of one or more (we are talking realistically, not subatomic levels), and a mass. The primitive purpose of a box is to contain one or more of a supplemental object of less volume. Do we all agree?
Now for the proposals. Lets say there are two boxes: box ‘a’ and box ‘b’. How can you differentiate one box from the other, in other words, how do you rank one box above the other. You could base your opinion on the size, shape, color, and other physical factors. Let’s say we are defining the exterior physical properties. This is the static way of defining the exterior of a box. But how do we define the importance of a box, the value. For instance, let’s say I have a dollar in one box, and one thousand dollars in the second. The interior is unknown to you, and all you can see are two identical boxes in size, shape, and color.
Without knowing the content you are asked to place a value of the boxes on a 1-10 scale. Your answer would be a total guess. There would be no scientific evidence to conclude one box is worth more or less. You may draw upon some previous assumptions that could influence your decision, but nothing from the viewable picture. However, it is clear the value of the contents inside the box is noticeably different (1 and 1000), still you are oblivious to the contents.
Let’s say experiment ‘b’ was to once again place a rank on two boxes. This time the box with one dollar of content is decorated, while the one with the greater amount of content value ‘r’ remains plain. Still you are unaware of the interior and are asked to choose on box of a higher value. I assure you that the most common answer would be the decorated box. You make this decision based on the understanding that decoration increases the value of an object even if its contents is unclear.
Finally, in experiment ‘c’ you are asked to choose a higher value of two static boxes while knowing the contents. In one box you see one dollar and in the other you see one thousand dollars. Once again the answer would most surely be the box with the most money, because in human nature money is placed high on the table of importance.
In summary, you made a total guess on the value of the box in experiment ‘a’. In experiment ‘b’ you made assumption based on an exterior decoration. And finally, in experiment ‘c’ you made a clear, educated decision on the value.
Why did I bring this up? For a multitude of reasons. One being the obvious: to practice a basic form of critical thinking. The other was to create an example of the way the human mind classifies objects, including fellow human beings. Either we make an unclear guess based on minimum evidence about who they are and how we like them; a slightly educated guess based on their exterior appearance; or an educated choice from a thorough examination of who they are. The latter of course would be the presumptive choice for all decisions, but sometimes this is impossible. To help with your guesswork, you can be conscious about the actions you took to draw a conclusion. If you are not satisfied with your ability to determine the value of your object, then be clear about it and allow yourself more tries. No good choice is made from one evaluation.
What are your views on how you rank the value of a box? Explain in the comments.
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