Citation: Huitt, W. (1996). Major sources of knowledge about human beings and human behavior. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date] from, http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/col/spiritual/scirelg.html
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| DIMENSION | EXPERIENCE | INTUITION | RELIGION | PHILOSOPHY | SCIENCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus |
The study of reality beginning with personal experience as known through the senses | The study of reality beginning with unconscious knowledge or insight | The study of reality beginning with the metaphysical or spiritual aspect of the universe | The study of reality as viewed through the human mind The study of the essence of reality |
The study of reality beginning with the material aspect of the universe |
| Foundation of Investigation* |
Faith** in sensory data and perceptions | Faith in personal intuition, inspiration, and feelings | Faith in authority of revelation Faith in ultimate unknowns |
Faith in reason | Faith in reason and the experience of utilizing the scientific method |
| Methods of Acquiring Knowledge |
Personal interaction with the material, human and spiritual
aspects of self and environment Reflection on life experiences |
Meditiation Reflection Dream analysis Right-brain thinking techniques |
Prayer Meditation Reading/listening to Discipline of material Association with other believers |
Observation Reflection Discourse Other methods used in science and religion |
Careful description/ data collection Correlational/ Experimental/ Association/ |
| Criteria for Validation |
Personal, subjective Consistent with prior experiences, reflections and interpretations |
Personal, subjective Interpretation of feeling, affect |
Personal, subjective Interpretation of revealed word or scriptures Consistent with prior interpretations and reflections |
Public, objective Logically consistent Appropriate to issue or topic under investigation |
Public, objective Verifiable Replicable, cumulative Concise, systematic |
| Major Categories/ Schools of Thought |
Idiosyncratic to the individual Influenced by biology, social interactions and culture |
Art and Humanities Consciousness Creativity Education and Training Parapsychology Personal Growth and Problem Solving Psychotherapy |
Middle Eastern ------------------- Judaism Zorastrianism Christianity Islam Baha'i Faith Asiatic |
Idealism Pragmatism Objectivism Existentialism Perspectivism Systems Theory |
Psychology ------------------ Biological Evolutionary Psychodynamic Gestalt Behavioral Humanistic Cognitive Systems (Organismic) |
| Probability of Change for Human Beings |
Human beings construct meaning from their experiences with
the world This construction is "real" to the individual even if it does not match "reality." It is possible, but very difficult, to change the constructed paradigm of how the world works, especially after puberty |
Human beings can utilize unconscious knowledge to provide
insights that can lead to profound change Unlimited potential for change if correct inspirations are rightly followed |
Single, All-knowing, All-loving Creator (or creative force) constructed human beings with capacities/ powers (to know, to love, to will) that can be infinitely developed | Range of views on possibilities of personal development of
human capacities Most acknowledge that context will impose time/social/ |
Range of views on possibilities of personal development of
human capacities With possible exception of humanistic, there is limited potential for personal control of individual development because of powerful biological, evolutionary, historical, and social forces |
I have used this analysis to construct a statement of my viewpoint or philosophy of human nature. I hope you can use it to develop your own.
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