Unit Three Groundless Beliefs

Period 5-6: Text comprehension

1. Theme: 

This passage is taken from the book Logic for the Millions by Mander, an English psychologist.

It is shocking for us to be told that many of our ideas or views are groundless. However, Mander's purpose is not to tell us that we should not have beliefs. Nor does he imply that beliefs and views are usually unreliable and silly. But he does urge us to find out on what our views and ideas are based or grounded.

Mander lists five sources for groundless beliefs: 1) early environrnent; 2) the habit of parroting; 3) self-interest; 4) sentimental association; 5) fashion. And only education can free us from the influence of these factors because education in a way means the gradual discovery of our ignorance and prejudices which lie hidden in our minds like a virus in a computer. If we are not alert enough and don 't install and activate an anti-virus device, the virus can break our "computer" down at any moment.

 2. Structure:

I. Introduction: Prevalence of groundless beliefs(para. 1)

II. Body: Types/Causes of groundless beliefs (paras.2-24)

A. Result of environment in early life (paras. 2-3)

B. Parroting (paras. 4-13)

C. Self-interest (paras. 14-17)

D. Sentimental associations (paras. 18- 19)

E. Fashion (paras. 20-24)

III. Conclusion:The writer's praise of rational thinkers (para. 25)

 

3. Comprehension questions

1) What are the words used by the author in referring to groundless “beliefs”?

--- propositions, assumptions, dogma, opinion, assertion, suggestion, conviction, 

2) According to the author where do these beliefs come from?

--- from other people: family, friends, media, tradition, interest groups, etc.

3) Why do we tend to accept these beliefs?

--- “suggestion”, self-interest,sentimental associations,fashion

4) Whydo we have to be on guard against them?

--- most of them are irrational; they are __parroting__ rather than thought.

--- once they become so _set__ in they prevent us from accepting new ideas.

5. Give examples of our most deeply-rooted and fundamental convictions that we happen to have been“brought up”to them.

   Money is dirty.

   Man will struggle to conquer nature.

   Many hands make light work.

   We must save every penny to support our national reconstruction.

   China is a large country with abundant natural resources.