Are theories really useless? If it is true, why so many respectable masters devoted their life to developing a theory?
In my opinion, I don't think the challenge is significant. It's not the problem of "A is superior or inferior to B" but a choice of belief or favor. As for me, I choose close to theories now.
How do you think about the question (the first sentence of this article) ?
LIS (Library and Information Science) is going through a chaos status. Many people confuse what the discipline is. Really hard to answer. There's almost a dichotomy appearing in this domain (not surprise, it seems a regular phenomenon in every discipline on the planet). Some people are trying to define some important concepts of LIS (of course, it's also a long way to clarify what are "important concepts"), while the others are interested in empirical researches. Instinctively thinking, the 2 should become one and make LIS the whole, but now they seem to fight against each other...Unfortunately!
"The theoretical group" obviously is beaten. Why so? Maybe the world has looked down "theories" (think they are "full-blown"), especially for "theories" don't always quickly bring some concrete outcomes to human society (they can't solve problems immediately). "Theories" tend to be failed by the world.
"Theories" are about thinking, "theories" are thinking tools; they are different from "reality" in essence. That's why I don't think the question at the beginning needs to be answered. Whether empirical or theoretical researches, they all count, and should deeply depend on each other.
Just like a person can't live without soul, just like it's impossible to tell me your body can move without receiving signals from brain. Do you know what I emphasize on? Thinking is really important to human beings, so are theories to empirical studies! However, a weird situation exists. Most people think if things can be predictable, they won't waste much energy in decision-making. In this case, why so many people refuse the importance of theories? As I said above, theories are not really "the truth", moreover, they sometimes can be some kinds of "ideotype". (yeah, that might be the weakness of "theories" once they have to defend for themselves) Therefore, they can show us "a possible future", like a guide to a better destination.
Look at other "strong/ mainstream" disciplines like Management, it has many many theories, although it's practical-oriented in our impression. For example, Motivation Theory, the famous 6 sigma theory, TQM, and etc., if they are bull shit, why so many companies still adopt them in management? They (those companies) absolutely can't assert the success just come out of practical deeds! Don't be silly.
LIS lacks this sort of perception. In a practical professional, people often long for "fast-food" outcomes. It’s sad to see this. But it's not really a disaster, comparing to other "aged" disciplines, LIS is just an infant, it has a long way to define the key concepts and to construct the relationships among those concepts. I'd rather take a optimistic view to embrace this discipline.
And now, we (LIS guys) don't have to bicker with others, it doesn't make sense. Looking for the insights in an open-minded attitude matters. Don't forget it takes time. Being quiet is powerful somehow. Haven't you ever heard of the words "softly killing you" :P
2 則留言:
Two things can make us think deeply:
1.What do you think about the world or society?
2.What kind of person do you want to be?
That would let you make a totally different decision for your life , work and learning style and value system.
However,we should have a humble and soft mind to accept the truth that everyone can make their own choice for being any kind of person.
The most important thing is that we are special person in the world.
Sometimes, we do work hardly, only because we want to make someone happy or we hope someone say "you are good!".
Don't let the world's language to confuse our mind.
When we persist in what we believe,remember that don't make a conclusion so quickly.
原諒我爛爛的英文,囧
Dear雅鴻:
I find you have many nicknames! and it's pretty good to think and write by this way. The practice is worth!
By the way, I think your English writing skill is good enough. You don't have to spend too much on Language Center's courses:P
The two points you mentioned can be seen as the "propositions" of my article. "The philosophy you bear in mind" and "The choices you make" are two important lines going through this article. I totally agree you to conclude that we shouldn't judge things so quickly.
I'm a loyal follower to relativism. I think I've showed the thinking enough in my daily life.However, it also makes me injure. Why? It's tough to defend the questions attacking me.
Let it go. We have the freedom of speech, don't we? Still keeping thinking independtly, listening to other perspectives, and finding the possibilities of cooeration.
As for the scrap about "A is better than B or not", forget it. (sometimes, yelling out emotionally is acceptable:P People are not always rational~~)
Certainly, compromising the value between social giving and self building is necessary somehow. Socializing makes us alive. But I don't choose to do it too much...just pick some "useful" parts to change (can make me safely live in the world:P).
Be confident of yourself:)
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