On Research . . . Google

[TW]

On at least two occasions recently, I have been accused of using the Google search engine. Too this I must plead guilty. OK, my dirty little secret is out, I do research before I run my mouth (figuratively speaking). I consider Google, and the other search engines available on the web, as tools. Just as I consider the hard bound books that are in my private library, and the electronic versions that are in my computer, as tools. Over my sixty-two years, I have amassed a respectable collection of books, enough to fill a shelving unit that is 96 inches long by 72 inches high. Even with this much shelf space available I find that I actually need additional space, as I still have several boxes of books that as yet fail to find a home on a shelf. In addition to this physical library, I have my electronic library. It contains twenty-three versions of the Bible, five commentaries on the Bible, the Encarta Encyclopedia, and other works on subjects that interest me.

I have always been an inquisitive person, seeking to understand the how and why of things. I do not fear or reject knowledge, but rather seek it out. I have found that truth cannot harm you; it is in fact, liberating. Where you glean that truth from is not what is important. What is important is that you possess the truth. How, you might ask, do we know the truth? The answer is by research, examine different sources, with differing views, and compare the “facts” that are presented. When all the sources state the same “fact”, it is a clear indication that “fact” is true. Should all of the sources not present any “facts” that correspond with the “facts” of the other sources, you must make a judgment call based upon the preponderance of evidence. That is not to say that the Fact is indeed truth, but rather that the evidence indicates the truthfulness of the “fact.” While it may appear to be a truth, it cannot be totally relied upon as being truthful, and as such must be used with discretion.

This all leads back to the original charge of using Google. Google, and any of the other Internet search engines, are tools to aid and assist in the collection of information. That information must then be examined and weighed as to it’s validity or truthfulness. The same process that is used when researching in print.

This is how informed opinions are developed. Informed opinions are based upon facts, not what we might want to believe. The knowledge possessed by humanity is ever expanding, new knowledge can, and frequently does, change what we thought we knew, but it cannot change truth. There is no need to fear or reject knowledge if your opinions are based in truth. Truth will withstand the challenges. To abstain from seeking knowledge is to live in your own personal “Dark Age.”



TW

[Linda]

Confession is good for the soul! Feel better???

[Susie Hamilton]

you been talking with Rambo??

[Linda]

On a serious note, TW, I admire the knowledge you have reached for and received. Your comments are always thought provoking and do shed light on many subjects. Thanks for sharing! I enjoy your posts!

[TW]

Confession is good for the soul! Feel better???

Actually, yes. I'm looking for a local chapter of GA (Google Anonymous not General Assembly) to help me with this problem. I just don't seem to have the will to kick the habit by myself. I've tried to go cold turkey, all that I got was a sandwich. I'm afraid that if I can't get help I'll end up as an intellectual.


TW

[Linda]

Confession is good for the soul! Feel better???

Actually, yes. I'm looking for a local chapter of GA (Google Anonymous not General Assembly) to help me with this problem. I just don't seem to have the will to kick the habit by myself. I've tried to go cold turkey, all that I got was a sandwich. I'm afraid that if I can't get help I'll end up as an intellectual.


TW

ROTFLOL

[TW]

you been talking with Rambo??

He confuses me.

Sorry Rambo, couldn't pass that up.


TW

[Shellie]

TW,

As a teacher, I constantly pound into my kids head that the internet is not the only resource tool. They've never learned how to use encyclopedias and libraries because they've always had the internet. I try to explain to them that there are books, magazines, encyclopedias, AND the internet to use as learning tools.

We, who only had books growing up need to be reminded that now we have access to the internet.

My point? Never, never cheat yourself out of ANY learning or research tool.

scooter and I were just talking this morning about how any thing you want to learn about is right at your fingertips when you have the internet.

What an absolutely beneficial tool for a student or anyone with a desire to learn. Anybody that uses what is at his fingertips to better his knowledge on any subject is to be commended. Too many people open their mouth without learning what they are talking about.

There is nothing but admiration in someone that informs themselves with any means necessary.

[RamboPreacher]

you been talking with Rambo??

He confuses me.

Sorry Rambo, couldn't pass that up.


TW

I prefer to be underestimated, then you have less to be disappointed with.

[RamboPreacher]

TW,

As a teacher, I constantly pound into my kids head that the internet is not the only resource tool. They've never learned how to use encyclopedias and libraries because they've always had the internet....

ding, ding. when I was teaching in Bible College, I wouldn't allow websites to be used in citations. if information came from the web, then it came from somebody or somewhere, and that would be the citation, nit just a simple URL. And if the citation turns out to just be some "john doe", then the question I would ask the student is" would you actually quote someone you know nothing about nor anything of their background or education?" turns out it is more work to "really" cite an internet location, than just getting to the books (when it comes to writing papers and theses, that is).

but for forums and the this kind of interaction, yes, absolutely I use the tools available to me. why not? they are there and in fact I have taught Bible studies at church, and how to use the Internet as a tool. nothing bad or wrong there at all. this is all informal anyway. the one thing I don't like, and call it a pet peeve if you like is when people will make statements, even in these informal settings, as though they are factual. an aprior statement needs to be backed, if it is not actually apriori.

As an example, I can make the statement that the sun is hot. no need to back up that apriori. but if I say: Jesus is God Incarnate, then in these forums, there is probably no need to back that apriori. but if I am on a forum that is paintball based in a religion/philosophy section, then my statement would be better suited: I believe that Jesus is God incarnate. see the difference?

on the flip side, saying that the earth is 6.5 billion years old on this forum would probably not be best said as apriori, but more like: I believe that they earth is 6.5 billion years old, or maybe something like, I agree with the science that says that the earth is 6.5 billion years old.

on that other forum, though if someone makes apriori that they earth is 6.5 billion years old, I am going to call them on it, and ask for the proof; or they had better rephrase their question to better reflect their "beliefs", or their agreement in someone else's findings (if they can't substantiate it themselves).

One of my professors, when I was writing one of my master's theses told me, and I believe it to be true, that there is no such thing as "common knowledge".

[Pastor Gary]

...when I was teaching in Bible College, I wouldn't allow websites to be used in citations.

How funny! In the Masters Program I am in now there is a specific section of course work called "Webliography" in which we are required to cite web URL's that have pertinent and relevant information.

[Paully_44]

I depend on Google and other search engines daily. When I am trying to troubleshoot an application fault, software error etc, google is a life saver.

[DaJudge]

My name is DaJudge, and I'm a Google-aholic.

[TW]

My name is DaJudge, and I'm a Google-aholic.

*All together now*

Hi DaJudge


You don't know this is me because we are anonymous.

[DaJudge]

The first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem.