ATTITUDES, OPINIONS AND PERSPECTIVES

 Introduction to Human Expression and Emergence of diverse opinions   

Throughout human history, Mankind has made significant progressions when it comes to speech and expression. According to the social cognitive theory, speech evolved from gestures and vocalizations of early man intending to engage in social interaction, such as warning of the presence of a predator, references to objects of hunt etc. Over time, both speech and language would evolve to adopt a more complex tone and much capable of expressing abstract philosophical ideas such as emotions, psychology, social relations, natural phenomenon (example: time) etc. 

The earliest recorded philosophical  archives date back to the 6^th century BCE in ancient Greece. However, older historical evidences suggest humans may have engaged in philosophical thought much earlier. For instance, The Rig Veda, one of the oldest religious texts, discusses many philosophical thoughts metaphorically and was thought to have been composed between 1500-1000 BC. These literary and archaeological evidences indicate that humans have held diverse views on the world and society for millennia. 

The existence of various schools of thought and debates in the ancient world also support this claim [for example in ancient Greece itself there were several pre-Socratic schools of thought- Milesian school, Pythagoreanism, Eleatic school, atomism etc]. Even today, many humans still continue to hold and share their distinct opinions via the internet.

 

Comparison with the Rashomon effect and understanding opposing moral perspectives

Keeping pace with this heterogenicity in views and ideas, opens an individual to a whole new world of differentiating perspectives and logical arguments. Sometimes opposing attitudes and ideas which have a seemingly convincing base can result in conflicting views. Often times such controversies can formulate a logical dilemma. 

One of the best examples I’ve come across of such is in the Japanese short story- “In a Grove” by well renowned Japanese writer Akutagawa. In his story, Akutagawa narrates the mysterious murder of a samurai. The police commissioner investigating the case however, receives conflicting and unrelated testimonies from the four witnesses of the murder. Through this brain riveting murder mystery, Akutagawa analyses the irony of conflicting views from people who observed the same event. This phenomenon is called the Rashomon effect, where individuals provide contradictory views upon the same situation. 

On scrutinizing the Rashomon effect, we can deduce the manner in which conflicting views are provided foundation to- that is by differential interpretation of incidents by different individuals who are prejudiced by their distinct opinions and attitudes. This diversity in perspectives and narratives can give an inconsistent image of the actual truth and makes us question the reliability of human interpretation. Thus, humans mostly biased by their own thoughts and beliefs, can not only alter descriptions of situations, but also reorient their comprehension of morality and ethics. 

For example; a capitalist would justify private property ownership, as their political ideology supports profit and consumer-driven economies; while a communist would advocate for public ownership of goods in order to promote public equality. Similarly, a stoic would believe that by accepting life's obstacles and having self-control over their emotions, individuals can achieve freedom from emotional suffering. However, Epicureanism (an antagonist philosophy) argues prioritizing pleasures of the mind in order to unchain oneself from mental pain. 

This concludes that the perception of an individual on the same moral concept as well as their sense of right and wrong, may wholly depend on the ideology and philosophy a person is inclined towards.

 

Application with real life and the dual nature of diverse opinions on society

What I find intriguing, is the dual nature of this unique phenomenon of differential attitudes. One argument suggests diverse opinions drive society to conflict. Many political disputes and controversies related to difference in ideologies, for instance, are because of this divide on opinions on the same moral concept [like how in the previously mentioned capitalism vs communism divide is on the moral grounds of the right to property]. This principle can also be applied to any dispute, argument or conflict one may encounter throughout their life. 

After all, no argument can be conceived without a variation in opinion. While this outlook may suggest that differing opinions lead only to discord and chaos within a community, that need not necessarily be true. Diversity in thought could also be beneficial to a society. For example, a government legislature with members who all share the same opinions may struggle to address complex problems effectively. However, a diverse group of members with varying viewpoints can offer different perspectives, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the issue and potentially better solutions. History also provides many examples that support this claim. 

For example during the height of the Cuban missile crisis, the increased political tensions with the Soviet Union forced the US navy to execute a naval blockade near Cuba. This made them to drop depth charges in pursuit of the Soviet Submarine B-59 in the Caribbean Sea, in order to force the vessel to come up to the surface. Unbeknownst to the US forces however, the B-59 possessed a nuclear torpedo and was preparing to launch the shell noticing the American threat. This decision was to be made unanimously by three officers. While two of them agreed to launch, one- Vasily Arkhipov refused, thereby saving the world from nuclear disaster. This inspiring example, illustrates that differing opinions are very much valuable for re-evaluating our decisions and choices, both individually and collectively.

 

Conclusion

Therefore, by examining both viewpoints [that is whether differencing opinions are good or bad for a society], we can conclude that the best way to deal with diverse perspectives as a community would be to be respectful and inclusive to everyone’s opinions, as well as minimizing exaggerated disagreements based on our differences. After all, every individual is unique and that diversity of personal opinions is one of the key factors that make us distinct as a species. 

It is as if the US president John F Kennedy once said during his famous Commencement Address- "If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity” whilst reflecting on fostering inclusiveness and harmony within nations, communities and individuals.