Ways of Knowing

As there are different ways of knowing (subjects or disciplines), there are also different ways of viewing our world. For example, a rainbow to a scientist is refraction and wavelength, to an artist - symmetry, color, and beauty, to a Bible scholar - a sign of God's promise, and to a child who still remembers the "rainbow story" - a pot of gold at its end.

Each meaning is valid within its own frame. It is even possible for some people to hold a scientific, as well as a traditional view. It is the facility to move from one frame to another and the appreciation of their meanings that are important. These indicate a deep level of understand. Your view of the world will be too limited if your mind is fixed only on one frame. The ability to recognize these ways of knowing and viewing events or phenomena help us to develop creativity and critical thinking.

The different ways of knowing enhance our way of living and doing things, communicating, celebrating, and all the manifold expressions of the cultural richness and complexity in the world. We strive that these endeavors will enhance our well being and the quality of our environment, and promote peace and unity.

1. According to a legend, the pineapple fruit has lots of "eyes" due to a stubborn child cursed by her parent. The curse transformed the child into a pineapple with hundreds of "eyes."