Learn to assess absolute worldviews
I READ Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan's commentary ("Charlie Hebdo and the hold of absolute values"; Jan 17) with interest.
Absolutism, by nature, is exclusive. Absolute worldviews, such as total freedom of speech or extremism, exclude any other claims contradicting them.
In any society, there is a plurality of absolute worldviews.
Does this mean all societies will erupt into chaos because of the incompatibility of worldviews?
Efforts must be made to rigorously evaluate worldviews. They must withstand tests such as logical consistency, empirical adequacy or experiential relevance.
However, these tools are useful only if one has yet to be overly immersed in a social environment promoting a new worldview.
In this context, I recommend incorporating such evaluative training in Singapore, especially in key communities like schools.
This is an age where many are and will be exposed to a proliferation of absolute worldviews on the Internet.
A society equipped with the tools to evaluate absolute claims would be more cautious towards, and protected from, dangerous and erroneous worldviews veiled by romanticised ideals.
Tan Yang Long, 19, serving national service
Preserve glue that holds us together
RECENT terrorist attacks in Sydney and Paris may seem to have an adverse impact only in the West, but they could also damage the social cohesion we have painstakingly built up over 50 years.
Suspicion towards the Malay-Muslim community could grow, creating an air of distrust and tension among the various ethnic groups in Singapore.
The last thing we want is a repeat of the 1964 race riots.
To prevent this and to continue preserving racial harmony, Singaporeans must realise that they are all united in the fight against terrorism. We should continue looking out for one another and maintain warm and friendly relations.
The terrorist attacks serve as a reminder to us not to take our racial harmony for granted, and to continue to uphold the social integration between the various racial groups that has held the nation together for five decades.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Dean Goh Yan Jin, 15, Secondary 3 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS: Youth Forum is a weekly column showcasing the views of our younger readers. If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any issue, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details.
I READ Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan's commentary ("Charlie Hebdo and the hold of absolute values"; Jan 17) with interest.
Absolutism, by nature, is exclusive. Absolute worldviews, such as total freedom of speech or extremism, exclude any other claims contradicting them.
In any society, there is a plurality of absolute worldviews.
Does this mean all societies will erupt into chaos because of the incompatibility of worldviews?
Efforts must be made to rigorously evaluate worldviews. They must withstand tests such as logical consistency, empirical adequacy or experiential relevance.
However, these tools are useful only if one has yet to be overly immersed in a social environment promoting a new worldview.
In this context, I recommend incorporating such evaluative training in Singapore, especially in key communities like schools.
This is an age where many are and will be exposed to a proliferation of absolute worldviews on the Internet.
A society equipped with the tools to evaluate absolute claims would be more cautious towards, and protected from, dangerous and erroneous worldviews veiled by romanticised ideals.
Tan Yang Long, 19, serving national service
Preserve glue that holds us together
RECENT terrorist attacks in Sydney and Paris may seem to have an adverse impact only in the West, but they could also damage the social cohesion we have painstakingly built up over 50 years.
Suspicion towards the Malay-Muslim community could grow, creating an air of distrust and tension among the various ethnic groups in Singapore.
The last thing we want is a repeat of the 1964 race riots.
To prevent this and to continue preserving racial harmony, Singaporeans must realise that they are all united in the fight against terrorism. We should continue looking out for one another and maintain warm and friendly relations.
The terrorist attacks serve as a reminder to us not to take our racial harmony for granted, and to continue to uphold the social integration between the various racial groups that has held the nation together for five decades.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Dean Goh Yan Jin, 15, Secondary 3 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS: Youth Forum is a weekly column showcasing the views of our younger readers. If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any issue, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details.
