October 9, 2008

the mouse and cheese story

Based on our conversation in class, what is the point of the story: "The Mouse That Ate The Cheese?"

the story "the mouse that ate the cheese" is a clear example of the flaws that occur within the process of knowledge. in the story, Bill had justified his knowledge through empiricism  (because saw the mouse) which makes his knowledge more believable. however no one believes him because it was not an impersonal experience (only he saw it). another example of conflict with knowledge was that the owner of the flat where the mouse lived uses confirmation bias against bill. "thats absurd. I loathe mice so I spent a lot of money making sure that this flat is mouseproof. to be doubly sure I have the best firm of pest exterminators come in and check it over regularly." the owner, george, uses his own information to attempt to prove Bill's knowledge as false. however, George did not see the mouse and does not know for sure that there really are no mice, but instead is accepting the word of the extermination firm

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