Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Pyramids in Bosnia and Testing for Truth
In class yesterday we watched a brief news clip about the discovery of pyramids in Bosnia. How can we evaluate the validity of this claim? In previous classes we have seen that different tests can be applied to knowledge claims. We can test by reasoning, by observation, by seeking a reliable source, by emotion. What tests are used to validate the claim in Bosnia? What tests can invalidate it? What do you personally think about the claim?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
We can evaluate the truth of the claim of the pyramids in Bosnia by verifying the facts by further research on news stories that appear after this. What I mean by this is, waiting until we see this claim appear in other news stories across the world; surely a discovery like this will rewrite history. I have not heard of this amazing piece of information before or after we had watched the video which was from 2008. It almost appears to be a hoax or something of sorts.
ReplyDeleteThe tests we use to validate these claims are by three of the four tests mentioned in the post above; we can test this claim by reasoning, by observation, and by seeking a reliable source. First we use our previous knowledge to look at the facts and see if they make sense, then we can go there and observe the pieces of the pyramids that have been uncovered (if we have the possibility and the resources). Finally, as I suggested before, we can use other sources to verify our information; these other sources would be other newspapers and reliable internet sources.
The news claim about the discovery of the pyramids in Bosnia can be evaluated for its validity in a number of ways. By reasoning it could be questioned why the existence of these pyramids have only come up now and why the people of Bosnia or even countries around Bosnia have never heard about it. On the other hand it can also be said that nature could have never built pyramids with tunnels in them, therefore they have to be manmade. Since there is a forest on them it means that they must have been made a very long time ago. Which only leads back to the initial question why in history has it never be stated. So by reasoning the validity of the source could be questioned, but at the same time there is no logical explanation why the pyramids would not be manmade. Evaluating by observation the pyramids seem very realistic, as the news clip showed many images of the tunnels and the pyramid in themselves. The archaeologist also stated that by observing the shapes of the “mountains”, it can be seen that they are mountains but man made pyramids. The news clip seem reliable since it is a known channel, but it still presented the subject in a stage manner. Making the archaeologist look like Indiana Jones which makes the whole scene look like a joke. To conclude I would considerer this source not very reliable but it has presented a story, to interest the public. Even though the story might be true it has presented it in a manner that is just to attract viewers. For more factual information one could read from newspapers and the internet, the more information that one reads on the subject the more chance there is about knowing whether the story is true or false.
ReplyDeleteThe validity of the discovery of the pyramids in Bosnia can be evaluated in more than one way for there are different tests that can be applied to knowledge claims. Reasoning on the claim we can both validate and invalidate the claim: first of all the pyramids must be manmade for they have a complex structure with tunnels and stonework but on the other hand why weren’t these structures mentioned in any historical document? Observation also contributes because, as the researcher states in the news clip, the shape of the hills is not natural and when they started digging an amazing quantity of pathways and stonework was visible. Seeking a reliable source may validate or invalidate the claim because other sources of information may confirm this phenomenon or they may discredit it by proving it wrong or impossible. Certainly the test by emotion cannot be taken into consideration because obviously the researcher and other people who are extremely interested in history or similar are emotionally involved, so validating the claim, while other people who are not interested involve no emotions and so invalidate the test. The emotion test is very unreliable in this case and it depends on the point of view. I think this is a very interesting claim and I have never heard of the pyramids in Bosnia before so I have been exposed to new information which in a way makes me curious but in another way creates suspicion because it is very improbable that no one ever mentioned these structures in the past. Still I am looking forward to a conclusion, if there will ever be one.
ReplyDeleteThe validity of the discovery of the pyramids in Bosnia can be proved generally through the correspondence test and the coherence test. Through the coherence test we analyze whether it is plausabile for the claim to be true by using reasoning and memory. By understanding the civilizations that allredy lived in the Bosnian area in the past we can undertsand the validity of the claim. Also through the correspondence test we can evaluate the validity of the claim. Through observation and a reliable source we can check or verify the claim and prove whether it corresponds to what happens in the real world.If archeologists find a definite structure of the pyramids and have reliable sources to support the validity of the claim.
ReplyDeleteThe tests that can invalidate the claim are still the coherence test and correspondence test, because if we prove through observation, reasoning, a reliable source and memory that the pyramids in Bosnia aren't true.
Personally i had allready seen a video on the validity of the pyramids in Bosnia and it was very catching. Through two videos the validity of the claim can't be exact. With time and proof with the tests i will be able to make a conlusion whether it's possible for pyramids to exists in Bosnia.
Last class in T.O.K, we watched a news video about an incredible yet mysterious discovery of the valley of Pyramids in Bosnia. What the video claims brought about a lot of debate to whether or not the story was true or if it was just a hoax. To understand the verity of the story we must analyze it and become thinkers. There are many different manners to analyze the validity of a situation, and in T.O.K we learned that we must use our reasoning, our observation, our seeking of a reliable source, and our emotion, to do so.
ReplyDeleteIn reasoning we may question how the archeologist has so much confidence in knowing that the pyramids are lying underneath the greenery of the hills in the valley, yet even with advanced technology many of the excavators are still not sure whether the pyramids do exist at all. We may also ask ourselves, how it is possible that over the many years nobody ever thought of the idea of the pyramids hidden underneath the hills, and how there is not any solid evidence in ancient manuscripts or written documents about them. By observing the excavation of the site, we are able comprehend the validity of the situation because it is happening as we speak. Through out time we will have an answer to whether the pyramids are real or not, but at the time being, we can only wait. The archeologist who came up with the idea of the pyramid valley is seen as a truly reliable source in the eyes of the Bosnian people. This is because they see him as someone who will help fortify their country (which has been war torn for many years). Maybe, if another archeologist without any connection to the country of Bosnia investigated the case, the world would have a better reliable source to count on. Lastly, emotion plays a vital role in understanding the validity of the story. The Bosnian people will have an extremely emotional and opinionated view of the story, because the event is occurring in their homeland. For other archeologists, it may be an important event which they are interested in and therefore have an m=emotional attachment to the discovery. Instead for others it may not be very emotional, but it is still interesting. In my personal opinion I think that only time will tell whether this story is true, and for now all i can really do is research the story and find out more information on it.
Nine pyramids were discovered in a valley in Bosnia, one of which is believed to be the largest in the world. Some sort of "tunnels" were also discovered underground that lead to the pyramids. Can we take this information for true? Or should we debate and question this information? Either things can be done through various tests. When verifying beliefs various aspects are to be taken in to consideration like: reasoning, observation, memory, emotions, whether it is a reliable source, or if it is a revelation. In this case of the Bosnian pyramids, a way to verify the claims stated in the video we saw in class could be to check if the same information is circulation in any other places. Maybe check to see if it is on the news or any other television around the world. You could also read other magazines or newspaper to verify what is true or not. Another and simple thing to do could be to just research the information or story on the internet, and then compare various sources. A test on the other hand that could invalidate the claim could be just using your memory. By knowing information on history you can find out if was even possible to construct pyramids in that valley by knowing which people lived there. You could also use your scientific knowledge to work out if all the vegetation (even forests) could have grown calmly on top of pyramids which were constructed with fertilizer. Personally I find this claim a little suspicious because some information seems a little out of the ordinary and not very credible. Also looking at it logically, I saw this video for the first time in class a week ago, but the actual video was made in 2008. It seems a little strange how I had seen nothing of the sort in 3 years on something so immensely big and important to the whole world.
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of the Bosnian pyramids can be validated mostly by using reasoning, observation, and seeking a reliable source. Emotion in such a case wouldn’t be much of a help since emotion relies a lot on a personal opinion. Through reason one may consider the story as being a fantasy since no one had ever discovered or read about these pyramids ever before the Indiana Jones man made the documentary. This seems quite strange, also because if this were a true story, the fact that these pyramids would have been the only ones in Europe is a huge event in history and the whole world would have heard about it. On the other hand though, through reason we can use common sense to realize that the tunnels inside the so-called pyramid were not made by nature. Thus telling us that man had to have made the tunnels a very long time ago, so that plants and trees were able to grow on top of the pyramid. Observation is also important for the validity of the pyramids in Bosnia. I would personally, believe this story if I actually physically went to the pyramids myself, and saw the tunnels and the overgrown grass and bushes. Only then, could I truly believe a story this important. The video seemed a bit false since it was named after the movie ‘Indiana Jones’ and it didn’t seem as if it could have been on a television show such as discovery channel. A reliable source is definitely needed to prove the story about the Pyramids in Bosnia. As a matter of fact, more than one reliable source is needed to convince the audience. In this case, there was only one piece of evidence and personally, it wasn’t very reliable. In conclusion the story about the discovery of pyramids in Bosnia, being the largest in the world, and the only ones in Europe, I would need a lot more evidence in order to believe such a thing, or else I would need to go there and discover it for myself.
ReplyDeleteTo evaluate the validity of such a claim as the case of the findings of the nine pyramids in Bosnia, one would have to thoroughly attempt to do numerous tests such as the ones we have been taught in our T.O.K. lessons; reason, observation, the seeking of a reliable source and emotion.
ReplyDeleteBy using the test reason, one would have to use their common knowledge or common sense; "has this case been discussed on any other news stations around the world? ", or "why has this discovery been brought forth, during this time period?" Also acknowledging the fact that the video was uploaded in the year 2007, but we do not know when the actually discovery occurred. Being an avid learner throughout my whole life, and assuming that this discovery had occurred in the year 2007, I would have possibly heard about it; either from another news station or from my parents. The test of observation can also be applied when attempting to evaluate the validity of this case because by observing the video, one can examine the facial expressions of the news anchor man, and I noticed that he appeared to have a suspicious look on his face when the archaeologist was stating the certain facts of how he had discovered the 5 pyramids that are in the valley of Bosnia. Also when the anchorman says a certain phrase; “If true”, this gives the viewer some doubt if the case may be valid or not, and shows that the news station is not clearly sure if it is valid or not either. Throughout the video, the viewer can see that the news station discusses numerous statistical, factual information on how the discovery may have come about, thus making the reader feel assured that; “if there are facts proven by a specialist, then it must be true.” For the test of; the seeking of a reliable source; people tend to feel assured when a specialist of a certain discussion knows what they are talking about. We could search in magazine, news papers or other news stations to see if this discovery is valid or not. Now the last test that can be applied is “emotion”. Bosnia is not known for any popular great historical discoveries or great historical foundings, so having supposedly discovered 5 pyramids, that were possibly handmade thousands of years ago, is very good for the Bosnian community. It gives the fellow Bosnian citizens hope that their “home” has some matter of importance, and this is where emotion is brought about. A test that could possibly invalidate this claim is memory. Using one's memory cannot be the most reliable source for information or facts. I would have to conclude, that I am not that convinced that this case is valid. I would need to have a lot more evidence to prove the validity of the discovery and I would have to be able to see the actual findings with my own eyes.
Today's topic dealt with belief and knowledge and how they interact with each other. To further our understanding; a video on a recent discovery in Bosnia was shown in class that aimed to place these two puzzle pieces together.
ReplyDeleteFor one to evaluate the validity of the claim made in this video - that there may be indeed the world's largest pyramid sitting in Bosnia - different ways of justifying beliefs we hold, would have to be tested (coherently, correspondingly and pragmatically). By evaluating this video coherently, one would ask if this fits in with previous knowledge, if this is plausible and if this makes sense. It seems like the Bosnian pyramids doesn't give a clear answer for the first coherence question, but as for the second and third; straightforward answers can be given. It may be possible for the Egyptians, or whatever other ancient pyramid building society to have reached Bosnia and have built a large pyramid. After having made this plausible assumption, the third questions seems to answer itself. The correspondence method, calls for a more finicky analysis. Sitting and thinking just isn't enough, and so verifications and correspondence with what is going on in the real world of this claim become necessary to validate it. One could start to thoroughly research articles, videos and interviews on these Bosnian pyramids for further reassurance. We are in an age of discovery, an age in which people seem to want to know more about what surrounds them and how it all began, therefore "Mr - 21st Century - Indiana Jones" has every right and should be applauded for the hard work and perseverance he has dedicated into finding this "world's largest pyramid". The last test available is used for assumptions. This test gives a tentative, not an absolute truth, asking not for evidence; but for what the practical consequences would be of accepting the knowledge claim. The people of Bosnia would not have a problem, accepting the fact that there is a large pyramid in their city. On the contrary; they would be quite happy, as it would increase their tourism and level of importance worldwide. I can't think of any tests that would invalidate this claim; for now.
Scientific investigations of the site show that there is no pyramid there. Additionally, scientists have criticised the Bosnian authorities for supporting the pyramid claim saying, "This scheme is a cruel hoax on an unsuspecting public and has no place in the world of genuine science." Maybe the dig that Samir had started in April 2006, was just involved in reshaping the hill to make it look like a Mayan step pyramid. ; )
To actually believe the claim that states there are nine pyramids being discovered in Bosnia one should apply different tests of knowledge to it, such as the ones we analyzed during our previous Tok classes. Certainly the test of reasoning cannot be applied to this knowledge claim for it is not with reason that one may discover if there are really nine pyramids which are being discovered in Bosnia. So reasoning actually invalidates the claim. Observation on the other hand is the most valuable test for me. There is no other better method than to actually see something with one's eyes to be completely sure about claims and facts. If I were able to actually see the Bosnian Valley I would validate my claim immediately. By seeing it I mean physically see it and not by watching a video about it. Another way of testing the validity of the claim on the Bosnian Valley is by seeking a reliable source that ensures its existence. For example, if National Geographic or a National News releases an official video about the new valley discovered, I would most likely believe in the claim, simply because I would assume the statements declared to be absolutely true. The last way to prove a claim's validity is through emotion. I personally think that emotion is the hardest way to prove validity because it is something more personal but at the same time too general. For example, even thought the video about the nine pyramids in Bosnia created a feeling of enthusiasm in me that emotion did not satisfy the validity of the video. After the video ended, I still asked myself why I had never heard of these pyramids before, and so if there existence is true or false. Furthermore, this test cannot be used to prove this statement .
ReplyDeleteIn conclusion, I would probably either research more about these Bosnian Pyramids or either have to have more relaibe proof about them. I am not entirely convinced about this case's validity because I have never hear about these pyramids until our TOK class, and a video does not satisfy my belief.
Firstly, if experience and prior knowledge were used to evaluate the validity of this claim, it might prove a bit difficult to believe. Pyramids, at least according to our knowledge, have been found in places such as Egypt and Mexico, but never in Europe. This already makes it difficult to believe that pyramids all of a sudden can be found in Europe, though a counterargument to that would be that there is a first time for everything. It is strange, though, that no one else has ever had an inkling as to whether or not there were pyramids in Bosnia. Testing the claim of Bosnian pyramids through observation is more tactile and may be more useful in deciding whether or not the claim is true or. The video does present certain information, but it does not delve into detail. By closely observing the evidence that apparently proves the existence of the pyramids, and getting several scientific opinions on the matter, a more decisive conclusion may be drawn. Seeking a reliable source can also be used to validate the claims about Bosnian pyramids. If many people who are familiar with this area of archaeology and science are consulted, a conclusion as to whether or not the claims are true or false can be reached, since they are so experienced. Though a source like ABC would not cover just any story, multiple scientists and historians should have been consulted to see if the story did have any validity. It would truly rewrite certain aspects of archaeology if there indeed were pyramids to be found in Bosnia. This would be a revolutionary discovery; however, it would be just as interesting to further investigate the roads and tunnels found and see what secrets they hold.
ReplyDeleteA debate can be opened discussing whether or not the claim that there are actually 9 pyramids in Bosnia. A news report watched in class was clearly stating that these 9 pyramids actually exist. The claim can be falsified, of course, as it could be supported. Using the tests that have been studied in the TOK class, both of these are easily achieved. When using the observation test, one would easily reach the conclusion that the pyramids are existent. This s because, as showm in the video, their shape is too symmetrical to be "mother nature's" creation, and all the tunnels inside them are a sure proof to the fact that something was manmade. With regards to the reliable source test, I would at first say that the news report is somewhat reliable. Yet when taking a closer look at things, the explorer seems to be fitting the shoes of Indiana Jones, making the report seem burlesque. Furthermore, when one finally applies the reasoning test, everything seems even more improbable. How is it possible that no historical proof can support the claim? How were pyramids built in Bosnia?
ReplyDeleteWhen viewing the news segment on the Bosnian Pyramids, even without any external sources, one can easily see the improbability of the claims made and can easily determine them to be invalid. What can be, at first, noticed, is the resemblance between the archaeologist and Indiana Jones. His attire is far too similar to be a plain coincidence which should immediately trigger some sensors. This, however, is nothing compared to the claim made few seconds later. The report claims that said archeologist discovered a valley of pyramids in Bosnia, being the largest in the world and containing the largest pyramid in the world. If one is confident enough of his/her own knowledge or is able to apply critical thinking this claim will immediately stand out as bogus because of a wide range of reasons. Firstly, pyramids (especially the largest in the world) are not something which is easily hidden. The report claims they were for millennia erroneously mistaken for geological landforms however it seems unlikely that it took so long for anyone to come up with the idea that the pyramidal hills were in fact pyramids. Also, what seems even more unlikely, is that if they were actually pyramids, there would be some historical record of them, however there is none and the report provides no explanation as to who might have built them. In the video, the reporter states that this discovery would be extremely valuable “if true”. This should also cause suspicion, since the existence of a pyramid should be quite easily verifiable with today’s technology. Not having heard of this discovery should cause even more doubt, since the video was uploaded almost four years ago. If a discovery of such magnitude had failed to reach popularity in four years, it is very likely it was either wrong or entirely fake. There is nothing which logically points towards the validity of the claims made, however that is when emotions come into play. When hearing this news, one might be so overcome with amazement for the magnitude of the discovery and and the meaning it carries to dismiss a critical analysis. Humans are generally hot-wired to take information they receive to be true and this has been crucial in mankind’s survival and evolution. Also, the fact that the information is conveyed within a news program leads us to assume it is authentic and accurate. In conclusion, although nothing logically points to the validity of this report, one might carelessly take it to be true because of emotion and be misinformed.
ReplyDeleteThat was close! whew
ReplyDeleteThe pyramid located in the heart of Bosnia in the town called Visoko seems to have all the elements of an actual pyramid, with four perfectly shaped slope,and a flat top. Additionally research say that a medieval walled town has been found, once base of a Bosnian king. Yet accurate scientific investigations of the site show that there is no actual pyramid, but it is just the invention of a man who is giving birth to the destruction of antiquities in order to sell a product that does not exist. Curtis Rumels an expert of prehistoric history claims that is is impossible that there could be a pyramid as in between the 27.000 and 12000 years ago the Balkans were located in the "glacial maximum" a period of very cold and dry climate, and therefore the only habitants were the Paleolithic, and hunters who left behind simple sone tools. Therefore it is impossible as these habitants could have been able with their tools or skills to engage in the construction of such monumental architecture.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore the claims that have been made on the discovery are unsupported by any kind of factual evidence.
It is therefore deducible that the fake excavations continue only because they have gained popularity and the pyramid has brought beneficial support to the Bosnian tourism.
Sorry for the late comment but as i told you in class i was not able to connect with the internet. Thank you