Mannheim And The Macro-Level Of Our Society

This idea made me think about Alcorn’s students. As millennials, his students have grown up in the age of technology. Almost every aspect of our life involves some form of technology, be it computers, cell phones, various forms of transportation, etc. At this point, their first instinct is to run to technology to help them solve problems. This could be why students lean towards the computer when creating their art. They stick to what they know rather than brake out of societal norms. Mannheim also brought up the idea that thinking is a social activity. He believed that in order to gain more understanding from this social act, one must engage in other social acts as well (Polak). I find this to be interesting and very true because by doing …show more content…
Now more than ever, people around the world can access information within seconds of it happening because of the rise in technology. As stated in the lecture, “…we are bombarded with the reported and articulated thoughts of political leaders, religious leaders, teachers, advertising agencies, publications, and celebrities” (Polak). No matter where we go, we cannot escape the thoughts and influences of so many other individuals within our society. It becomes hard to distinguish between what is unbiased information from the irrational opinions of the uncritical minds influencing the social structure of society. Mannheim makes it a point to stress the importance of utilizing the sociology of knowledge when examining the macro level of society. People must look at information and consider where it is actually coming from (Polak). Just because a certain politician or celebrity preaches their views to the public does not necessarily mean that the information is correct. While it only loosely relates to Alcorn’s article, it could still explain why students have a hard time bringing themselves to learn old school art techniques. We are constantly being pushed to use technology, to buy this or that new invention. It is difficult to reject technology when creating their art because today’s students have spent the majority of their lives benefiting from it and the entire world continuously encourages this …show more content…
He says, “For I do nothing but go about persuading you all, old and young alike, not to take thought for your persons or your properties, but first and chiefly to care about the greatest improvement of the soul. I tell you that virtue is not given by money, but that from virtue comes money and every other good of man, public as well as private” (Jowett). This idea is so important because it continues to stand true in modern society. In order to allow the soul to grow, one must involve themselves in acts that instill values and integrity. Honing one’s ability to find comfort not in material items but in thoughts and ideas is the basis of improving the soul. This idea can also relate back to Alcorn’s students in modern times. Instead of relying on computers to do most of the work for them, it is important that students first practice methods, such as learning to mix paints or to make a visually pleasing composition, that can instill discipline and lead them to more complex techniques as they continue to expand themselves. Learning the basics before moving on to more intricate pieces is important because it gives students an opportunity to learn about themselves and explore their aspirations as artists. It gives them time to grow into the artists that they were meant to