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The second method of knowledge that Peirce discusses is the method of authority. This is similar to the method of tenacity in the way that it is based on knowledge given to you by another person. The way that it differs is that it is often from a group and is forced upon you. A wonderful example of this is the Catholic Church during the Inquisition. When the Church forced people to accept their doctrines they were using the method of authority to force people to follow their beliefs, or be tortured to death. Of course not all of their beliefs were true. Such as when the Church said that the Earth was the center of the universe, even after Galileo proved them wrong. People who use the method of authority often use either threats, such as torture, or public pressure, such as being shunned or isolated by others. This, of course, is not limited the religious groups. Governments also use the method of authority. Usually this method is used to keep control over the masses and to force doctrine upon them. So let's move on to the next the next method... |