Monday, October 17, 2011
Specialization as Monomania
As soon as I read the title "Specialization as Monomania" I knew this chapter would involve what we spoke about in our last discussion about specialization as an obsession.In this chapter Davis explains how with time madness was being excepted as a part of normality. I agree that to be specialization can be described as a form of obsession, as children we are encouraged to find our passion and from a young age start thinking about what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Society encourages us to specialize in science, medicine, technology, the arts, etc. and to aim to obtain the highest level that we can, we are encouraged to be the best of the best and to know everything their is to know about our specialty, so in a way society is encouraging us to be obsessed and we are rewarded for being obsessed with money, praise, and high social status.
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I agree. No wonder we went over specialization in our last class. I knew there had to be a catch. Society does encourage us to be specialized in certain fields, just as Davis mentions. The important thing to keep in mind is how we should not let our work lead us to become overly obsessed. In some cases, like scientists, people are left with no choice, but to develop an obsession pertaining to their constant study. Monomania is specialized so in one way or another, we will all have the chance of becoming a little obsessed.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts! Society does sort of push us to be obsessed. In school and at home we are expected to study our brains off in order to reach the goals and career we have chosen. When we accomplish these goals society does reward us with better jobs, better pay, and overall better opportunities. However society doesn't realize what they are doing ties in with obsession. They feel they are just encouraging people to do well and become great people. But with the added pressure we become stressed and then that particular subject, topic or way of life may become all we think, sleep, eat, and talk about.
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