Question 1
Manipulation is a form of persuasion; however, the difference between manipulation and persuasion lies in the underlying intent and the desire, the transparency and truthfulness, and the impact or the net benefit, as highlighted hereunder.
Persuasion is the use of skills in convincing someone to do something that is genuinely believed to be in his/her best interest. The strategies used in persuasion, the tools, the arguments, and the understanding of the facts; make somebody buy the idea or the opinion of the other, which he/she believes is best. Manipulation, on the other hand, is meant to control, contrive, or fool someone into doing, believing, or buying something or idea that is either harmful or does not benefit him/her. Manipulation is also the concealment of a desire to influence someone to move to or accept your own point of view in a manner that benefits you. Manipulation demonstrates an ulterior motive or strong bias towards someone’s lack of benefit in accepting one’s idea or opinion.
Question 2:
Beyond any reasonable doubt, everyone is biased. The manner in which people reason or act is based on their personal life experiences, which varies from one person to the other. Human understanding varies considerably and is influenced by attitudes and behaviors, which are unique in every person. Therefore, one may believe in a concept, opinion, idea, or action, based on his understanding, which in the eyes of another person, is biased.
I do not think it is possible to write without bias. As stated above, an individual’s opinion is based on several issues, among which are: religious principles, societal norms, moral principles, and scientific principles and facts, which, in one way or the other, are biased. In the textbook, I failed to recognize an example of bias.
As a critical thinker, I believe that bias, in some cases, is unintended or unnoticed. When I read something that I feel is biased, I critically evaluate it based on the various principles that might have led to the bias, and then give my opinion based on my own understanding.
I believe everyone is biased. However, as a critical thinker, I believe that bias, in some cases, is unintended or unnoticed. Due to life experiences and different situations we all develop our own personal biases; it is an involuntary and unintentional act. I believe that you will hardly find unbiased person, since our own experiences and feelings play a major role. I do not think it is possible to write without bias. An individual’s opinion is based on several issues, among which are: religious principles, societal norms, moral principles, and scientific principles and facts, which, in one way or the other, are biased.
