Idols of the cave and theatre

During the modern period of rhetorical study, Englishman Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1625) created an analysis of mental distortions/biases in thought and speech which may lead to misunderstandings in communication.

These are called the Four Idols, which are comprised of:
- Idols of the tribe (human nature)
- Idols of the cave (individual prejudices)
- Idols of the marketplace (use of language)
- Idols of the theatre (acceptance of fashion uncritically)

I believe that no person can be free of having prejudice so I'll try as best I can to cover the Idols of the cave.

The Idols of the cave is a result of an individual's upbringing, one's beliefs and mentality. It can be affected by the media, like watching too much TV may lead one to think that what happens on TV is actually analogous to the happenings in real life when it is fictional. As such, it may lead to a stereotyping of a particular race or culture.

The Idols of the theatre is a result of an abuse of authority, or media, if you will. The uncritical acceptance of fashion and trends may become quite a problem especially among the young generation as most of them think that those who don’t follow the recent trends are different and they are ostracized because of it. This may lead to a loss of identity as they just follow the trends and do as the media tells them. But of course that could be seen as an identity in itself.

In conclusion, we must keep these idols in check if we are ever to progress as a species. Close mindedness will only serve to hinder progress and may even regress it. Traditions should be preserved for the sake of culture but extreme conservatism will hurt progress.

So here’s to progress and all the perks that come with it.

Cheers.