Characteristics of each of the four liberal arts lenses

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Arts

 

Identify the characteristics of each of the four liberal arts lenses, the types of evidence they use, and the similarities and differences among them.
Be sure to include relevant points that help explain the characteristics.
Identify the types of evidence used when looking through each lens.
Determine similarities and differences among the lenses, based on the characteristics you have identified.
Researching Your Topic

For the topic you selected from the list above, determine what you know, what you want to know, and what you have learned about the topic from the provided resources in the library guide. You will need to use each of the four lenses in your responses.
Know (K): Draw on previous and personal experiences to provide information about what you already know about your topic in relation to each lens.
Want to know (W): Determine what you want to know about your topic in relation to the lenses.
Be sure to phrase this information in the form of questions.
What keywords would be helpful in exploring your topic?
Learned (L): Answer the questions you posed about your topic using the provided resources in the library guide. If they are not answered by the resources, explain what steps you will take to answer them.
Applying the Lenses to Your Topic

Choose two of the four lenses you applied when researching your topic, and examine the topic in greater detail.
Topic and first lens: Examine your topic through your first lens.
Be sure to identify the lens you selected.
Write about what you learned in your examination. Use details and examples relevant to that lens from the resources in the library guide and the course.
Topic and second lens: Examine your topic through your second lens.
Be sure to identify the lens you selected.
Write about what you learned in your examination. Use details and examples relevant to that lens from the resources in the library guide and the course.
Similarities and differences: Explain the similarities and differences in how the lenses relate to your topic.
Focus on the view you get when looking at your topic through both lenses.
Further exploration: Determine the next steps for further exploration of the topic you have chosen.
Determine questions to ask for further exploration of this topic. Would you continue to explore through the lenses you’ve chosen, or take another approach?

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

The Characteristics of the Four Liberal Arts Lenses
The four liberal arts lenses, also known as the four modes of inquiry, are a framework used to approach and analyze various subjects and topics. Each lens has its own characteristics and focuses on different aspects of inquiry. The four lenses are:

The Historical Lens:

Focuses on understanding the past and how it has shaped the present.
Looks at events, individuals, and social, political, and cultural contexts.
Examines primary sources such as documents, artifacts, and eyewitness accounts.
The Scientific Lens:

Emphasizes the study of natural phenomena and the pursuit of empirical knowledge.
Uses the scientific method to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions.
Relies on empirical evidence, quantitative data, and logical reasoning.
The Literary Lens:

Explores the meaning, interpretation, and analysis of written texts.
Considers literary devices, themes, symbols, and authorial intent.
Examines various genres such as fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction.
The Philosophical Lens:

Engages in critical thinking and reflection on fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality.
Considers different philosophical theories and perspectives.
Analyzes arguments, logic, and ethical principles.
Types of Evidence Used by Each Lens
Historical Lens:

Primary sources (letters, diaries, government documents)
Secondary sources (historical books, articles)
Oral histories
Archaeological artifacts
Scientific Lens:

Empirical data (observations, experiments)
Quantitative measurements
Statistical analysis
Peer-reviewed scientific journals
Literary Lens:

Textual evidence (quotes, passages)
Literary criticism (essays, articles)
Author biographies
Literary theories
Philosophical Lens:

Logical arguments
Ethical theories
Philosophical texts (books, essays)
Personal reflections and contemplation
Similarities and Differences Among the Lenses
Similarities:

All lenses involve inquiry and critical thinking.
They aim to understand different aspects of a topic.
They rely on evidence and analysis to draw conclusions.
Differences:

The historical lens focuses on events and contexts, while the scientific lens focuses on empirical knowledge.
The literary lens analyzes written texts for meaning and interpretation, whereas the philosophical lens engages in critical thinking about fundamental questions.
The types of evidence used vary across the lenses.
Further Exploration
To further explore the chosen topic, one could consider the following questions:

How has the historical lens shaped our understanding of this topic?
What scientific research has been conducted regarding this topic?
How can literary analysis shed light on different perspectives or themes related to this topic?
What philosophical theories or ethical considerations are relevant to this topic?
Continuing exploration through the lenses already chosen would provide a comprehensive understanding. However, taking another approach like a sociological lens could also provide valuable insights into the topic by examining social structures, power dynamics, and societal influences.

 

 

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