Tools for Analysis-updated

TOOLS FOR ANALYSIS

Gerg Anrol R. Cahiles College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Journalism is both a science and an art. The artistic side of journalism focuses on the ability to express the information in the best way possible. Science dictates its content, the relevance of a particular article in society.

Objectives  To have a strong analytical framework on burning issues of our time  To use “scientific” analytical tool in understanding the society

Standpoint vs Viewpoint

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VS

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

Where do ideas/ concepts/ beliefs come from?

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Dominant Views  Idealism  Materialism

HEGELIAN framework = Believes in the power of the mind = Existence of Absolute Spirit = Connection between Ideal and material (but not as cause and effect). = Ideal is over material = Setting conditions through the mind (should be’s and supposed to be’s) = Subjective

MARXIST framework =MATERIALIST = SCIENTIFIC = OBJECTIVE

 Therefore, if we really want to have an objective thinking, we must use the materialist view as a tool for analysis.

Three Stages of Understanding  Perception  Rationalization  Application

For Marx… 

The production of knowledge is based on the progress of society, which is determined by the progress in their mode of production



It’s not the consciousness that determines their existence but in contrary, it is the social condition that determines the consciousness

Development of Society

Dialectical Materialism  Used even during the ancient Greece  Attain truth through questions and answers  Presence of Contradictions

Synthesis (new Thesis)

Synthesis (new Thesis) Antithesis

Thesis

Antithesis

Historical Materialism  The application of Dialectics to history  With this tool, Marx argued that any history can be interpreted.  Can make general statements about the future through the patterns. But it is not similar to the “Prediction” of the Idealists.

Idealism vs Materialism Idealism

Materialism

Things are separate from one another.

Things are interconnected.

Things are unique in themselves.

Things are caused by historical and social conditions.

Things cannot be changed.

Things can and need to be changed.