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Pluto: Can We Accept Knowledge?

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As technology becomes more and more advanced, it seems as if what was once thought of as fact, quickly becomes myth. We notice that the phrase, “that which is accepted as knowledge today is sometimes discarded tomorrow,” has never been so correct, as new scientific findings develop every day. Emotion and faith play a large role in what we accept as knowledge, and in the end may even obstruct us from changing the way we think.
Although emotions are important in how we accept knowledge, they can sometimes act as our enemies. When people become emotionally attached to a belief, it can be almost impossible to change their mind. When speaking about emotions it is important to realize that they are not universal. Cultural experiences will change …show more content…

For example, in elementary school you probably learned that there are nine planets, and Pluto is the ninth one. However, this once widely accepted fact became false in 2006 when astronomers ruled that Pluto would no longer be considered a planet. The decision that will force textbooks to be rewritten caused large controversy when Pluto was relabeled as a dwarf planet. The decision came after redefining the term “planet”, which had never had an official definition. To be considered a planet, and object must orbit the sun, be large enough to become round due to its own gravity, and dominate the area around its orbit. Pluto does not dominate its area, and therefore was demoted to a dwarf planet. The issue brings controversy as some scientists believe the definition is too vague. Years later, Mike Brown, astronomer at Cal Tech, is still being harassed about the decision. It is difficult for many people to digest the decision because they trusted in what they were taught when they were young. It is hard to discard the idea that Pluto is no longer a planet because many people have become emotionally attached to it, proving that emotions can distort our idea of

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