Rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises

I do not believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises, but do agree that aspects of them are important in American culture.

The rationality premise is based on the idea that most people can use logic to find the truth. However, I think that there are big differences in people’s analytical abilities. Many people do not make good decisions. Also, there is no single truth. People have different perspectives and different decisions are appropriate for different people. However, I do think that the American culture is built on the idea that individuals should have the opportunity to provide for themselves. For example, even if democracy can lead to poor decisions the ideas that individual Americans choose the government and that the government works for the people are important in American culture.

The perfectibility premise is based on the idea that people are born in sin, but can overcome it through hard work and self-control. I do not believe that people are born in sin or that asserting control over basic human nature is necessary to achieve good. However, I do believe that acceptable cultural and moral behavior needs to be learned. Also, hard work and individual achievement are big parts of American culture. Individuals are expected to work hard and take advantage of the opportunity and freedom provided in America. However, the outcomes will vary based on the path people choose.

The mutability premise is that humans can be improved through their environment. I think this is generally true. This belief is part of the reason for free public education or programs for criminals. It may not always work, but is hard to argue with the idea that education can help people improve in general.