Issue 153

Jamin_CheungUID: 2752925

TOPIC: ISSUE153 - "Students should bring a certain skepticism to whatever they study. They should question what they are taught instead of accepting it passively."
WORDS: 556
TIME: 00:45:00
DATE: 2010-2-8 22:31:56

The statement asserts that a certain skepticism is essential for students whatever they study. Although undue skepticism may result in a waste of time and energy, I strongly admit that we should question and challenge the authority and learn things positively.

There's no denying that skepticism is of great significance in our studies, especially in the realm of science. But for skepticism, our society might still be covered with unscientific ideas and theories. It is skepticism of scientists that pushes us to advance. Consider, for example, the understanding and explanation of light. In history of science, the nature of light had been long debated by scientists with various opinions. One of the best-known explanation was Newton's assumption that light was composed of many particles and its movement could be explained by the model of balls. Owing to the great fame of Newton, his theory had been accepted as correct for long time. However, skepticism is the nature of scientists. People never gave up the studies on light and found the diffraction of light and light effect, which can't be explained by Newton's theory. They pulled down the old explanation and approached to the truth. Thus, never can we imagine what if scientists lost their skepticism.

Similarly, skepticism is precious for artists as well. Skepticism towards antecedents and so-called successful artists helps new hands seek their own innovations and ideas. Any artist, or whoever studies on arts, will certainly stand with me that the real value of art originates from one's spirit without any decroation. If we force artists to shape theri works by the concern for integrating so-called principles made by their teachers, all the innovation will fade out and at the same time art would become duplication and loss its value. If Shakespeare had paid much attention to obeying neo-classical principles of unity which Valtaire wanted to see, I would have worried how his materpieces came out. So, in realm of art, skepticism is the warrant of innovations and should be encouraged.

In fact, skepticism is one of the precious treasure for human beings. It contributes to our critical thinking and helps us to judge things overally. Actually, the attitudes towards studying will surely have an influence on one's getting along with the outside world in future. If an individual always accept knowledge on books passitively, it's likely that he is easy to be convinced by one-sided argument and lacks the ability of critical thinking to explore truth positively. Never would he try doing something that somebody tell him is impossible. As a result, we will lose one who can reform imperfect system.

Yet, in spite of my highly praise for skepticism, I don't mean that learners should cast their doubt on everyting and disregard instructions from their teachers. The antecedent have been paving the way for us. We should realize concede that teachers teach us something gained from their experience and there is something useful in it. From their experience, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes and save much time and energy which may be waste on fruitless effort.

To sum up, it's a good habit for students to question what they are taught instead of accepting knowledge passively. And the habit will contribute more to one's forming opinions and developing a civilized society. But undue skepticism have to be avoided, the young should learn to distinguish right from wrong.