Issue153 【7\8\910】AW作文小组 第五次作业 7.25

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TOPIC: ISSUE153 - "Students should bring a certain skepticism to whatever they study. They should question what they are taught instead of accepting it passively."

Since skepticism can thoroughly arouse one's thinking ability, I agree with the speaker that during learning, students should bring skepticism to whatever they study, meanwhile instead of accepting it passively; they should question what they are taught. However, skepticism doesn't mean undue questions; it is based on mastering some fundamental principles and theories.

Bringing a certain skepticism to whatever students study during learning indicates that they are thinking what they are taught actively before accepting it passively. It is obvious that thinking deeply by oneself is a more efficient and practical method to understand knowledge than memorizing them passively, because the latter is only disguise of mastering knowledge permanently. Due to skepticism, students take every effort to find evidence, information and theories to substantiate their points of view. Although it is most possible that their thoughts will be proved to be lacking of thorough consideration at the end, the process of thinking, searching and concluding is much more important than the knowledge itself. We live in an era which seems to value quick answers and certainty. Internet plays a role as ATM, inserting questions, answers output. Despite that students' responds are so precise appear in their homework, but how many of them are original? Do they realize what their answers mean? Consequently, bringing skepticism is not only useful but also critical for students in learning.

Furthermore, skepticism is one kind of impetus of improving science and technology, human civilization and social development, which everyone has right to possess. Especially for college students, holding a certain skepticism may lead them to create and innovate. Somebody may argue that the principles and theories today are so convincing that even experts have no confidence to overturn or meliorate them, what can students do? Basically I agree with this claim, however, as far as I concerned, skepticism exists in every detailed aspects. Students may question a leakage in codes of Microsoft Windows, a certain material which the manufacturer asserts that it does no harm to human healthy, or a report made by media to criticize a piece of social matter. All these may bring students unexpected discoveries. Therefore, it is no reason for students to give up such a right as skepticism in learning.

However, since baseless skepticism is not favored, students have to provide convincing evidence to persuade others for supporting their questions on some points. Consequently, as a premise, students should master sufficient relevant principles and theories. Namely, students must first develop a foundation of basic knowledge before they begin to think critically about what are educated.

To sum up, skepticism urges students into thinking deeply and effectively which helps them better master what they are taught. Moreover, thorough skepticism, students may gain access to discover and innovate. However, skepticism depends on foundation of basic knowledge, otherwise it is irrational.