"A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste"
In the Sunday Oklahoman, SNU president Loren Gresham has some interesting things to say about higher ed. I am struck by a couple of thoughts about those who have vast criticism of higher education today.
First, faculty aren't there to confirm preconceived ideas. Yes there are always stories that show some professor, somewhere, who says or does something outrageous to the sensibilities of those who often complain about political correctness. But intellectual exploration is not bible school where indoctrination, not education occurs. Intellectual exploration is important for the advancement is mankind. Without it, people would still believe the world is flat. (Sadly some still do believe that.)
Second, if education changes your perspective on issues and understanding of the world, some in our society will treat such evolution as negative. Yes, ignorance is often militant and in opposition to change or new information that runs contrary to some preconception. Truth is often offensive to some who have been taught things that turn out to be untrue. Discovering truth is always dangerous to demagogues and those who are committed to indoctrination of false dogma. The last thing in the world they want is their beliefs to be shown as false in some way.
Third, the internet is filled with fake news from both right and left. A significant number of people on my friends list don't readily know how to tell the difference between fake and real news and often, even when shown direct evidence, refuse to acknowledge the truth and make adjustments. While educated people fall prey to such fake news too, an open mind will recalibrate and acknowledge legitimate evidence that credibly counters a previous view or belief.
Fourth, tribalism demands blind faith. Not just blind, but ignorance of opposing perspectives that run counter to the majority view of the tribe. Republicans are a tribe. Democrats are a tribe. The tribes are all in disarray right now (thankfully) because people within the tribe aren't buying in. This is causing needed disruption in the tribes.
Fifth, being willing and able to think independently means you are likely not going to fit well into any particular tribe. Even blood relatives often demand ideological compliance. The truth is more important than compliance to a false belief.
First, faculty aren't there to confirm preconceived ideas. Yes there are always stories that show some professor, somewhere, who says or does something outrageous to the sensibilities of those who often complain about political correctness. But intellectual exploration is not bible school where indoctrination, not education occurs. Intellectual exploration is important for the advancement is mankind. Without it, people would still believe the world is flat. (Sadly some still do believe that.)
Second, if education changes your perspective on issues and understanding of the world, some in our society will treat such evolution as negative. Yes, ignorance is often militant and in opposition to change or new information that runs contrary to some preconception. Truth is often offensive to some who have been taught things that turn out to be untrue. Discovering truth is always dangerous to demagogues and those who are committed to indoctrination of false dogma. The last thing in the world they want is their beliefs to be shown as false in some way.
Third, the internet is filled with fake news from both right and left. A significant number of people on my friends list don't readily know how to tell the difference between fake and real news and often, even when shown direct evidence, refuse to acknowledge the truth and make adjustments. While educated people fall prey to such fake news too, an open mind will recalibrate and acknowledge legitimate evidence that credibly counters a previous view or belief.
Fourth, tribalism demands blind faith. Not just blind, but ignorance of opposing perspectives that run counter to the majority view of the tribe. Republicans are a tribe. Democrats are a tribe. The tribes are all in disarray right now (thankfully) because people within the tribe aren't buying in. This is causing needed disruption in the tribes.
Fifth, being willing and able to think independently means you are likely not going to fit well into any particular tribe. Even blood relatives often demand ideological compliance. The truth is more important than compliance to a false belief.
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