Professor rips students regarding critical thinking skills

[Beast]

With all the discussion about religious bigotry lately, I thought this was an interesting article.. I think the professor is spot on.. Personal beliefs are just that, personal beliefs.. The problem arises when people see that their personal beliefs paint them in a poor light and force them to question their beliefs..

Charles Negy, Professor, Says Students Showed 'Religious Arrogance And Bigotry' In A Letter Later Posted On Reddit

[El Caliente]

So they are bigots for believing they belong to (what they view as) the truest faith? That doesn't sound like a bigot, that sounds like a professor who is stuck teaching at a third tier school thinking he belongs at MIT.

[superlaser]

Originally Posted by El Caliente

So they are bigots for believing they belong to (what they view as) the truest faith? That doesn't sound like a bigot, that sounds like a professor who is stuck teaching at a third tier school thinking he belongs at MIT.

He's not saying they are wrong for believing what they believe. He's saying they are wrong for not participating in the point of his discussion; to at least momentarily step outside of their own beliefs and examine them critically. He's not saying they have to change what they believe, but being able to understand and look at situations from viewpoints that are not necessarily one's own is an invaluable lesson to learn.

[Ken-Bob]

I believe he is absolutely spot on. He is openly challenging the culture of anti-intellectualism - THE 800 pound gorilla that represents one of the greatest problems our country has today, yet no-one wants to discuss for fear of offending someone. It's about time that someone spoke up loudly on this issue.

[El Caliente]

He is trying to get into a pissing contest he knows he will win because it's college, he set the parameters, and dem's da breaks when it comes to college.

I understand trying to get people to be tollerent towards the beliefs of others, but this article doesn't present enough info to prove one thing or another as to who was being intolerant or a bigot.

[Beast]

Originally Posted by superlaser

He's not saying they are wrong for believing what they believe. He's saying they are wrong for not participating in the point of his discussion; to at least momentarily step outside of their own beliefs and examine them critically. He's not saying they have to change what they believe, but being able to understand and look at situations from viewpoints that are not necessarily one's own is an invaluable lesson to learn.

This.

No one is saying change your personal beliefs.. Just be able to view the situation / issue / world from a different viewpoint than your own and then apply logic to that viewpoint.. That's part of learning to think critically and independently, which is a big part of what being at a university is about (being exposed to something other than what you're accustomed)..

[Beast]

Originally Posted by El Caliente

He is trying to get into a pissing contest he knows he will win because it's college, he set the parameters, and dem's da breaks when it comes to college. At any rate, who is to say that they hadn't been out of the comfort zone on this topic before? What the professor of some 3rd tier school thinks this is some kind of break through or novel idea posing the question?

As usual, attack the messenger and not the message.. But I guess attacking the desire for people to think critically is quite difficult for anyone with common sense..

[IntenseSaint]

Originally Posted by El Caliente

So they are bigots for believing they belong to (what they view as) the truest faith? That doesn't sound like a bigot, that sounds like a professor who is stuck teaching at a third tier school thinking he belongs at MIT.

Did you even read the article or what the professor wrote?

[IntenseSaint]

Originally Posted by Beast

This.

No one is saying change your personal beliefs.. Just be able to view the situation / issue / world from a different viewpoint than your own and then apply logic to that viewpoint.. That's part of learning to think critically and independently, which is a big part of what being at a university is about (being exposed to something other than what you're accustomed)..

At least the other students got to see first hand what religious (and cultural) bigotry looked like by the student standing up and refusing to participate in the discussion and trying to convince others to do the same.

[Ken-Bob]

Originally Posted by El Caliente

He is trying to get into a pissing contest he knows he will win because it's college, he set the parameters, and dem's da breaks when it comes to college.

I understand trying to get people to be tollerent towards the beliefs of others, but this article doesn't present enough info to prove one thing or another as to who was being intolerant or a bigot.

Sorry but I believe this statement to be absolutely incorrect and show a misunderstanding of what a university, ANY university, is about. The professor said it quite well: The primary purpose of a university is to educate people in how to think at a higher level - how to analyze and evaluate - not to regurgitate so-called "facts". The concept of "tiers" for universities, in and of itself, is a symptom of the greater problem. It doesn't matter how US World News (or whomever) rates universities - that rating doesn't excuse them or any professor on their staff from exercising their responsibility to challenge students to achieve that higher level.

[Charlie Brizzown]

I like that professor, taking the time to extend the lesson and elaborate on the objective. I would have just given them an F.

[purvis_guy]

Many times I have read about conservative speakers being invited to speak at Universities and they are shouted down by certain students and not allowed to speak, it goes both ways, Professor.

[El Caliente]

I read the article and all I got was, man I hate my life so much I am going to tick off some kids for following their beliefs. Well good for him, I hope is tenured because budget cut time programs like his are the first to go, then it's strait to selling Miss. Fields cookies at the mall with that Doctorate.

[Mojomajik9]

I read this professor's piece last night and I completely agree with it, and have actually witnessed similar things in my college experiences.

I'm a Catholic and fully believe in the divinity of Christ, etc. But, that doesn't mean I cannot engage in conversations regarding other religions in a respectful, intellectually engaging and thoughtful manner. Or a dissecting and critical examination and historical background of my own religion.

For a time I considered majoring in anthropology (mostly because I really liked the department chair and discussions) and it seemed that way too often some people would feel any conversation regarding historical or factual interpretations of the Bible as an assault on their beliefs. Which isn't the case.

These professors aren't here to offer up liturgies. They're here to make you critically examine the world around you

[simeon58]

All he's doing is asking the students to view things objectively and think without bias when a different view is presented. Be able to defend whatever position you so desire with logic or evidence. Blind faith is never a good thing. Know why you believe in the things you believe. This is a universal message that Christians, Atheists, Muslims, etc. should adhere to. He's right on every account, in my opinion. Difference should be celebrated.