I wasnt happy with my first submission today , so here is another issue essay .
We can usually learn much more from people whose views we share than from people whose views contradict our own.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
I disagree with the above statement. I personally feel that we can learn much more from people whose views differ than from those who share our own. I feel this because when an individual celebrates an alternative opinion the individual gains a more well rounded view. Another reason why I feel we learn more from people with contradicting views, is due to the fact that it causes people to perform deeper research to support their opinion. This does not mean that we cannot gain a tremendous amount of insight and knowledge from people who share our similar views.
The first idea that I would like to explore is that multiple opinions create a well rounded view of issues. Michigan has been under a watchful eye due to the mining of copper ore. Proponents of the mine feel that it would be a great revenue builder. Those against the mine fell that it will have dangerous side effects on the environment. The proponents gain insight to the environmental dangers by appreciating the other sides stance. This allows supporters of the mine to know all the facts surrounding their opinions.
The second reason why we learn more from people with opposing thoughts is that it causes us to do deeper research and become experts on our opinions. Lets face it, we live in a world where people love to argue. Exposure to alternative thought will force an individual to find greater empirical evidence to support their opinion. A great debate amongst physical therapists is whether or not to stretch before exercise. By engaging in a civil discussion , two therapists with contradicting opinions will be forced to gather as much data as they can to win the debate.
I do offer a point of concession regarding this issue. By surrounding yourself with people with like minds there can be a great synergy of creative energy. By being around like minds, individuals do not waste time going back and forth over the little details of a theory. I would like to think that two math professors would be much more efficient at creating a new law versus two professors with conflicting theories.
In conclusion, by being exposed to alternative opinions individuals are able to learn much more than solely corroborating with those who share their same view.
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