Testimonials
I think my ability to question things and come up with counter-examples has improved. I hope to use both these skills in discussions in other classes and in Mock Trial.
2019 Participant
I think that the skill that I’ve strengthened is critical thinking, which I will definitely use. The institute also showed me that everyone has a different perspective and I should consider all sides before making a decision.
2019 Participant
The discussions on the government and law made me ponder and truly re-evaluate what is told to me. I know in the future I will be more conscientious of what is being told to me.
2019 Participant
Through this academy, I believe I've strengthened my abilities of logical reasoning and communication, but most importantly, the ability to break a thought experiment or ethical dilemma into its most base components for evaluation.
2018 Participant
I have strengthened my ability to be able to better understand the opposing side and utilize my own stance and the situation given to either respectfully disagree or come to some type of consensus concerning the matter.
2018 Participant
I have strengthened and developed many skills through this academy. I think one of the most important things I got better at is further questioning what I believe to be true. I think this happened during our discussions where I didn't really know what to think and therefore had to think of possible arguments on both sides. This skill will likely help me appreciate the nuances of philosophical questions later on.
2018 Participant
I loved that I was able to really think abstractly. This sounds very general but my mind just felt so much more engaged as everyone brought up ideas that would spur inspiration in my own mind.
2018 Participant
I enjoyed being submersed into hypothetical situation through the thought experiments, and realizing how the situations relate to life.
2018 Participant
I refined my abilities to critically think, esp. about topics and ideas that seem initially simple, but with further investigation, it is incredibly complex. I hope to continue these skills by always searching for something beyond the obvious answer and on this to be more open to other possibilities and a willingness to change my mind (without being too subject to influence).
2017 Participant
I learned how to not get mad at people when I believe they are wrong.
2017 Participant
I have learned the skill of thinking deeper than what’s on the surface and question my own opinions and thoughts on a detailed measure and big picture view. I also learned to do the same for other people’s thought in a respectful way. I hope to use these skills in my school, job, and everyday life to understand things better.
2017 Participant