Critical thinking and open-mindedness - Reflection and take-aways from November 12

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The biggest take-away I have from today’s discussion on ‘trusting science’ and using rigorous scientific methods to check facts and theories is to have an open mind and be willing to listen to/consider alternative theories presented. Science may not often be “set in stone” as there might be new advances in the future; science is continually evolving and being built upon. In mathematics, proofs are an excellent way to help build ‘trust’ in understanding why theorems work. However, it can be possible that there are flaws in the proofs and may ultimately change its understanding. A great example of keeping open minds for creativity and new ways of understanding is to welcome “fresh perspectives from new minds.” A person completely new to a field enter without any biases or previous knowledge and can contribute alternative views of the topic.

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