Thinking and Knowing

At the beginging of the year, I came into philosophy class thinking I knew how to think. I thought wrong. Now that philosophy class is over, I see the contrast in between the the way I thought and the way I think. Today, my thought-process is more organized. I am able to categories my thoughts into bigger ideas, which helps me make connections and see why two ideas could klash.

This class has thought me to think more before I speak. More then once, I stated my opinion, and as I ended, I took conscience of the weakness in my argument and the assumptions I had made. In order to express my opinion correctly, I want it do be undeniable. As if my opinion was not an opinion, as if no one could argue back.

Not only can I make my arguments better, but Philosophy for Teens has thought me how to find the flaws behind an idea other than my own. It is extremely important, because if one can have this ability, there's nothing he can not do. By proving the lack of thoughts in either your mom's, dad's, or teacher's argument, you have gained power over them, because you know better, and knowledge is power, right? 

To argue, one must use his words correctly. In this class, we couldn't argue properly without the right vocabulary. Nihilism, extrinsic and intrinsic values, rationalism, atheist, premise, relativity, and more (believe me) were not an option to understand and use. If you used your words correctly, you were most likely convince your classmates faster, and more efficiently. 

Philosophy has thought me how chose my words.

Not to mention, I am someone with a strong opinion, and for me to change my mind, there has had to been alot of convincing. I have never seen my view on the world change so fast. Ever. 

I think, the hardest part of the class were the assignments, because in each evaluation grid there was a createria that made things very complicated: if we clearly stated our position. You could not be unclear, you could not be unsure, you could not be black and white. To be obliged to take a position on any subject really, I think helped the whole class into discover who they are. Taking those decisions and creating those opinions, it reveals really who we are.

I, for my part, am spiritual. I think that there is something, but not necessarily someone, that is there. But- if I am proud of myself and of the actions I have decided to take, I think I will most likely lean towards the existentialists side. I think, also, at times, as a relativist. I believe in shades,  but I also think that there is a right, and a wrong. Apparently, our whole country has started to wonder about this someone. As you can see on this  link (Statistic Canada) people's religious faith (in Gd) has decreased considerably. So what's right? What's wrong?

Theses uncertainties were not clarified this year, but life's about creating your opinion, and picking which sides you stand on. So I am not afraid of waiting, of being patient with myself. 

Because I know that when I will express my mind, there will be no weakness in argument, and my opinion will be correct. I will have made no assumptions. I will be undeniable. As if my opinion was not an opinion, as if no one could argue back, because I will not think, but I will know.