Consensus Rough Draft
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Benjamin Sand Professor Schuhart ENG 112- College Composition II 28 February 2024
I – Introduction In the exploration of individual empowerment, freedom, and experiential learning, the 3 writings Emerson's 'Self-Reliance,' Scudder's 'Take this Fish and Look at it,' and Huxley's 'The Method of Scientific Investigation' all have a common theme. Advocating for individuality, rejecting societal norms, and valuing hands-on experiences, these writings have beneficial insights. One of these beneficial insights said by Emerson is, 'In the pursuit of wisdom, the dance
of one's own steps transforms the rhythm of understanding.' In this analysis, we read into messages of self-trust, hands-on learning, and the relationship between common sense and scientific reasoning. Through this reading, a convincing narrative arises, forming together diverse perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom and emphasize the importance of personal conviction and experiential learning in shaping one's understanding of the world.
II – Review of Literature
Source A (Self-Reliance):
In support of individualism and nonconformity, Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance" serves as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. Emerson's timeless advice emphasizes the value of putting your own ideals first and challenging society's conventions. His advice to "Trust thyself" encompasses the main idea of the essay, which is to encourage people to stand by their beliefs and defy social norms. This enduring instruction resonates over time, empowering those navigating their lives to value their individuality and live authentically.
Source B (Take this Fish and Look at it):
After moving to "Take this Fish and Look at it," a story by Samuel H. Scudder, the focus turns to the value of hands-on learning. Scudder's story of his lessons from Professor Agassiz
emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry and hands-on experience. Scudder's story, which involves closely examining a fish, is an important reminder of the importance of experiential learning in developing an in-depth knowledge and respect for subject matter. The narrative challenges readers to reconsider traditional teaching methods by emphasizing the value of experiential, hands-on learning in the academic field.
Source C (The Method of Scientific Investigation):
Thomas H.H. Huxley's "The Method of Scientific Investigation" explores the relationship
between common sense reasoning and the scientific method, building on the idea of experiential learning. According to Huxley, there is less of a difference between these two schools of thought than is usually thought. He emphasizes the processes of observation and hypothesis formation by
making comparisons between common sense reasoning and scientific thinking using the example
of an apple. Huxley claims that scientific theories are reliable because they have been tested and verified, denying the idea that they are unreliable. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of detailed scrutiny in scientific inquiries, showing the similarity between reasoning of scientists and everyday situations. Huxley's argument clarifies the differences between science
and common sense by highlighting their similarities.
V – Points of Consensus
Celebration of Individuality and Nonconformity:
Huxley's "The Method of Scientific Investigation," Emerson's "Self-Reliance," and Scudder's "Take this Fish and Look at it" all center on the idea of valuing individualism. Emerson urges people to believe in themselves and defy social conventions to achieve their own goals. Scudder emphasizes the value of hands-on learning, emphasizing the opportunity to examine a fish and urging teachers to move away from conventional teaching practices. Huxley's
examination of scientific research emphasizes the relationship between common sense reasoning and the scientific method, supporting the idea that nontraditional thinking can produce beneficial discoveries.
Emphasis on Experiential Learning:
The three sources all agree on a significant point: experiential learning is important. Emerson's advice to "Trust thyself" shows that understanding your own views and values requires experience. The focus of Scudder's story is hands-on learning, which emphasizes the positive effects of firsthand experience, especially in scientific research. Huxley goes on to stress
the value of observation and the creation of hypotheses, stating that "scientific theories are validated by rigorous testing and verification". Collectively, these works push for a shift from theoretical methods, highlighting the significant influence of first-hand experiences on learning.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom:
Collectively, the three writings challenge accepted norms and conventional wisdom. Emerson promotes a nonconformist mindset by encouraging readers to challenge social norms and follow their gut feelings. Scudder questions conventional teaching techniques by emphasizing his interaction with Professor Agassiz. Huxley argues that common sense reasoning
and the scientific method are fundamentally similar, denying the idea that they are fundamentally
different. The authors' shared belief in the importance of independent thought and different approaches to knowledge and empowerment is emphasized by this common theme of questioning accepted norms.
V – Conclusion
In summary, a theme of empowerment, individuality, and the importance of experiential learning is shown through studying Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance," Samuel H. Scudder's "Take this Fish and Look at it," and Thomas H.H. Huxley's "The Method of Scientific Investigation." Emerson inspires people to follow their convictions with his message of individual freedom and rejection of conformity. Scudder's account emphasizes the power of hands-on learning, challenging traditional methods of instruction and encouraging a deep understanding of subjects. Huxley's study of the connection between everyday thinking and the scientific method asserts that science and common thinking share many similarities. When put together, these resources provide useful knowledge about the significance of believing in yourself, accepting individuality, and realizing the significance of experiential learning.
Works Cited Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." Essays: First Series, Project Gutenberg, 2005, www.gutenberg.org/files/16643/16643-h/16643-h.htm#SELF-RELIANCE
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Huxley, Thomas H. H. "The Method of Scientific Investigation." 1863. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/1315/1315-h/1315-h.htm#link2H_4_0012
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Scudder, Samuel H. "Take this Fish and Look at It." Jo Ray McCuen and Anthony C. Winkler, eds. Readings for Writers., 1974, pp. 82-85.