Intellectual Perseverance
It is not uncommon to inquire about a subject of interest, or out of mere curiosity. However, it may be rare to identify the individual whom intellectually, even emotionally, drives for deep truth; that is to say, answering the why behind the why again and again until you find it cannot be asked any further. In the face of doctrine, policies, laws and a number of other time tested documentation upheld by institutions put in place by the powers-to-be, how long does one pursue truth, and will they recognize it when it presents itself? It appears to be a little bit more complex than a drive to chase knowledge in the face of obstacles. The online website, The Critical Thinking Community, offers the definition of Intellectual Perseverance; "Having a consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truths in spite of difficulties, obstacles and frustrations; firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others; a sense of the need to struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time to achieve deeper understanding or insight." I would ask, why the needs, and why the firm adherence? I believe the student in sincere pursuit of truth will create their own rational principles that drives them to having needs of knowing truth. Their firm adherence is their self imposed alternator, if you will, that propels their curiosity to continue struggling with many different "truths" and determining which truth is most absolute for them.
Is it necessary to have intellectual perseverance in order to achieve high grades? I don't believe so. Can a student simply complete the tasks to the best of his ability, learn along the way without ever questioning beyond what is being taught, or presented to him/her? Sure. First, I think critical thinking is required to determine what it is exactly that the student is attempting to understand. Second, understand to what degree the student decides to dedicate themselves to finding and understanding a deeper truth, and why. Intellectual perseverance is an unwavering drive to not only find truth, but to continue to seek it in all forms in relationship to the subject of interest in the faces of all adversity.
In the case of this leadership course, it is the student that is attempting to find the truth about themselves in regards to principles, character, intentions, self-created obstacles as well as external obstacles, perceptions, internalization, and ultimately decision making. It will be this repeated process of self-discovery, and realization through an unbiased, open-mindedness that will allow the student opportunity to find their truth.
Of course, this is not enough when it comes to my studies. There is the element of expediency; a time factor that must be adhered to. Therefore, not only is the drive to find truth enough, but done so in a timely manner. However, I do not believe this process is over just because the assignment has been turned in.
Intellectual perseverance will be a commitment I make to humbly discover inconsistent beliefs, hypocritical and unconscious decisions, and new perceptions based on inter-student sharing and instructor led exercises, to name a few. This commitment to strive for my truth will provide me with the understanding of not only what my strengths and weaknesses are, but how to recognize same in others. This recognition will allow me the opportunity to determine how best to leverage others' strength, providing them with the opportunity to become leaders themselves.
Intellectual perseverance is like an physicist working many years to prove a theorem, that no one else supports, and does so based on data, calculation, evaluating assumptions and rational reasoning. In my community within the Navy, it's paramount to place new teammates in some type of low-level leadership position for the purpose of developing leadership skills through a sense of responsibility to their teammates, confidence, adversity, failing, and accountability. It requires intellectual perseverance on my part as a good leader in my community to ensure those I'm leading feel comfortable and confident that they can trust me to provide them with the necessary information, and decision making skills that enables them to not only accomplish the mission, but excel outside of their military job. A good leader understands that intellectual perseverance will provide the rational reasoning and tactical patience required to determine what the truth is in order to make well thought out, informed decisions.
-Valuable Intellectual Virtues (September 2012). Foundation For Critical Thinking, Online at website: www.criticalthinking.org
Of course, this is not enough when it comes to my studies. There is the element of expediency; a time factor that must be adhered to. Therefore, not only is the drive to find truth enough, but done so in a timely manner. However, I do not believe this process is over just because the assignment has been turned in.
Intellectual perseverance will be a commitment I make to humbly discover inconsistent beliefs, hypocritical and unconscious decisions, and new perceptions based on inter-student sharing and instructor led exercises, to name a few. This commitment to strive for my truth will provide me with the understanding of not only what my strengths and weaknesses are, but how to recognize same in others. This recognition will allow me the opportunity to determine how best to leverage others' strength, providing them with the opportunity to become leaders themselves.
Intellectual perseverance is like an physicist working many years to prove a theorem, that no one else supports, and does so based on data, calculation, evaluating assumptions and rational reasoning. In my community within the Navy, it's paramount to place new teammates in some type of low-level leadership position for the purpose of developing leadership skills through a sense of responsibility to their teammates, confidence, adversity, failing, and accountability. It requires intellectual perseverance on my part as a good leader in my community to ensure those I'm leading feel comfortable and confident that they can trust me to provide them with the necessary information, and decision making skills that enables them to not only accomplish the mission, but excel outside of their military job. A good leader understands that intellectual perseverance will provide the rational reasoning and tactical patience required to determine what the truth is in order to make well thought out, informed decisions.
-Valuable Intellectual Virtues (September 2012). Foundation For Critical Thinking, Online at website: www.criticalthinking.org
Wayne,
ReplyDeleteWell done. I really appreciate the thought you put into your first post. I also appreciate your honest in regards to your thought around Intellectual Perseverance and your point that someone could "get by" without it.
Dr. Atchison