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Jessica Watkins's picture

Opinions as Evolutionary Adaptations

Wouldn't it be nice if we could blame our sometimes strange opinions on evolution?  If we could point the finger of blame at our cavemen forefathers and cry "natural selection!" in defense of whateverthought happens to pop out of our mouth at an inopportune moment?  Perhaps we can.

When you think about it, not having an opinion is extremely maladaptive.  A deer looking into the glowing headlights of an oncoming car will surely end up hurt if it doesn't decide to move one way or the other.  Constantly oscillating between thoughts of murdering and forgiving an evil, incestuous uncle leads not only to insanity, but death--Hamlet would know.  Our ancestors did not survive natural selection's choosy hand by being indecisive.  If a saber tooth tiger was about to attack, they would hurl their spears or run.  Man has survived up until now because of its ability to protect itself and carry on its lineage.

So personal, subjective opinion is a good thing.  In the context of learning and education, it is vital for students to be able to process what they're learning in a way that brings new perspective to the classroom.  By virtue of the fact that each individual person's mind has been shaped differently by past experience, it is impossible for any two people to think the exact same thought.  Therefore, it is impossible for any student's opinion not to be important enough to add to an ongoing discussion in hopes of collecting subjective views to form a greater objective "truth."  Science is as far from the "Truth" as possible because it is made up of an array of subjective opinions.  It is a human activity, constructed and conducted by humans in an effort to understand the universe.  Because humans are constantly asking questions and seeking answers, science is an ongoing process.  As long as humans are alive, they will be conducting scientific research (albeit sometimes unknowingly) and forming those vital opinions that are necessary for survival.

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