English
This semester has to very insightful in terms of learning activities and general enlightenment. I have learned how to argue out my case in a way that is convincing and makes my argument ever more relevant. This is learned through the toulmin model of argument which clearly outlines how to argue out a case and clearly come out on top of every argument.
I have also learned about proof. I have learned that there are different types of proof. Some types of proof have more merit and carry much more weight with them as far as arguments are concerned. There are also different types of claims. An example is factual claims which are more inclined towards the facts in a particular matter as opposed to value claims which are relative. This is because value claims appeal to the values upheld by an individual or a society and as such are relative from person to person and from society to society.
I also learned about the presence of naysayers. These are people who always dwell on the negatives. As such they reflect negative energy onto people around them. The arguments they present are always negative and dealing with them can even lead to depression. There is also personal opinion as opposed to general public opinion as well as the opinion of the masses.
This semester also consisted of an elite set of major authors who revolutionized the way people think about learning as a process and as a philosophy. An example is Clay Shirkey and Cathy Davidson. These two authors revolutionized my thinking from primitive patters to newer patterns bases on cognitive excellence and reasoning prowess. Other major authors included Jane McGonigal, Steven Johnson and Nicholas Carr who greatly contributed to shaping my thinking.
The curriculum of this semester was truly very enlightening and eye opening. The semester focused on the reasoning capacity and argumentative prowess which are very important in modern society.
