Paige Speake

Reflection: Introducing IDS

Why is it important for you not to approach a controversial or complex issue with your

mind already made up about it? What is gained by holding on to some self-restraint?

It is important for people to not approach a controversial or complex issue with their mind

already made up about it because being open minded is the key to understanding and learning

more about a certain topic. By listening to others' opinions and not already having a set stance

when discussing a controversial or complex issue, a person can fully understand the opposing

side and learn from them. Learning about other perspectives of complex or controversial

opinions may even change a person's stance on the subject or make them appreciate the other

viewpoints more. By doing all of this, it can also make the opposing person in the conversation

feel heard and more comfortable discussing their views. By having self-restraint, people can gain

more knowledge and gain more confidence in discussing controversial, complex, or hard topics.

Which two 'capacities, skills, values, and traits' from the reading struck you as being most

important? (Please briefly define each.) Why?

The two 'capacities, skills, values, and traits' that struck me as the most important were

perspective taking and humility. Perspective taking is the intellectual ability to view a problem

from alternate viewpoints and develop a more comprehensive understanding of it. This is

important because no matter what subject is brought up it is important to understand both sides

of the subject in order to make an informed decision or stance on the subject. Perspective taking

is also important because it allows both parties to have respect and feel respected by the other.
Humility is a positive attitude of mind that recognizes the limits of oneself and seeks to

overcome them by drawing on expertise from multiple sources. Humility is important because it

allows a person to gain more knowledge and it also shows oneself where they can improve.

When a person speaks up about what their limits are, they allow themselves to learn more and

give themselves an open mindset.

At this point, based on the readings and lectures we've had so far, how would you explain

what IDS is? If you had to 'pitch' it to someone who asked, what would you say?

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) is the development of perspective taking, integration, and critical

thinking. Those three disciplines are the core of interdisciplinary studies. I say that because IDS

is all about improving your skills, gaining different perspectives, how to respect and listen to

different viewpoints, and how to think critically and integratively. If I had to pitch IDS to

someone who asked, I would say: IDS would allow you to grow as an individual, in your

personal life, and in your professional life. The skills you learn in IDS you can use throughout

your life and will set you apart from the people who have not learned these skills. The skills,

traits, capacities, and values you learn from IDS can only benefit you and by not taking these

courses you are putting yourself at a disadvantage.