Different approaches to learning seem to be called for in fields with varying levels of paradigm consensus. The best approach to learning undergraduate math/CS/physics/chemistry seems different from the best one to take for learning biology, which again differs from the best approach to studying the economics/humanities*.
High-consensus disciplines have a natural sequential order, and the empirical data is very closely tied to an a priori predictive structure. You develop understanding by doing calculations and making theory-based arguments, along with empirical work/applications and intuition-building.
Medium-consensus disciplines start with a lot of memorization of empirical data, tied together with broad frameworks that let the parts “hang together” in a way that is legible and reliable, but imprecise. Lack of scientific knowledge about empirical data, along with massive complexity of the systems under study, prevent a full consensus accounting.
Low-consensus disciplines involve contrasting perspectives, translating complex arguments into accessible language, and applying broad principles to current dilemmas.
High-consensus disciplines can be very fun to study. Make the argument successfully, and you’ve “made a discovery.”
The low-consensus disciplines are also fun. When you make an argument, you’re engaged in an act of persuasion. That’s what the humanities are for.
But those medium-consensus disciplines are in kind of an uncomfortable middle that doesn’t always satisfy. You wind up memorizing and regurgitating a lot of empirical data and lab work, but persuasive intellectual argument is the exception, rather than the rule.
For someone who’s highly motivated by persuasive intellectual argument, what’s the right way forward? To try and engage with biology in a way that somehow incorporates more persuasive argument? To develop a passion for memorization? To accept that many more layers of biological knowledge must accumulate before you’ll be conversant in it?
Different approaches to learning seem to be called for in fields with varying levels of paradigm consensus. The best approach to learning undergraduate math/CS/physics/chemistry seems different from the best one to take for learning biology, which again differs from the best approach to studying the economics/humanities*.
High-consensus disciplines have a natural sequential order, and the empirical data is very closely tied to an a priori predictive structure. You develop understanding by doing calculations and making theory-based arguments, along with empirical work/applications and intuition-building.
Medium-consensus disciplines start with a lot of memorization of empirical data, tied together with broad frameworks that let the parts “hang together” in a way that is legible and reliable, but imprecise. Lack of scientific knowledge about empirical data, along with massive complexity of the systems under study, prevent a full consensus accounting.
Low-consensus disciplines involve contrasting perspectives, translating complex arguments into accessible language, and applying broad principles to current dilemmas.
High-consensus disciplines can be very fun to study. Make the argument successfully, and you’ve “made a discovery.”
The low-consensus disciplines are also fun. When you make an argument, you’re engaged in an act of persuasion. That’s what the humanities are for.
But those medium-consensus disciplines are in kind of an uncomfortable middle that doesn’t always satisfy. You wind up memorizing and regurgitating a lot of empirical data and lab work, but persuasive intellectual argument is the exception, rather than the rule.
For someone who’s highly motivated by persuasive intellectual argument, what’s the right way forward? To try and engage with biology in a way that somehow incorporates more persuasive argument? To develop a passion for memorization? To accept that many more layers of biological knowledge must accumulate before you’ll be conversant in it?
*I’m not sure these categories are ideal.