Trying to Open the Mind of an Academic Isn't Worth Your Time

Okay, try this sometime, try explaining in laymen's terms why an academic or professor is wrong about something. It's just amazing how close minded they really are. Worse, their authoritative personality displacement makes them completely dangerous when they are outside of the field of their endeavors. So, why not remember this quote when dealing with such academic know-it-alls:

"A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still."

What academics do not understand is that "fact" is not only those things written into research papers, but it also involves experience and observations outside the laboratory in the real world. You see, if "personal experience" and "real observation" are not allowed into the academic discussion then the academics are in denial of reality.

In that case, why should they be trusted with their information, if they cannot explain it or won't for fear of conflict? Surely, someone who will not talk about actual observation or denies these events is not worthy of dialogue.

If an academic decides your questions are not worthy, and they refuse to argue points of contention, simply change the definition from argument to challenge. After all, these folks are masters at changing definitions to prove themselves right. Say something like this:

Please understand, this is not an argument, it is an "In Your Face Challenge" to your purported belief system with regards to this information you have presented. You presented this information and teach it, thus, I would hope you actually believe it right?

If so, then you ought to be able to discuss it, I would think. What is or isn't productive is regardless of my desire to explore this deeper and your need to learn beyond the academic agreed upon findings.

Surely, you can defend your position better than refusal to discuss it. Why are you afraid to do that? I realize your students probably do not challenge these things much, so I guess you are safe hanging around those that believe this stuff hook-line-and-sinker. That is scary. "

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.