OC ACXLW Sat April 27 Argumentation and College Admissions
Hello Folks! We are excited to announce the 63rd Orange County ACX/LW meetup, happening this Saturday and most Saturdays after that.
Host: Michael Michalchik Email: michaelmichalchik@gmail.com (For questions or requests) Location: 1970 Port Laurent Place (949) 375-2045 Date: Saturday, April 27 2024 Time 2 pm
Conversation Starters:
You Can Make an Argument for Anything by Nathan J. Robinson: This article argues that it is easy to create superficially convincing arguments for almost any position, no matter how heinous or false. The author suggests that the prevalence of these arguments can make it difficult for the truth to compete in the "marketplace of ideas."
Questions for discussion: a) The article suggests that people often do not investigate arguments very closely, and are swayed by confident presentation and rhetoric rather than the underlying logic. What strategies can individuals use to better evaluate the arguments they encounter in media and public discourse? b) The author argues that the ease of creating justifications for immoral actions contributes to the prevalence of atrocities. How can societies foster a culture of critical thinking and ethical reasoning to counter this tendency? c) The article discusses the role of "argument factories" like think tanks and media outlets in shaping public opinion. How can we balance the need for diverse viewpoints with the danger of well-funded propaganda efforts?
Changes in College Admissions by Zvi Mowshowitz: This post examines various trends and controversies in the college admissions process, including the impact of holistic admissions, the role of standardized tests, and the value of attending elite institutions.
Questions for discussion: a) Zvi argues that the shift towards "holistic" admissions has led to students gaming the system by structuring their entire childhoods around optimizing their applications. What reforms could make the admissions process more equitable and less distortionary? b) The post discusses the recent trend of colleges making standardized tests like the SAT optional, and the subsequent decline in academic performance among students admitted without test scores. What role should standardized testing play in college admissions, and how can we balance the need for objective measures with concerns about bias? c) Zvi suggests that the premium associated with attending elite private colleges over top public universities may be declining due to changes in public perception and the quality of the student body. How do you expect the value proposition of different types of colleges to evolve in the coming years, and what factors will drive these changes?
Walk & Talk: We usually have an hour-long walk and talk after the meeting starts. Two mini-malls with hot takeout food are readily accessible nearby. Search for Gelson's or Pavilions in the zip code 92660. Share a Surprise: Tell the group about something unexpected that changed your perspective on the universe. Future Direction Ideas: Contribute ideas for the group's future direction, including topics, meeting types, activities, etc.
OC ACXLW Sat April 27 Argumentation and College Admissions
Hello Folks! We are excited to announce the 63rd Orange County ACX/LW meetup, happening this Saturday and most Saturdays after that.
Host: Michael Michalchik Email: michaelmichalchik@gmail.com (For questions or requests) Location: 1970 Port Laurent Place (949) 375-2045 Date: Saturday, April 27 2024 Time 2 pm
Conversation Starters:
Text link: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2018/11/you-can-make-an-argument-for-anything
Questions for discussion: a) The article suggests that people often do not investigate arguments very closely, and are swayed by confident presentation and rhetoric rather than the underlying logic. What strategies can individuals use to better evaluate the arguments they encounter in media and public discourse? b) The author argues that the ease of creating justifications for immoral actions contributes to the prevalence of atrocities. How can societies foster a culture of critical thinking and ethical reasoning to counter this tendency? c) The article discusses the role of "argument factories" like think tanks and media outlets in shaping public opinion. How can we balance the need for diverse viewpoints with the danger of well-funded propaganda efforts?
Text and audio link: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/PTC7bZdZoqbCcAshW/changes-in-college-admissions
Questions for discussion: a) Zvi argues that the shift towards "holistic" admissions has led to students gaming the system by structuring their entire childhoods around optimizing their applications. What reforms could make the admissions process more equitable and less distortionary? b) The post discusses the recent trend of colleges making standardized tests like the SAT optional, and the subsequent decline in academic performance among students admitted without test scores. What role should standardized testing play in college admissions, and how can we balance the need for objective measures with concerns about bias? c) Zvi suggests that the premium associated with attending elite private colleges over top public universities may be declining due to changes in public perception and the quality of the student body. How do you expect the value proposition of different types of colleges to evolve in the coming years, and what factors will drive these changes?
Walk & Talk: We usually have an hour-long walk and talk after the meeting starts. Two mini-malls with hot takeout food are readily accessible nearby. Search for Gelson's or Pavilions in the zip code 92660. Share a Surprise: Tell the group about something unexpected that changed your perspective on the universe. Future Direction Ideas: Contribute ideas for the group's future direction, including topics, meeting types, activities, etc.
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