Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Understand the Quote
- Break down the key ideas:
- Internal conflicts are a significant part of human experience.
- Claiming unchanging judgments reflects a lack of introspection, leading to dogmatism.
- Highlight the relationship between self-awareness, adaptability, and personal growth.
2. Structure the Answer
Introduction:
- Paraphrase the quote to introduce the topic.
- Explain the essence of internal conflicts and their impact on personal and collective growth.
Main Body:
- Internal Conflicts as Transformative Opportunities:
Explain how inner struggles promote critical thinking and emotional resilience.
Example: Ethical dilemmas like abortion debates involve opposing values requiring introspection. - Consequences of Unreflective Judgments:
- Limited Reflection: Leads to intolerance of opposing views.
Example: Extreme stances on issues like climate change denial. - Resistance to Change: Prevents adapting to new insights or evolving contexts.
Example: Ashoka’s transformation post-Kalinga War. - Dogmatism Due to Unwillingness to Reflect: Stifles intellectual and social progress.
Example: Rejection of modern medicine in favor of unscientific remedies.
- Limited Reflection: Leads to intolerance of opposing views.
Conclusion:
- Stress the importance of introspection for growth and adaptability.
- Emphasize the dangers of dogmatism and the value of embracing internal conflicts.
Relevant Facts and Examples
1. Internal Conflicts as Drivers of Growth
- Abortion Debate: Reflects internal struggle between moral values (sanctity of life) and individual rights (bodily autonomy).
2. Limited Reflection
- Climate Change Denial: Resistance to scientific evidence by individuals or groups stems from unreflective beliefs.
3. Resistance to Change
- Ashoka’s Transformation: Post-Kalinga War, Ashoka renounced violence for non-violence and Dhamma.
4. Dogmatism Due to Unwillingness to Reflect
- Rejection of Modern Medicine: Despite advances, some reject vaccines or integrate traditional remedies exclusively, leading to adverse health outcomes.
Model Answer
John Rawls’ statement highlights the profound role of internal struggles in shaping human thought and action. It critiques the illusion of unchanging judgments, emphasizing the risks of unreflective or dogmatic attitudes. The quote underscores the need for introspection and adaptability in addressing these conflicts.
1. Internal Conflicts as Drivers of Growth
Internal conflicts arise when we grapple with opposing values, beliefs, or desires.
2. Limited Reflection Leads to Rigidity
Failing to reflect critically on one’s beliefs fosters a narrow worldview and hinders growth.
3. Resistance to Change
Adapting one’s judgments requires acknowledging inconsistencies and being open to change.
4. Lack of Willingness to Understand
Dogmatism often stems not from inability but unwillingness to reconsider beliefs.
Conclusion
Rawls’ quote emphasizes the transformative power of introspection. Embracing inner conflicts allows for personal growth, adaptability, and greater understanding, while rejecting them fosters dogmatism. To evolve as reflective individuals, we must confront and embrace these internal struggles.