Reply to comment

Tamarinda,

I found it interesting that you would juxtapose the idea of capitalism with the idea of ownership through authority.

My immediate instinct on authority given ownership is that we must first define who gives authority. Do we give authority to ourselves, speak with confidence and thus sway the masses. Do we gain authority when other's recognize our expertise? Or is it a combination of both (which I advocate), that speaking with confidence gains authority from others.

In this third scenario, where ownership is given by the "readers" but aided by the author's conviction. The reader is responsible for the authors authority in this situation.

Of course, it is easier for the reader to "jump off" of hard topics, ones that are called facts, rather than soft maybes.

And yes, it would be nice to have a more flexible grading system. Of course, what grades should examine is how well you not only understand why the current accepted theory is what is it is, but also how well you understand its limitations.

- Caroline Troein