Guidelines For The Short Paper

Guidelines For The Short Paper

The content of the paper will center on the three acts of the mind. If you have declared a major, give specific details about how the three acts of the mind will relate to learning your major, and to working in your chosen career field. If you have NOT declared a major, write regarding how the three acts of the mind will help you decide what major to pursue.

This instructor expects that the writing done in this course will meet certain standards. Students will incorporate Standard English usage, punctuation, grammar, and the like. Do not use slang terms or the "Urban Dictionary." No text or IM abbreviations are to be used whatsoever. I will look for The Three Acts of the Mind – Simple Apprehension, Judgment, and Reasoning to be used, and used correctly. If they are not, appropriate deductions will be made.

The applicable sections of the Writing Intensive Course grading rubric will be used for the final paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The human mind operates through a series of interconnected cognitive processes known as the three acts of the mind: simple apprehension, judgment, and reasoning. These acts serve as foundational pillars for acquiring knowledge, making decisions, and applying understanding in real-world contexts. Whether a student is still undecided about a major or has already committed to a specific career path, understanding and effectively utilizing these three acts can significantly enhance both academic success and professional development.

In the context of declaring a major, the three acts of the mind—simple apprehension, judgment, and reasoning—are vital tools for neural and cognitive engagement with new subjects. Simple apprehension involves the basic understanding of concepts and ideas—what something is. For a student exploring potential majors, this act facilitates the initial grasp of different fields such as psychology, engineering, or literature by analyzing fundamental elements and defining core concepts. For example, understanding what psychology entails as a discipline requires recognizing the basic ideas about human behavior, mental processes, and research methodologies (Hussey & Hussey, 2018). This act provides the cognitive foundation necessary to compare, contrast, and eventually decide on a major based on the initial apprehension of relevant concepts.

Judgment, the second act, involves evaluating and forming propositions about the concepts understood through simple apprehension. It allows students to assess the validity, importance, and relevance of certain ideas. When considering a major, judgment helps students determine which fields align with their interests and values. For instance, after understanding the role of a civil engineer and a graphic designer, students can judge which profession fits their skills, passions, and future goals. This process filters and prioritizes options, guiding decision-making (Kneupper et al., 2019). Judgment is also critical for students not yet committed to a specific major, as it enables the critical appraisal of their personal inclinations and aptitude, ultimately informing the decision of which path to pursue.

The third act, reasoning, involves the application of logical processes to connect ideas, draw conclusions, and solve problems. This act becomes indispensable once a decision has been made concerning a major or a career path. Reasoning allows students or professionals to think through complex issues, develop arguments, and make effective decisions based on evidence and logical principles. In studying engineering, for instance, reasoning is crucial for designing experiments, analyzing data, and solving technical problems (Nussbaum & Schraw, 2019). In a career setting, reasoning supports strategic planning, troubleshooting, and innovation—skills highly valued across various professions. As students develop their ability to reason, they enhance their capacity to adapt to new challenges and advance in their careers.

For students still undecided about their major, a clear understanding and application of these three acts can serve as a framework for exploration. They can begin by apprehending various fields, judgmentally evaluating their interests and abilities, and reasoning through potential career outcomes. This process ensures a deliberate and informed decision-making pathway. Conversely, students committed to a major can utilize these acts to deepen their understanding of their chosen discipline, refine their skills, and prepare for complex professional tasks.

In conclusion, the three acts of the mind are essential cognitive processes that underpin effective learning and decision-making. Simple apprehension establishes foundational knowledge, judgment assesses the relevance and validity of ideas, and reasoning connects concepts logically to solve problems and make decisions. Mastery of these acts not only facilitates academic success but also equips students and professionals to excel in their careers. Whether one is exploring academic interests or pursuing specialized fields, understanding and applying these acts of the mind contributes significantly to personal and professional growth.

References

• Hussey, M., & Hussey, J. (2018). Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Kneupper, G. E., Jones, K., &'s K., & Butler, F. (2019). Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Skills in Higher Education. Journal of College Student Development, 60(4), 451-469.
• Nussbaum, M. C., & Schraw, G. (2019). The Role of Reasoning in Learning and Problem Solving. Educational Psychology Review, 31(2), 285-310.