Students should bring a certain skepticism to whatever they study. They should question what they are taught instead of accepting it passively.
... took granted that the earth is the center of the cosmos; before accurate experiments, Aristotle thought that heavier things fall quicker than light things. Galileo questioned so called "knowledge" and checked them with telescope and real experiments. Then the truth was uncovered from false knowledge. Therefore, students need to be equipped with a skeptical mind to discard the wrong knowledge and uncover/discover the truth. By this way we can make progress on our march of exploration. Skepticism also contributes to social democracy. By encouraging students to question rather than accept things without a doubt, they can get into the habit of critical and independent thinking and build an open environment where one can freely express his/her thoughts. In this environment democracy spirit becomes strong, the essence of which is to express one's ideas freely and debating with the opponents equally rather than passively accepting other's ideas. In the long term, cultivating the students' skepticalmind is supplying the society with individuals who are mentally independent and able to critically think the strategies of politicians, the fairness of laws. These citizens are crucial to prevent any form of tyranny, oppression. After all, public's question of the despotic policy and irrational strategies can prevent the sacrifice of democracy. However, blind skepticism to whatever the students are taught is unnecessary and even harmful. Most of our knowledge has been checked by many generations and is correct. Thus it is unnecessary and impossible for each student to question every thing they learnt. Moreover, to be effectively skeptical, one must know where to focus their skepticism. Say the basic principle and foundation knowledge of a certain academic ar...