THE ASYMMETRIC LEARNING TRAIT

A paired human learning trait is described as "symmetric" if (1) It describes an aspect of human learning efficacy, (2) It has two opposite components and, (3) It is equally effective with respect to those opposites. If it is substantially different in effectiveness with respect to those opposites, it is described as "asymmetric". Hence the terms "symmetric" and "asymmetric" refer to learning efficacy with respect to the two components of the paired learning trait. Higher education has long been animated by an overriding goal of developing individuals with a talent for critical thinking; i.e., analysis. This goal undoubtedly was set without regard for the nature of the opposite component of the paired human learning trait; i.e., synthesis or design. The opposites of concern here are analysis and synthesis. The principal educational consequence of devoting virtually all resources to developing critical thinking is to fail to develop as a collateral outcome the other component of the asymmetric learning trait. What should be sought, in the interest of developing a balanced human persona is a symmetric learning trait, equally balanced between analysis and synthesis. Until that is achieved, the educational system will continue to develop future politicians and public intellectuals who operate under the illusion that they possess synthesis skills in equal proportion to their analysis skills, when no belief could be much further from the truth. The principal political consequences of failure to seek the symmetric learning trait are the promotion and foisting of dysfunctional systems upon a defenseless public.