Week 13 Reflection

This week’s reading was very dense and confusing. McKeon discusses the relationship between character and education. He starts off by emphasizing the importance of ‘character’ as it is an impression one makes on another. Then he goes on to discuss how character is, not only, innate but also strongly influenced by the education receive. He concludes that character development doesn’t only come from interdisciplinary and additions to education, but rather by fully utilizing the art of interpretation, discovery, presentation, and systemization. He also goes to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary education fully utilizing these arts. This reading made me think a bit more about the character development I went through, and the different influences throughout my life that nurtured who I am. I personally feel like I am still in the process of development. As a student at CMU, I am constantly being exposed to different ideas and interests that shape who I am and my character. I also started to think more on the importance of interdisciplinary education enforcing the teachings of the above mentioned arts. Especially in today’s society, many of the issues require numerous disciplines to get involved. For instance, technology and policy have been two subjects that are starting to have more overlap in our society. Therefore, having a strong basis with the arts of interpretation, discovery, presentation, and systemization is important for future designers who try to find solutions for modern day issues.