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Journal A s s i g n m e n t
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
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Textbook: Chapter 16
Lesson
Introduction
Remember – these journal questions require more thinking than writing. Think about
exactly what you are asked to do, and then write as economically as possible.
Instructions
Critical Thinking
o Go back to your very first journal entry – review your definition of
critical thinking. After studying critical thinking for the past eight weeks,
would you change your definition in any way? If yes, how and why? If no
– if it was perfect – what parts of the text were best reflected in your
definition?
• Heart of the Matter
o Recall in your first journal entry that you discussed the authors’
statement that the concepts in Chapters 12, 13 and 14 were “the heart
of the matter.” After having studied those chapters, answer again, with
renewed understanding, the question posed there: Why do you think the
authors find these concepts important to critical thinking?
• Ethical Decision-Making
o The lecture claims that an argument is no good unless it has a “strong
and reasoned ethical base.” Do you agree that ethics is an essential
element of a good argument? If yes, why? If no, why not?
• Looking Forward
o Do you believe that you now know everything you need to know about
critical thinking – or is learning to think critically a life-long task? Explain
your answer.
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Writing Requirements (APA format)
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Length: 1 ½ -2 pages (not including prompts, title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
References page
Week 1 critical thinking
Critical Thinking Journal
Reading the textbook and participating in the discussions this week have enabled me to
give meaning to the cognitive ability of critical thinking. Critical thinking involves thinking more
critically and personally evaluating the problem without relying on help and resources from
outside sources. However, prior information and experience can be used beneficially in critical
thinking. Writing in this notebook is a form of critical thinking. This week, I am writing in my
own words using the knowledge I gained.
Heart of Matter
Since chapters 12, 13, and 14 are ultimately the most significant in critical thinking, the
writers consider them the “heart of the matter.” According to Facione & Gittens (2015), “These
three set up the most powerful contrasts between how the members of our species think.” The
chapters discuss different types of reasoning, including comparative, ideological, and empirical,
reasons. Furthermore, the text’s authors believe that these forms of reasoning constitute the basis
of argumentation and, consequently, such aspects are essential to each of us as human beings.
Chapters 12, 13, and 14 identified the core matter of the whole work. It is through ethical,
ideological, and comparison of reasoning that it is possible to identify the deep convictions and
ideas that we have carried with us and that we have managed to acquire throughout life. This
means that each person has a unique way of reasoning that could differ from the sense of another
(Facione and Gittens, 2015). Furthermore, conflicts related to our doubts and fears occur due to
how we believe, not how we think about it.
The authors highlight inference and explanation concepts in these chapters. Inference is a
judgment decision based on our experience and knowledge gained through observation. For
instance, I used to hear the ambulance noise outside my home and believe someone must have
been sick or needed help. An explanation is where a statement is made to explain or give support
to something. For instance, I am maintaining a diary to demonstrate that I now appreciate the
concept and meaning of critical thinking.
As they are at the basis of our thinking, the writer considers them imperative elements for
critical thinking. Facione and Gittens (2015, p.35) state that “reasoning often produces more
internal fights among people than external contradictions. From this perspective, it is evident that
acquiring adequate abilities and habits of mind would enable us to tread the viable pathways not
only to our welfare but also to discovering truth, respect for one another, and achieving global
harmony.” Without our knowledge, we use inference and explanation. Thus, understanding these
concepts is critical to our survival. These concepts are integral in developing argument, which is
one of the key aspects of critical thinking, and hence, we could not be successful without them.
Challenges and insights
My biggest challenge for the session is understanding how to deal with two more
demanding subjects requiring more effort. I have registered for two courses this term that will
make me think and analyze more than usual, which can sometimes be challenging but will be
helpful in the future. I am aware that I am supposed to become less inflexible, but this class will
assist me in being more adaptable, especially regarding issues or challenges. I must understand
that different perspectives exist about specific scenarios and problems. Therefore, I must be
convinced that my opinions, choices, and solutions may not be the best, even though I should
achieve success on this topic.
These first few chapters form my building block and will help me overcome this
semester’s anticipated obstacles. In this regard, during the coursework, I will enjoy learning how
to be critical and even curious about not just mine but other’s thoughts. Some of the tools at the
beginning of this course also allow me to become more reflective and have a different view of
other people’s opinions. This week’s reading discussed one of the ideas from the
recommendations for having a critical-thinking mentality. The first few chapters and all through
the course will equip me with the necessary skills to respond to any situation. According to
Facione and Gittens (2015), a person can improve their problem-solving capabilities at any time
using the IDEAS process. For example, it would be great to think of this idea as a way of
discovering what was missing from my life. The theory involves identifying issues, gathering
data/information, listing options/consequences, scenario/evaluation, and process monitoring.
Reference
Facione, P., & Gittens, C. A. (2015). THINK Critically (3rd ed.). Pearson Education (US).
https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/books/9780133914351
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