13. Reflecting on What I Learned

This is your opportunity to reflect on what you have learned about thinking critically and reflectively.  We have explored many topics utilizing our metacognitive skills.  Besides traditional lectures, you have been able to actively participate in this learning environment with open discussions, powerpoints,  journals, research and many other learning methods. 

In five to seven statements, describe  what you feel was the most significant learning experience in this class. 

12. Is It Ever OK to Lie?

Is it OK to ever tell a lie?

 Conventional rules base their authority from a person, group or practice.  Example: Keep your promises, or keep your hands to yourself.”

Moral rules are “stronger” imperatives, and do not depend on the same kind of authority as conventional rules as mentioned above.

  Violations of these moral  norms seem to “shake the rafters” with much more serious obligations,  consequences and reactions.  These moral directives may include “No hitting others,”  or “Do not lie.”

As we have studied some of the implications of telling lies---from childhood to adulthood---you are expected to answer the not-so-simple question :  Is it ever OK to lie?

To make it even more interesting, please go to the site below and see how other thinkers have responded to this question and why.

http://debates.juggle.com/are-there-special-circumstances-when-lying-is-the-right-thing-to-do

If this does not link you, copy/paste into your browser.

Do not reply to that blog site; you are there to check out a variety of other responses to this question.  Come back here and share your answer with everyone here on our site! (75-100 words).

11. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Recently we discussed the importance of promoting Emotional Intelligence and also the current trend in child-rearing that minimizescompetition among children.  What is the connection between these two  developmental goals?  How do they connect and/or conflict?  How are children affected by each of these processes?  How do these processes relate to Critical Thinking? Give at least two references to our class presentations, i.e., the  powerpoints and the video presented by instructor on EI, and the student on Competition.

This reply should be at least 100 words.

10. The Right and the Good

 

Virtually everyone, at one time or another, has to make decisions based on either  The Right Thing to Do or The Good  Thing to Do.  From what we have discussed, there certainly is a difference between the two, and the differences are  reflected  by  our viewpoints based on Ethics, Morals and Values. 

Describe an event where ordinary people faced a decision or dilemma whereby there were two choices…one being the Right Thing to do, and the other being the Good Thing to do. State the dilemma, state the two options and explain which was the Right Thing and which was the Good Thing---and why.

 You do not have to state your choice, and remember you are to  describe examples of  Right and Good---not  Wrong, Evil or Bad.

9. Bringing Virtue Into the Workplace

We have discussed the importance of practicing virtue(generosity, compassion, honesty and others) to maintain a good life for ourselves and those we come into contact with. Discuss a particular virtue that you feel will be important in your future career and describe how it is important, how you will practice it, and how it will affect your work environment.

8. IT'S GOLDEN!

 

Most of us know it as the Golden Rule:  “Do Unto Others…”

Many philosophers refer to it as the Law of Reciprocity…

Kant called it the Categorical Imperative…

Fundamentally, it is a universal principle of Ethics, which keeps us from harming others at least, and at best, tells us to embrace the humanity of everyone---equally.

Go to page 292 in our text.  There are seven major Religions listed and their interpretation of the Rule.

Discuss how adherence to this principle keeps humankind in balance and open to acceptance to others and their viewpoints. 

7. The Truth is Out There---But What is it?

Whether you believe in UFOs and "little green men" or not, it's difficult to ignore all of the speculation, media hype and even docu-dramas touting or denying the existence of other intelligent life in our universe.  This blog invites you to read three viewpoints on the issue of the existence of Unidentified Flying Objects.

Your task is to read the three brief essays in our text  by researchers of this phenomena. Their credentials are listed at the beginning of the articles.  Read pages 126-130.  Then on page 131, use question number 1 as YOUR blog prompt. Respond on the basis of these two articles, and not from outside reading, tv specials or the like.   Please keep your response to 90-100 words.

6. Horse Sense!

The story Silver  Blaze demonstrates Critical Thinking in action. You know the story and the world’s  famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.  This tale  is an exercise in deductive reasoning.  Write about the clues that Holmes pulled together to solve the mystery of Silver Blaze.  What was the final solution of the events?  What almost  happened to Silver Blaze?  Who killed the trainer—how and why?  What particular clues did Holmes explain to the others?

5. Cognitive Errors

Cognitive errors, errors in logical reasoning such as an irrational thought, can disrupt the life of the most ordinary person.  Read the entry on page 117 in our text and respond to question number 1  in 75-100 words.

Discuss why/how ordinary people may "fall into" such beliefs. What circumstances could contribute to irrational beliefs? What are some methods to help yourself or someone else dispel these types of beliefs?  Feel free to give your opinion on any and all options. 

4. Consequences of Following Misappropriated Authority

ANSWER EITHER A or B in approximately 75-100 words.  Give reasons or explanations for your particular suggestions. Also, think of how your suggestions may “backfire”  and tell what the consequences might be.

A.     A.  Imagine that you are a participant in Milgram’s study of obedience. What would you have done if you had protested and the experimenter in charge answered, “The experiment requires you to continue?”

B.     B.  What options or other choices might have been available to  the  experimental  student “prisoners”  in the Stanford University 1971 experiment  where students assumed roles of “guards and prisoners?” 

3. THE THREE STAGES OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

 

We have learned that there are three stages of cognitive development:  Dualism, Relativism and Commitment.

 How do these stages affect one’s development of critical thinking skills?  You may describe these stages in relation to a new college student and how the underlying process of each stage may manifest or appear. Do these stages maintain this order of sequence or can they vary depending on situations?  Give at least one example.    

2 Artificial Intelligence

Using information from the articles on pages 57-60 in our text, discuss the differences between human thinking and artificial intelligence using facts from the articles and your personal opinion. You may even give examples from entertainment media such as the films "AI," and "I Robot" or others.  75-100 words.  

1. All About You!

 

Introduce yourself. Your First Name and Last Initial are sufficient. Please add your class ID# (e.g.:PHIL 250-###) Tell about your major and why you chose it. Tell something unique about yourself or something you are interested in. Also, what prompted you to return to school?  Remember, this is an internet blog and the information you share is published.  You are expected to write between 75-100 words per entry.

Welcome Budding Philosophers!

Welcome to thinkwell2011, a blog forum exclusively  for students in my Philosophy 250 Analytical Reasoning and Critical Thinking classes.  Your assignment is to respond to each one of the weekly blog prompts that will appear on this site.  Please respond in a paragraph format between  75 -100 words.
 Think about what you are writing as this site represents what you know, as well as how well you say it.You may write independently or respond to a peer’s current commentary on the topic.  Remember, what you publish is public information, so—make sure your comments are appropriate and respectful to others.  You may disagree with other points of view, but do so in a mature, scholarly manner.
Blogging is using  technology, a crucial skill that will enhance your learning and broaden your ability to communicate seriously and professionally.  It can be a fun activity, but it is also a part of your homework responsibility and it will count toward a percentage of your final grade.
Now go directly to the first blog and introduce yourself. 

Enjoy!
Professor  Miuccio