PHIL 347 WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT JOURNAL

Critical Thinking When I think about critical thinking, I think of someone who can think outside the box. It can be defined as being able to analyze situations, interpret their environment, and be aware of one’s feelings to provide proper responses. Critical thinking is a different type of intelligence that cannot be studied but only learned through experiences or feelings endured. Heart of the Matter Heart of the matter can be broken down to understand its idiom meaning. The heart is the primary function of a living organism where one cannot live without. “Matter” can be described as the issue at hand. In each of the chapters, according to the text, “…we will explore each of the three fundamental modes of human reasoning. In this way you will be able to make the most effective use of your critical thinking across the widest possible array of contexts” (Facione, 2015, p242). Chapter 12 will explore comparative reasoning. Comparative reasoning, also known as, “this-is-like-that thinking” takes a familiar situation or experience and compares it against an unfamiliar experience. Through conversations, analogies can be used to satisfy one’s mind and thrive from a well-known pattern. One may think that having comparative reasons is a positive approach, however it comes with risks as well. It can shape the judgments of what people believe prevent change to occurs that may have been a better options. Finfing similarities to two things does not justify them being the same. As described in the text, “Chapter 13, titled “Ideological Reasoning,” focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of drawing inferences from axioms, principles, or core beliefs and values to determine their specific applications” (Facione, 2015, p242). Chapter 14 will explain empirical reasoning moving towards hypotheses and generalizations. The heart of the matter is what makes people human. People will challenge ideas based on personal experiences or experiences of others to justify an idea. In most cases, this is thought to be normal because people always want to feel as though they are right. Experience cannot be taught and will require comparative reasoning or core beliefs to justify decision or ideas agreed to or disagreed to. These ideas are essential to critical reasoning because it causes a person to focus on self and compare it to ideas of the world through a social science viewpoint or a natural science viewpoint. It gives people an opportunity to question beliefs or agendas that may not align with personal beliefs. • Challenges & Insights The biggest challenge in this class will be to “think outside the box.” I have a tendency to think one dimensional which causes my imagination to take a toll and papers become redundant. I am also argumentative and tend to challenge many ideas or readings based on my bias ideas or experiences that are different from others. Time will be a concern based on my busy schedule and multiple titles within my household. I was reading in chapter 3 under the heading “Academics.” Based on Maria’s situation of receiving a bad grade, the problem should be identified and analyzed. From there, priorities should be set to change the behavior in the future. References Facione, P., Gittens, C. A. (). THINK Critically, 3rd Edition [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from vbk://4351