You are almost at the end of your critical thinking journey—but only for this class!

You are almost at the end of your critical thinking journey—but only for this class! Hopefully, this begins a lifelong journey of searching for knowledge, improving yourself, and seeking the truth! We started the course reflecting on what critical thinking is and how we formulate our opinions and beliefs. We then expanded the concept of critical thinking to include consideration of how we relate to friends, family, and other personal situations. This week, we look at a broader scope of areas where critical thinking is vital.

After completing the Learning Activities for the week, please respond to all the questions below. Your response should be a minimum of 175 words total (approx. 50 words per question).

Where do you get most of your news, and how do you analyze what you hear, view, or readon media outlets?
In what ways can/do you, as a citizen, get involved in the governmental process? How do you apply critical thinking when you are involved in these activities?
Share an example of a fallacy or rhetoric you have seen used to market a product or service in commercials, advertisements, etc. How will you use information provided in Ch. 10 of THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life to be a more mindful consumer?
If someone asked you what your favorite activity or concept from this class was as well as what the most challenging activity or concept was, what would you tell them and why?

ANSWER

Week 5: Critical Thinking

            I rarely watch the television, listen to the radio, or read print newspapers, which means I get most of my news on the Internet (social media and digital newspapers). Of course, it depends on the type of news I am looking for, and my focus tends to be on reputable resources or sites. Therefore, my analysis of what I read mostly depends on whether the news is ‘breaking,’ follow…

           One of the ways one, as a citizen, participates in the governmental process is through voting. Other ways include giving views when changes are needed on policies or laws; and taking part in public participation to share views on various societal issues. When taking part in these activities, one can apply critical thinking by identifying the issues requiring attention and communicating…

           One example of a fallacy I have seen being used to market a product in commercials is the bandwagon fallacy, for example, the one by the Modern Warfare 2 going by the tag “everybody is doing it!” The fact that millions of people are doing it does not make it right. Accordingly, how to be a mindful consumer means changing my chopping habits and reflecting …

Lastly, of ask, I would say my favorite concept from this class was reflection and reasoning because of the skills one acquires for use in analyzing every situation before responding. On the other hand, the most challenging concept in this class would be a synthesis of critical thinking processes since I find it difficult to differentiate them…