situational reaction

Critical thinking

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It is true that everyone is engaged in the thought process in one way or another but not everyone thinks critically. The quality of life we live and the amount of money we make can be greatly influenced by how we think (Paul & Elder, 2001). Our thinking can be pretty narrow and selfish and that can greatly impact our lives. Needless to say, we need to cultivate a culture of thinking that that takes into account elements of thought such as; purpose of thought, question at issue and adheres to the intellectual standards such clarity, accuracy and precision.

How would I respond to my commander who has asked me to falsify information and make it look like we were only reacting after being fired at first? My response will take into account two elements of reasoning; purpose and question. About purpose my concern will be about what am I trying to accomplish by falsifying this information. To save our skins from possible charges of war crimes or will it be in the interest of the victims? On the element of question at issue; have I considered all the possible complexities in the situation? What if after covering up, truth finally outs? Will I be able to defend myself then? The other thing to look at will be intellectual standards: logic and breadth. Is it logical that unarmed civilians opened fire on armed soldiers? And if they did why is it that the soldiers didn’t suffer any fatalities? It doesn’t make sense does it? Concerning breadth, my concern here would be what if we looked at this from another point of view. The point of view of the victims. With all things considered my response would be no. I can’t go along with this diabolical plan.

To help a partner especially if his wife is ailing is something most people with a soul will readily do. I would at any time but in this case there is just so much at stake and unclear. Before giving a definitive answer to my partner I would think through this elements of reasoning: consequences and information. I will also evaluate my response with these intellectual standards: clarity and precision. Concerning the elements of reasoning I will first ask myself do I have full information to determine if my friend’s wife is indeed sick. And if she is sick and I agreed to let him have the cocaine bust what would be the consequences and I am willing and able to bear them. The intellectual standard of clarity will help me to determine if the information he has shared is clear. Could he elaborate and explain further concerning her ailment. What I have gathered so far is it precise? Has my colleague been specific about what illness and how cocaine might help? Due to the much that is unknown I would politely decline.

I would actively help my child to do his assignment to attainment the four year scholarship. This is why; the assignment given is way beyond his ability and again there is so much to lose. Purpose and implications are two element of reasoning while fairness and logic are the intellectual standards that inform my decision. The purpose would be to help my child get the scholarship but I will also think about the implication. I think I will come across as one who does the right thing when it matters most. Evaluating my decision on the basis of intellectual standard of fairness someone might say this is cheating but it is not. Why would a teacher set a graduate assignment to a highschooler? That is now unfair. The other standard is logic; does it make sense to help my child? I think it does because this work I did at graduate level.

In conclusion, due to high stakes placed on almost every decision one makes on day to day basis it is important to be sure that one has weighted all possible angles before making any decision.

Reference

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2001). Miniature guide to critical thinking: Concepts & tools. Dillon Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.