Assignment 1 Discussion: Relativistic Thinking - A New Persp
Assignment 1 Discussionrelativistic Thinking A New Perspective On T
Children and adolescents tend to engage in so-called “black and white” thinking. In other words, they tend to judge people and situations in dualistic, rather than relativistic, terms. In early adulthood, individuals begin to reason about situations using a more flexible framework that helps them to resolve contradictions between different perspectives. Describe a situation in which you or someone you know has had to move beyond “black and white” thinking and has been able to develop a more relativistic perspective. Answer the following: What was it about the situation that challenged you or the other person to think more relativistically? How do you think people begin to respond to others differently once they begin to use relativistic thinking? Support your arguments with research, citing sources. Write your initial response in 150–200 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.
Paper For Above instruction
Relativistic thinking signifies a cognitive development stage where individuals perceive situations and viewpoints with a flexible mindset, recognizing multiple perspectives rather than endorsing black-and-white judgments. An illustrative example involves a young adult, Sarah, who initially viewed her parents’ disagreement over her career choice as a simple conflict of right and wrong. Her black-and-white perspective made her see her parents’ opposition as entirely unjustified. However, a detailed family discussion, prompted by her curiosity and willingness to understand their concerns, challenged her to view their perspectives as rooted in genuine care rather than mere opposition. This situation prompted Sarah to develop a more nuanced view, recognizing that her parents’ worries stemmed from their desire for her well-being, thus fostering relativistic thinking. Once individuals adopt this perspective, their responses to others tend to become more empathetic and tolerant, as they appreciate the legitimacy of differing viewpoints. Research by Basseches (1984) and Perry (1970) emphasizes that relativistic thinkers better navigate moral and social dilemmas by integrating multiple perspectives, improving social interactions and reducing judgmental attitudes. Such cognitive flexibility promotes conflict resolution and enhances interpersonal understanding, crucial for mature social functioning.
References
- Basseches, M. (1984). Dialectical thinking and adult development: Some implications for adult education. Adult Education Quarterly, 35(3), 147-162.
- Perry, W. G. (1970). Forms of intellectual and ethical development in the college years. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
- Kuhn, D. (1999). A developmental model of critical thinking. Educational Researcher, 28(2), 16-25.
- Bettencourt, B. A., & Miller, N. (1996). Self-other decision biases in social comparison: The role of social complexity. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 22(4), 374-385.
Journal of Adolescent Research, 36(4), 453-475. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 39(3), 480-484. Educational Psychologist, 16(3), 106-115. Journal of Moral Education, 19(2), 129-135. Developmental Psychology, 20(4), 691-698. International Journal of Educational Research, 37(3), 231-241.