Critical Thinking And Reasoning Skills Reflection

Critical Thinking and Reasoning Skills Reflection Paper

Reflecting upon the initial completion of the “Critical Thinking Quiz” at the beginning of the course, I found that my knowledge of the topics covered was somewhat limited. The quiz exposed gaps in my understanding of logical reasoning, argument analysis, and critical evaluation, highlighting the need for more structured learning and practice. Watching the prescribed videos — including David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water,” Cornel West’s discussion on truth, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” Stephen Brookfield’s insights on critical thinking, credibility assessment, and the Dove commercial on evolution — broadened my perspective and deepened my comprehension of these themes. These resources emphasized the importance of awareness, open-mindedness, and skepticism in critical analysis, which I previously underestimated.

This course appears to focus on developing essential critical thinking skills, such as evaluating arguments, recognizing logical fallacies, understanding bias, and applying reasoning in real-world contexts. It aims to teach students how to approach information thoughtfully, question assumptions, and construct coherent arguments. By engaging with various media and philosophical perspectives, the course encourages a multidimensional understanding of how reasoning influences perceptions, decisions, and societal discourse.

My primary goal for this course is to enhance my critical thinking and reasoning abilities, fostering greater intellectual independence and analytical rigor. I aspire to become more effective at identifying flawed arguments, assessing credible sources, and articulating well-supported viewpoints. Improving these skills will not only benefit my academic pursuits but also empower me to navigate everyday situations critically, from media consumption to personal interactions and civic participation. Ultimately, I hope that this course will cultivate a habit of reflective skepticism, enabling me to approach complex issues with nuance and clarity.

Paper For Above instruction

Critical thinking is an essential skill that influences every aspect of personal, academic, and professional life. When I initially completed the critical thinking quiz, I realized that my grasp of logical analysis and argumentation was partial and inconsistent. The quiz questions tested my ability to identify flawed reasoning, logical fallacies, and assumptions. My performance indicated that I struggled with recognizing subtle errors in reasoning, such as unwarranted conclusions and ignoring relevant evidence. This recognition motivated me to seek a deeper understanding through the course materials and videos assigned for the week.

The videos provided a rich context for appreciating the importance of critical thinking. David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” urged awareness of the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life and how attention and mindfulness are crucial in fostering empathetic understanding and rational reflection. Cornel West’s discussion on truth highlighted the importance of integrity and honesty in engaging with complex moral and philosophical issues. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” illustrated how perceptions are often illusions shaped by limited understanding, emphasizing the necessity of questioning and seeking enlightened perspectives. Stephen Brookfield’s insights stressed the importance of reflective skepticism and the need to challenge our assumptions continually. Credibility assessment and the Dove commercial on evolution showcased practical tools for evaluating information sources and understanding the influence of media in shaping beliefs.

Analyzing these materials, I discerned that this course aims to build upon these foundational ideas by equipping students with skills to critically evaluate arguments, detect bias, and appreciate the diversity of perspectives. It seems designed to cultivate an inquisitive mindset that balances open-mindedness with rigorous skepticism. The goal is to foster discernment and clarity in reasoning, enabling students to navigate an information-rich world with confidence and integrity.

My personal objectives for taking this course are to improve my ability to analyze arguments systematically and to recognize logical fallacies and biases more effectively. I want to become more aware of my cognitive biases and learn strategies to mitigate their influence on my reasoning. Developing these skills will help me in academic research, professional decision-making, and daily life where critical evaluation of information is paramount.

Furthermore, I hope to internalize a habit of questioning assumptions and evidence, leading to more reasoned and well-articulated conclusions. By engaging with diverse perspectives and practicing critical analysis, I aim to enhance my intellectual humility and open-mindedness. These qualities are vital in fostering constructive dialogue and understanding in increasingly complex societal issues.

In conclusion, I believe this course will significantly contribute to refining my critical thinking skills, enabling me to approach information skeptically yet thoughtfully. The insights gained from the videos and activities will serve as a foundation for lifelong learning and intellectual growth. I am committed to applying these skills beyond the classroom to become a more thoughtful, analytical, and ethically aware individual.

References

• Wallace, D. F. (2009). This is Water [Video]. YouTube.
• West, C. (2003). Examined Life: Cornel West on Truth [Documentary].
• Plato. (Approx. 380 BC). Allegory of the Cave. In The Republic.
• Brookfield, S. (2012). Critical Thinking and Reflective Practice. Jossey-Bass.
• Ennis, R. H. (2011). Critical Thinking. Prentice Hall.
• Facione, P. A. (2015). The Thinker's Guide to Analytic Thinking. Insight Assessment.
• Nisbett, R. E. (2003). The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently. Free Press.
• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. Springer.
• Levitt, S. D., & Dubner, S. J. (2005). Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. William Morrow.