Our First Essay Will Be Based On Richard Paul And Linda El ✓ Solved

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Our First Essay Will Be Based Upon Richard Paul And Linda Elder's

Our first essay will be based upon Richard Paul and Linda Elder's "Essential Intellectual Traits," the list of eight critical-thinking qualities that we looked at in the module one/week two assigned reading "Intellectual Virtues." Writing this essay will give you a chance to examine your strongest and weakest intellectual traits, and to identify the trait(s) that you consider to have been most crucial in making sense of the past twelve months.

Based on your reading of Paul and Elder's "Essential Intellectual Traits," write a unified, coherent, fully supported essay (minimum 1200 words, 6 paragraphs), in which you complete each of the following tasks. a) Select ONE trait that you consider to be among your strongest. After clearly defining the trait, provide at least one concrete, specific, detailed example from your past experience that shows how this trait helped you to make a decision, solve a problem, or resolve a conflict or source of confusion in your life. b) Examine ONE trait that you consider to be among your weakest. After defining the trait, provide at least one concrete, specific, detailed example from your past experience that shows how a weakness regarding this trait hindered you in trying to make a decision, solve a problem, or resolve a conflict or source of confusion in your life. c) Identify ONE trait that has helped you make sense of the tumultuous events of the past twelve months. Do this by focusing on just ONE of the many interrelated issues that have challenged us: the pandemic, the economy, racial injustice, socioeconomic inequality, the post-election chaos, the Capitol riot, etc. Consider how this trait has helped you to think the issue through, put it in perspective, or better understand different viewpoints. d) Finally, identify ONE trait that you would like people (yourself, perhaps, included) to keep in mind as they debate the issue you addressed in task c above. Consider how this trait has been abused or ignored and how it could help raise the level of debate and protect us from inaccuracies, distortions, distractions, and divisions.

For each trait that you choose to focus on in tasks a through d, provide a clear definition the first time you use it. Define the trait primarily in your own words, supplemented by the exact wording (in quotes) used by Paul and Elder. Use proper MLA format for in-text citations and a Works Cited page, which will at least include: Paul, Richard and Linda Elder. Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools, 7th ed. The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2016.

You need to use 3-part essay structure – an introductory paragraph with a lead-in or "hook," general background, and thesis statement; several body paragraphs with focused topic sentences and specific details; and a concluding paragraph with restatement of thesis and final thought.

Paper For Above Instructions

Critical thinking, as outlined by Richard Paul and Linda Elder in their work, is a vital skill that encourages individuals to evaluate and analyze information critically. In this essay, I will explore my intellectual virtues based on their "Essential Intellectual Traits" framework. I will identify my strongest trait, my weakest trait, a trait that helped me navigate the complexities of the past year, and a trait that can enhance public discourse around pressing issues.

Firstly, my strongest intellectual trait is "Intellectual Humility." Paul and Elder define this trait as "having a consciousness of the limits of one's knowledge" and recognizing the potential bias in one’s point of view. Intellectual Humility allows me to approach discussions with an open mind, realizing that my understanding is limited and that others may provide valuable insights. A concrete example of this occurred when I participated in a community discussion about local climate initiatives. Initially, I held firm beliefs about the effectiveness of solar energy but remained open to learning from a local expert who presented compelling data on the impacts of wind energy. By practicing Intellectual Humility, I was able to acknowledge the valid arguments posed by others, refining my stance and ultimately advocating for a balanced energy approach in our community. This experience underscored how embracing Intellectual Humility led to more informed decisions and fostered a collaborative atmosphere.

Conversely, my weakest trait is "Intellectual Perseverance." Defined by Paul and Elder as "having a consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truths in spite of difficulties," I often find myself disheartened when faced with ongoing challenges. A specific instance reflecting this weakness occurred last year when I struggled with a university group project that faced significant obstacles in communication. Instead of persisting through the conflict and working toward resolution, I became overwhelmed and disengaged. This lack of Intellectual Perseverance hindered not only my contributions but also the group's overall productivity. This experience highlighted the necessity of actively cultivating this trait to overcome difficulties and maintain motivation in challenging situations.

Reflecting on the tumultuous events of the past twelve months, the trait of "Intellectual Courage" played a crucial role in my understanding of the primary challenges we faced, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-political unrest stemming from systemic racism. Intellectual Courage, according to Paul and Elder, involves "having a consciousness of the need to face and fairly address ideas, beliefs or viewpoints toward which we have strong negative emotions." During the pandemic, I was confronted with a myriad of perspectives about public health measures, including mask mandates and social distancing. By drawing on Intellectual Courage, I was able to examine opposing views and engage in constructive discussions with friends and family who perceived these measures differently. This open approach allowed me to better understand public health challenges and articulate my position clearly, thereby contributing to a more nuanced dialogue about health and safety.

Lastly, as we continue to navigate complex debates around pressing issues like the pandemic and racial inequality, I believe that "Fairmindedness" is an essential trait for effective discourse. Fairmindedness is described by Paul and Elder as "having a consciousness of the need to treat all viewpoints... without reference to one's own feelings or vested interests." This trait has often been absent in public debates, leading to polarization and divisiveness. In my opinion, Fairmindedness has been abused by those who selectively engage with arguments, often dismissing opposing viewpoints without genuine consideration. Cultivating Fairmindedness can help elevate discussions by fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to listen to and learn from each other, moving beyond entrenched positions to find common ground and collaborative solutions.

In conclusion, my exploration of the Essential Intellectual Traits has revealed the significance of Intellectual Humility, the challenges posed by my weakness in Intellectual Perseverance, the role of Intellectual Courage in navigating societal challenges, and the necessity of Fairmindedness in enhancing public discourse. By recognizing and reflecting on these traits, I can continue to develop my critical thinking skills and contribute meaningfully to discussions that shape our society.

References

• Paul, Richard and Linda Elder. Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools, 7th ed. The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2016.

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