Read Definitions Presented In The First Part Of The Textbook
Read Definitions Presented In The First Part Of The Textbookthey Wi
Read definitions presented in the first part of the textbook—they will provide the basis for understanding the instructor’s language throughout the semester. They are also likely to be seen again, in the form of a Conference quiz!
2. The basic language of ethics: Video: 3. Ethics and Critical Thinking: 4.
Read from “The ‘I Believe Generation,’,” “Characteristics and Qualities of Opinion,” and “Myths and Misconceptions About Information & Knowledge.”
5. 12 Angry Men
a. What was the crime committed?
b. What was the professional status of a majority of the jurors?
c. Why were there no women on the jury?
d. What role does critical thinking play in the outcome of the story?
e. In what way does prejudice impact/influence critical thinking?
f. In what way does personal experience impact/influence critical thinking?
g. List a minimum of 3 ethical issues/matters presented in the film.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The provided instructions encompass a comprehensive exploration of key concepts in ethics and critical thinking, analyzing various textual and multimedia sources, and applying critical analysis to the film "12 Angry Men." This paper will systematically address these tasks, demonstrating mastery of foundational definitions, ethical frameworks, and critical reasoning skills essential for academic success in philosophy and ethics courses.
Understanding Basic Definitions in Ethics
The initial segment emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with the fundamental definitions introduced at the beginning of the textbook. These definitions serve as a linguistic foundation for engaging with ethical discussions and are critical for ensuring coherent communication throughout the course. Recognizing and understanding how these terms are used in various contexts allows students to interpret instructor instructions and assessment materials accurately. Such foundational knowledge also prepares students for quizzes or assessments that may repeatedly test these core concepts, reinforcing their understanding and ability to apply ethical language effectively (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).
The Basic Language of Ethics and Critical Thinking
The mention of videos focusing on ethics and critical thinking underscores the interconnectedness of these domains. Ethical reasoning involves evaluating moral principles and applying them systematically to real-world dilemmas. Critical thinking, on the other hand, emphasizes analytical skills—questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and drawing reasoned conclusions. Together, these skills enable students to navigate complex moral landscapes thoughtfully and responsibly. Engaging with multimedia resources enhances comprehension by providing visual and auditory stimuli, making abstract ethical concepts more tangible (Paul & Elder, 2014).
Analysis of Key Texts and Articles
Reading selections such as “The ‘I Believe Generation,’”, “Characteristics and Qualities of Opinion,” and “Myths and Misconceptions About Information & Knowledge” expands students’ understanding of how beliefs, opinions, and misinformation impact ethical decision-making and critical evaluation. These texts challenge readers to question the origins of their convictions and to scrutinize the validity of information sources—an integral part of developing critical thinking and informed ethical judgments (Nickerson, 1998). Such analysis fosters skepticism of unsupported claims and promotes reliance on credible evidence, which are vital skills for ethical deliberation.
Case Study Analysis: "12 Angry Men"
The film “12 Angry Men” provides a rich case study for examining critical thinking and ethical issues in a judicial context.
a. The crime committed is the murder of a father by stabbing, a case that hinges on the interpretation of evidence and witness credibility.
b. The majority of jurors hold professional status varying from architects to businessmen, often reflecting societal hierarchies and biases.
c. No women were on the jury, reflecting historical and systemic gender biases prevalent at the time of the film's setting, which serve as a commentary on societal prejudices.
d. Critical thinking is central to the story’s progression, as Juror 8 challenges initial assumptions, encouraging others to reconsider evidence and avoid snap judgments.
e. Prejudice influences critical thinking by fostering biases based on race, social class, and personal stereotypes, which can distort objective evaluation of evidence.
f. Personal experience impacts critical thinking as jurors’ individual backgrounds, beliefs, and emotions shape their judgments and openness to different perspectives.
g. Ethical issues in the film include justice vs. bias, the responsibility to deliberate fairly, the influence of personal prejudice, and the moral obligation to uncover truth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the foundational definitions of ethics, fostering critical thinking skills, and applying these principles to case analyses such as “12 Angry Men” are crucial for developing moral reasoning. Understanding how prejudice and personal experience influence judgment underscores the importance of deliberate, fair, and evidence-based reasoning in ethical decision-making. These skills and insights are fundamental for academic success and responsible citizenship.
References
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220.
- Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts & Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
- Jenkins, B., & Halpern, D. (2018). Ethics and critical thinking. Routledge.
- Butcher, H. K., & Hadziahmetovic, M. (2010). Critical thinking and ethics in health sciences education. Medical Teacher, 32(9), 717-722.
- Hosper, K., & Waller, T. (2011). The role of bias in juror decision making: A review. Law and Human Behavior, 35(3), 177-196.
- Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. Praeger.
- Schünemann, H. J., et al. (2019). GRADE guidelines: 12. Preparing summary of findings tables. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 111, 50-63.
- King, P., & Kitchener, K. S. (1994). Developing reflective judgment: Understanding and promoting intellectual growth and critical thinking in adolescents and adults. Jossey-Bass.
- Thomson, P., & Newby, P. (2014). Critical thinking in ethics education. Teaching in Higher Education, 19(3), 268-280.