Week 8 Assignment: Journal Submission Due Saturday

Week 8 Assignment: Journal Submit Assignment Due Saturday by 11:59pm

Review your first journal entry and consider how your understanding of critical thinking has evolved over the past eight weeks. Reflect on whether your definition of critical thinking needs to be adjusted or if it remains accurate. Explain which parts of the course text best reflected your initial definition and if and how those parts influenced your current perspective.

Recall your initial thoughts on the authors' statement that the concepts in Chapters 12, 13, and 14 are "the heart of the matter." With the benefit of further study, analyze why these concepts are considered central to critical thinking by the authors.

Assess the claim made in the lecture that an argument is only as good as its ethical basis. State whether you agree or disagree that ethics are essential to a strong argument and justify your position.

Contemplate whether you now believe you have learned everything necessary about critical thinking or if developing critical thinking skills is an ongoing, lifelong process. Support your answer with reasoning.

Paper For Above instruction

Critical thinking is an essential cognitive process that involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make reasoned judgments. When I first approached my journal at the start of this course, I defined critical thinking as the ability to objectively assess information and avoid being swayed by biases or unsupported claims. Over the past eight weeks, my understanding of this definition has deepened significantly, especially in recognizing the importance of context, bias, and the need for reflective skepticism. I now see critical thinking as not just a process of evaluation but also as an active, self-regulatory practice that involves constantly questioning assumptions and seeking evidence.

Initially, my definition was somewhat simplistic, emphasizing logical analysis and objectivity. However, through studying Chapters 12, 13, and 14, I realized that the heart of critical thinking lies in understanding the ethical considerations and the reasoning behind arguments. These chapters emphasized that critical thinking cannot exist in a vacuum; it requires awareness of the ethical implications of our judgments and the moral responsibilities that come with evaluating others' ideas. The authors' assertion that these chapters encompass "the heart of the matter" resonated with me because it underscores that critical thinking is inherently intertwined with ethics and integrity. For example, when evaluating persuasive arguments, understanding the ethical foundation strengthens our capacity to discern truth from manipulation.

The statement that an argument is only as good as its ethical base is compelling because it highlights that reasoning must be grounded in moral principles. I agree that ethics are fundamental to a strong argument because they influence both the legitimacy and acceptability of the reasoning. An argument lacking ethical consideration risks being manipulative, biased, or unjust, which undermines its credibility. For instance, arguments that ignore ethical concerns about honesty, fairness, or respect are likely to be flawed regardless of logical soundness. Ethical reasoning fosters trust and accountability, which are essential for constructive discourse. Therefore, ethics serve as a guiding compass that ensures critical thinking remains aligned with moral standards and societal values.

Reflecting on my learning journey, I believe that developing critical thinking skills is a continuous process rather than a finite achievement. The more I study different perspectives, analyze complex issues, and evaluate evidence, the more I recognize the depth and breadth of critical thinking. As new challenges and information emerge, I understand that maintaining an open mind and refining my reasoning skills require ongoing effort. Critical thinking is a lifelong endeavor because human knowledge and social dynamics are constantly evolving. Thus, acquiring critical thinking skills is best viewed as an ongoing process of growth and self-improvement that adapts to changing circumstances and new insights.

In conclusion, my understanding of critical thinking has evolved from a basic evaluation of logical reasoning to a more nuanced appreciation of the ethical and reflective dimensions involved. I recognize that these skills are essential not only for academic success but also for responsible citizenship and personal development. The process of learning to think critically never truly ends; instead, it continually shapes our ability to navigate an increasingly complex world with integrity and insight.

References

• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical Thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment.
• Ennis, R. H. (2011). Critical thinking. Prentice Hall.
• Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts & Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
• Lipman, M. (2003). Thinking in Education. Cambridge University Press.
• Norris, S. (1992). Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills. HarperCollins University.
• Brookfield, S. D. (2012). Teaching for Critical Thinking: Tools and Techniques to Help Students Question Their Assumptions. Jossey-Bass.
• Kuhn, D. (1999). A developmental model of critical thinking. Educational Researcher, 28(2), 16-25.
• Facione, P. (2013). Think Critically. California Academic Press.
• Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.
• King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (2004). Reflective Judgment: Theory and Research on the Development of Reflective Thinking. Educational Psychology.