The acts of philosophizing and "thinking again" are best accomplished through discussion, conversation, and sometimes even debate. This is how ideas become fleshed out and conversations move forward. As such, students are expected to produce a robust, video discussion based on their engagement with course materials. The primary qualifier for all discussions is that they must have their foundation in either our philosophical or textbook readings for the week and connect directly to one or more key excerpts, ideas, passages, or concepts.
The prompt for this week's original post discussion revolves around the following question(s):
What would you say is the most significant concept or compelling idea presented in this week's course material? Why do you hold that position?
Full Answer Section
I found these discussions to be very helpful in understanding the importance of critical thinking. I think it is an essential skill that everyone should develop.
Here are some of the reasons why I think critical thinking is the most significant concept or compelling idea presented in this week's course material:
- It is a skill that can be applied to all areas of life, from our personal relationships to our professional careers.
- It helps us to be more informed and engaged citizens.
- It can help us to avoid being misled by false information and propaganda.
- It is a valuable tool for solving problems and making decisions.
I believe that critical thinking is a skill that everyone should develop. It is an essential tool for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Here are some of the ways that I can apply critical thinking in my own life:
- When I am reading the news, I will try to identify the different perspectives that are being presented. I will also try to evaluate the evidence that is being presented and to draw my own conclusions.
- When I am making a decision, I will try to consider all of the options and to weigh the pros and cons of each option. I will also try to anticipate the potential consequences of my decision.
- When I am interacting with others, I will try to be aware of my own biases and to be open-minded to different viewpoints.
I believe that by developing my critical thinking skills, I can become a more informed and engaged citizen. I can also make better decisions and avoid being misled by false information.
Sample Answer
I think the most significant concept or compelling idea presented in this week's course material is the idea of critical thinking. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about a problem or issue. It involves the ability to identify and assess different perspectives, to evaluate evidence, and to draw logical conclusions.
Critical thinking is important because it allows us to make better decisions and to avoid being misled by false information. It also helps us to be more open-minded and to consider different viewpoints.
In the readings for this week, we discussed a number of different aspects of critical thinking. We talked about the importance of being aware of our own biases, the need to gather and evaluate evidence, and the importance of being able to think logically.