Critical Thinking Blog #1

Part OneHow do you define critical thinking? Describe a situation in which you thought through something critically. Describe a situation in which you did not think through something critically.

Critical thinking is calmly examining a situation or other topic void of emotion; utililizing different angles and approaches to the topic to percieve all scenarios and possible outcomes. Hopefully like other students, I have critically analyzed and planned my college career. I have planned different routes for different outcomes for universities. On a smaller scale, which classes to take and where to take them has also been critically decided since I go to both Cosumnes River and Sierra College- a choice decided because of my major in Architecture. When it comes to not thinking critically, a perfect situation for me would be dating. I knew better than to get involved in a relationship so close to transferring and ignored all logic. While its a good relationship there are dilemmas with habits and the fact I will probably be moving (at least) two hours away. I was not thinking when I entered a relationship- love can be blind lol.

Part Two"We often long for surefire, step-by-step procedures [to help us solve problems] and the more personally threatening a situation is, the more we want foolproof rules. But there are no rules that guarantee our thinking will be correct . . . The only way we can decide whether to follow certain rules is if we use our best reasoning to determine that those rules are reasonable, that they lead to reasonable results when followed." – Gerald Nosich, Learning to Think Things Through

Describe what you think of when you think of “intellectualism”. Does this word have positive connotations or negative connotations for you? Why? Describe what you think of when you think of “logic” and “reason.” Do these have positive connotations or negative connotations? Why?

Intellectualism is something that is fading from the world as pop culture and mass media swarm through our daily lives. I have a fond admiration for anything intectual. While I do enjoy the crude humor of TV sitcoms, I still love the simple and refined cultures. I consider myself a very logical person; reason seems more practical to me than faith or beliefs- not to attack religion because I still respect it and understand its draw for people. My immediate family is not religious and having taken so many classes with culture, philosophy, history, etc. I have incredibly positive connotations of logic, reason and intellectualism; admiring the solid facts and forwardness of reason and logic. I dont have to stretch my mind around anything that science can not explain.