Critical-Thinking-Reflective-Essay-JenniferHutson
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Texas A&M University, Commerce *
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111
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Philosophy
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Jan 9, 2024
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Uploaded by ChiefGoatMaster977
Reflective Thinking Essay
Jennifer Hutson
Texas A&M University Commerce
CID-111-0CW:
Critical Thinking
Katy Williams
October 11, 2023
Reflective Thinking Essay
PART 1: DEVELOP AN ARGUMENT
Poverty stands as the most fundamentally urgent issue in the world today due to its
pervasive and far-reaching impact on humanity. The first premise supporting this claim is that
poverty is not limited to any geographical region; it affects people in both developing and
developed nations, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds. This universality of poverty
serves as a testament to its urgency as a global issue. The second premise is that poverty leads to
many interconnected problems, such as hunger, lack of access to education, inadequate
healthcare, and economic inequality. These consequences further exacerbate social and political
instability, making poverty a root cause of many other pressing global challenges.
In analyzing this argument, we find that it is primarily inductive in nature. The
conclusion, that poverty is the most fundamentally urgent issue in the world, does not follow
deductively from the premises, but rather it is a generalization drawn from the observed impact
of poverty on a wide range of issues. While the argument is inductive, it can be considered strong
because it relies on extensive evidence and real-world examples that demonstrate the global and
interconnected nature of poverty. However, whether it is sound depends on the accuracy and
completeness of the evidence provided to support the premises. If the evidence is robust and
comprehensive, the argument can be considered both strong and sound, reinforcing the urgency
of addressing poverty as a top priority on the global agenda.
PART 2: WHAT IS CRITICAL THINKING?
Critical thinking is the ability to think clear and rational about any subject while
understanding the logical connections being made. Critical thinking allows you to evaluate and
analyze information in a deliberate and reflective manner. It involves a wide array of skills,
including the ability to question assumptions, assess how credible the sources of information are,
consider multiple points of view, and make educated and reasonable judgments. Critical thinkers
have an open mind, they are inquisitive, and will also challenge their own beliefs and biases
when evaluating all of the information.
Before taking this class, I believed that critical thinking was a valuable skill, but my
understanding of everything about it has deepened. I can now recognize that critical thinking is
not just a useful tool for academic success but critical thinking is certainly an essential life skill
in the world we live in today. In current times, where information is so readily accessible and
misinformation is widespread, the ability to think critically has become even more important.
Critical thinking gives individuals the power to navigate the digital aspects of our word much
more efficiently and effectively. Critical thinking allows us to more easily distinguish what is
fact from what is fiction and make more informed decisions throughout our lives. “I
n higher
education, critical thinking is a key element to achieving a sustainable society.” (Campo)
PART 3: APPLICATION
After taking this course, I have learned many valuable insights and skills that I can apply
in my roles as a mother and a teacher. One key point I focused on was the Introduction to Critical
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Thinking skills. I've gained a deeper understanding of critical thinking techniques and their
importance. As a mother, I can encourage my children to think critically by asking open-ended
questions, fostering their curiosity, and teaching them how to assess information for reliability. In
my teaching career, I can incorporate critical thinking exercises and discussions in the classroom,
helping students develop problem-solving and analytical skills. Another topic that really
resonated with me was Fun with Fallacies. I learned a great deal about how different errors in
reasoning are so common in our lives. They surround us on our television screens and social
media websites and even in our every day conversations at work or home. It was really
interesting to me how many ways there are to prove an argument a mistake and that there are
hundreds of words for these types of things. In my personal life I will be more easily able to
discern fallacies in conversation. Particularly the logical fallacy about how going outside without
a coat will allow you to catch a cold. The proven fact is that the only way to catch a cold is to be
exposed to a virus. (Grammarly)
References
Groarke, Leo and C. Tindale, 2003. Good Reasoning Matters! 3rd edition, Toronto,
Oxford University Press.
Campo, L., Galindo-Domínguez, H., Bezanilla, M. J., Fernández-Nogueira, D., &
Poblete, M. (2023). Methodologies for fostering critical thinking skills from university students’
points of view. Education Sciences, 13(2), 132.
15 logical fallacies to know, with definitions and examples. Grammarly. (2023, April 10).
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/logical-fallacies/
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