Assingment for Saturday

1) Read chapter 10 (you can skip chapter 9)

2) Go to this page.

http://abcnews.go.com/

Read the news report about a study of white rice.

Answer these questions;

1) What does the study show?

2) What does the writer (Dr. LAWRENCE BORGES) think about this topic? Does he think white rice is dangerous or not?

3) What is the advice he gives about white rice?

Finding Statistics

Sometimes people use statistics incorrectly.

But sometimes it is hard even to find the statistics!

Do you know Walmart?

Photo by galaygobi



Walmart is a huge multinational company that operates large discount department stores.

Walmart is famous for it`s low prices.

Photo by Walmart Stores


However, many people don`t like Walmart.

They complain that Walmart pays it`s workers too little.

Many people who work at Walmart are still poor!

  Photo by Brave New Films


I want to find out how much Walmart pays a new unskilled worker.

I searched on Yahoo.com



Here are some quotes from many websites.



http://www.buzzle.com/articles/walmart-employee-average-salary.html

"On an hourly basis, the average salary of Walmart employees is around $11.75."

This sounds good but the website sounded biased in favor of Walmart.


http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Wal-Mart_Stores%2c_Inc/Hourly_Rate

"Cashier: Hourly Rate: $7.32 - $10.20"



http://www.careerleak.com/salaries/walmart/cashier/


This website gets it`s information from anonymous sources.

I can`t be sure if this is true or not.



http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080104140335AAysNZx


"What's the average starting pay for a Walmart employee?
I am just looking for a part time job to earn a little extra money.




Wal-Mart pays an average hourly wage of $8.23 an hour, according to independent expert statistical analysis, which falls below basic living wage standards and even below poverty lines.
Wal-Mart claims an hourly wage of $9.68 an hour is its national average, though that still equals poverty levels for workers. Since “full time” at Wal-Mart is 34 hours a week according to company policy, full-time workers make a mere $17,114.24 a year—below the federal poverty level for a family of four.
The most common Wal-Mart jobs earn less.
A sales associate--the most common job classification--earns on average $8.23 per hour ($13,861 annually)
A cashier—the second most common job—earns about $7.92 per hour ($11,948 annually)
Sales associates and cashiers combined account for more than a third of all Wal-Mart jobs.
Source(s):
http://www.ufcw.org/press_room/fact_sheets_and_backgrounder/walmart/wages.cfm"







This last page looked very good because the person added the source of the information.

However when I clicked on the link I only saw this.

PAGE NOT FOUND!!!!


Finally, I thought, "Why not just go to Walmart`s home page!"

I went to http://walmartstores.com/ 

But I still couldn`t find  how much Walmart pays a new unskilled worker!

I could only find these 2 videos about how wonderful Walmart is!






How much does Walmart pay?

I can`t find out.

Sometimes the most effective way to deceive using statistics is to keep the statistic a secret.

Average is not Normal

This powerpoint file explains the difference between "average" and "normal".

http://www.slideshare.net/

Doctors VS Obamacare

Obamacare is Obama`s plan to change the healthcare industry in America.

There is a lot of debate about this plan.

Many people think it will improve the healthcare industry but many people think it will make things worse.

 Here is an article from the Boston Herald about Obamacare.

boston herald story

"The Supreme Court hasn’t yet rendered its verdict on Obamacare, but the nation’s doctors have. And they think it will wreck America’s health care system.

The latest evidence comes from a new survey of young doctors by the Physicians Foundation. Nearly 60 percent of doctors aged 40 and under are pessimistic about the future of American health care. Just 22 percent are optimistic.

The number-one reason doctors cited for their pessimism? Obamacare, which was singled out by more than a third. Add in related concerns — like distrust of government to do the right thing and the feeling that government intervention hurts patient care — and the docs’ hostility to Obamacare becomes even more intense."

Question


What percentage of American doctors think Obamacare will make the healthcare industry worse?

Research studies

How often do you read a news story about a "Shocking new study!"

Here are some examples of shocking studies! 

1)  "Shock findings in new GMO study: Rats fed lifetime of GM corn grow horrifying tumors, 70% of females die early"



2) NEW STUDY ON HOMOSEXUAL PARENTS TOPS ALL PREVIOUS RESEARCH Children of Homosexuals Fare Worse on Most Outcomes


3) Most Pork is Contaminated, New Study Shows

4) College Education?: Shocking New Research Proves That Our College Students Are Learning Next To Nothing

5) Coke and Pepsi contain alcohol : A shocking study

6) Shocking! Study Finds Gaming Makes You Fat, Nerdy

7) Men with pink shirts earn more than their peers

8) Tree rings prove man made globalnwarming is a fraud. 

Shock findings in new GMO study: Rats fed lifetime of GM corn grow horrifying tumors, 70% of females die early

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037249_GMO_study_cancer_tumors_organ_damage.html#ixzz2Di5dZydB

Shock findings in new GMO study: Rats fed lifetime of GM corn grow horrifying tumors, 70% of females die early

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037249_GMO_study_cancer_tumors_organ_damage.html#ixzz2Di5dZydB

How good is the evidence?

Testimonials

A testimonial is a favorable report usually about a product or service.

Look at this testimonial for a car dealer, "Courtesy Chevrolet".

The customers look so happy!

Maybe they are happy because they got a free iPad!

Do you trust this testimonial?





 Fiverr.com


Many people are willing to give any testimonial about anything.

There is a website called Fiverr.com

In this website people offer many things for $5.

Many people will make a video testimonial for you for $5.

Click here to see.



Blurbs

A blurb is another kind of testimonial.

A blurb is a quote, usually from a famous author, saying how good a book is.

You can find many blurbs on the cover of any book.

Here is a book.

Here is the blurb.

 

Do you believe this blurb?

Many people do not believe blurbs.

Authors often blurb each other`s books.

Robert Parker, a famous detective author, said "Never blurb a book you`ve read, and never read a book you`ve blurbed."



Company testimonials

Companies love to show testimonials from their clients!

http://www.quickcert.com/client_testimonials.cfm



EBay testimonials

How can you know if a person on EBay is a good seller or not?

Read the testimonials!

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=mitchellkormos&ftab=AllFeedback&myworld=true

Assignment for next week

1) Read chapter 8

You can omit pages 110-113.

These pages go into too much detail.

2) Appeals to authority.

Choose a person you consider to be an authority about an important topic.

Should you really think of this person as an impartial expert?

Research about this person.

You can use Wikipedia, Yahoo and Youtube to find out more about this person.

Then fill in the following form about the person.


        Appeals to Authority


Name________________________________________


Job__________________________________________


Education/ Training_____________________________


Experience_____________________________________


Special position_________________________________


Bias__________________________________________


Good Reputation________________________________


Considering all of this information, has your opinion of this person changed?



Here is an example about Duncan Hawthorne


Appeals to authority

I filled out the form about him.
     

  Appeals to Authority


Name_____Duncan Hawthorne____________________


Job______CEO of Bruce Power____________________


Education/ Training______MBA____________________


Experience_Engineering and Management in power generation

companies_


Special position__Canada Nuclear Association__Energy Council of Canada____World Association of Nuclear Operators________________________


Bias______"Nuclear Power Evangelist"__________________


Good Reputation____He has appeared on TV news_______


My opinion changed about this person.

I believe that he is an expert but he sounds biased in favor of nuclear energy.

I will believe what he says but I will not believe it 100%.

Homework for next week.

1) Read over chapters 6 and 7 one more time.

These chapters are quite detailed but please don`t get too worried about each detail.

Just think about how bad logic can ruin an argument.


2) Look at this list of logical fallacies.

choose a few at random from the list.

Try to explain in your own words why these are examples of bad reasoning.



Logical Fallacies: Examples

Either you're for me or against me.

America: love it or leave it.

If I make an exception for you then I have to make an exception for everyone.

Experts agree that the best way to prevent nuclear war is to prepare for it.

Employees are like nails. Just as nails must be hit in the head in order to make them work, so must employees.

Because we allow terminally ill patients to use heroin, we should allow everyone to use heroin.

Cancer causes smoking.

Since I'm not lying, it follows that I'm telling the truth.

We know that God exists, since the Bible says God exists. What the Bible says must be true, since God wrote it and God never lies.

The sign said "fine for parking here", and since it was fine, I parked there.


It would be illegal to give away
Free Beer!

All Texans are Americans, and no Californians are Texans, therefore, no Californians are Americans.

I won the lottery because my psychic aura made me win.

Logical reasoning test

Try this test!

There are 5 questions.

Good Luck!

Find the value assumptions

Should universities use positive discrimination to increase diversity?

Should boxing be banned?

Should abortion be legal?

Should Cannabis/Marijuana be legalised?

Should children be allowed to work in the performing arts or professional sports?

Should parents be allowed to select the gender of their offspring?

Should voting in elections be compulsory?

Should cosmetic surgery be banned?

Should blasphemy be against the law?

Should extremist political parties be banned from standing for political office?

Should we legalise the sale of human organs?

Should everyone have to carry an identity card?

Should parents have the right to educate their children privately?

Should a mandatory maximum salary be imposed by governments?

Should smoking be banned in public places?

Do schools have the right to search students’ lockers?

Should we ban or restrict the use of violent video games?

Should we ban the keeping of animals in zoos?

Essay Exercises

First, identify the conclusion and reasons. Then identify the value conflicts and assumptions in each of the following passages.

1) Sarah: I’ve made my choice of colleges. I want to go to Dreswel University.
High school counselor: Why do you want to go there?
Sarah: Their residence hall rooms have much more closet space than other schools I visited.


2) Today’s youth need to spend a lot less time with their computers, cell phones and iPods. Long sedentary hours at a computer is one of the major causes of early obesity in our children, and all that time spent instant messaging and e-mailing keeps them from learning important face-to-face social skills. Also parents are having to struggle to find any time to spend with their children. How much time our children are wasting is revealed by a recent survey that found that the total amount of media content our children get exposed to has increased to eight and a half hours per day! Parents need to set limits on the time their children spend “dialing up.”


3) Conscientious objectors are traitors to their country and should be either arrested or deported to somewhere that will tolerate them. When one's country is in danger of foreign domination, there is no time for cowardice or reflection. The freedom of every citizen is in danger when a war is on, and it is every citizen's duty to contribute to that freedom's defense. Conscientious objectors put everyone at risk, and they must not be allowed to do so with impunity.


4) Each year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of animals are slaughtered each year to please the palates of Americans. Before their death — usually by electrocution or blunt force head trauma — most of these livestock are kept in deplorable conditions. Cattle feed lots are packed so tightly that animals can scarcely move; chickens are held in cages too small for them to turn around in; veal calves are denied any motion at all to keep their flesh tender. For what? So that people who can afford the privilege can enjoy tasty meat products.
These methods are not necessarily bound to eating meat. People can raise animals the old-fashioned way — on farms with ample pasture and free-ranging animals — and still produce enough meat for America. Mass production methods of raising animals, like those described above, must change if we are to think of ourselves as ethical people; as long as we tolerate such tremendous and pointless suffering, we cannot.


5) In 1992, 282.5 people per 100,000 in the United States died of heart disease, and 204.3 per 100,000 died of cancer. These two death rates are nearly four times the size of the next nearest cause of death (cerebrovascular diseases), and both are largely caused by lifestyle choices.
What kind of lifestyle choices are Americans making to lead to this result? 27.5 percent are grossly overweight (20 percent or more over average), 59 percent don't exercise regularly, and 25.5 percent smoke. Only 40 percent of women and 32 percent of men select foods carefully to maintain a healthy diet.
Americans have demonstrated themselves incapable of making responsible choices to serve their own health. Strict government regulation of food and drug products is clearly needed to reduce high rates of preventable diseases like this. If people will not make responsible choices by themselves, the government can at least prevent manufacturers from producing goods that will eventually harm the health of millions.


6) America's youth are being cheated out of their educational future by narrow-minded budget cuts. Legislatures have apparently forgotten that learning requires a network of support and that those who facilitate the learning process require resources to do their jobs effectively. Unless teachers feel that their work is appreciated, they may find it hard to get up each day, excited about the challenge of encouraging as much learning as they know how.
Direct federal support for students is one more area where the cutbacks are harmful. When students cannot afford higher education, they certainly lose, but so do we all. The creativity and talents that would have been developed through higher education are lost to all of us. Just because a student is not born into a rich family, should they be unable to attend college? Where is our sense of justice and opportunity? 


For tomorrow

Read chapter 7!

Appeals to Authority

I am a member of the Duncan Hawthorne Fan Club!

This is a facebook group.

I became a member of this fan club after last year`s big disaster.

My friend told me about this fan club.

Duncan Hawthorne gives advice about the nuclear situation in Fukushima.

Often, someone reads some shocking news about Fukushima and they ask Duncan about it on this facebook group.

Duncan`s advice always sounds good.

Usually, he says "Don`t panic" or "Relax".

Of course, I love his advice.

But WHO IS DUNCAN HAWTHORNE?

His advice sounds good but can I trust him?

I did some research about him.

He has his own Wikipedia page!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hawthorne

According to Wikipedia, he is an expert about power generation.

He is the CEO of a Bruce Power (a power company).

But I don`t always trust Wikipedia.

I searched more and found this youtube video about him.



Duncan seems to be very knowledgeable about nuclear power.

He also appeared on TV to talk about the situation in Fukushima.



So he is knowledgeable and respected but is he biased?

I searched on Yahoo about him.

I found this article.

http://www.oilandgasinquirer.com/article.asp?article=\magazine\080811\mag2008_gb0001.html

The article calls him a "Nuclear power evangelist"

Bruce Power, his company, runs a nuclear power plant in Canada.

Also, he wants to open more nuclear power plants in Canada.

"Duncan Hawthorne wants to build the West's first nuclear power plant in Alberta or Saskatchewan. Or both."

So is he biased?

Should I trust him?

Maybe, I trust him 80%.


Some people trust him too much.

When asking a question, one person says "Darling Duncan..."

Slippery slope fallacy

see more epicfails

Logical Fallicies in videos.

John McCain ran for President in 2008.

This was one of his campaign videos.

The logical fallacy in this video is that John McCain is like the other great leaders shown in this video.

It does not explain why John McCain is like these other leaders.

http://youtu.be/J_A53PAxeR8


This is another of John McCain`s campaign videos.

In this video he is attacking Obama.

He does not show famous world leaders in this video.

He shows Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

Many people do not like these celebrities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHXYsw_ZDXg




"Everybody likes IKE!"

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the president from 1953- 1961.

His nickname was "Ike".

The logical fallacy in this video is an appeal to the popular.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc1eX1_PUxs&feature=player_embedded


This video is very good!

It shows many examples of fallicies.

False dilemma

"You're either with us, or against us"


President Bush


This is called a "false dilemma".

It assumes that there are only 2 choices.

1) Agree with the speaker

or

2) You are terrible!

Assingment for next week

1) Read chapter 6

2) Find the hidden assumptions. Do 1-6.

3) What are your top 5 value assumptions?


Good luck!

Value Assumptions

                                
Adventure                            Beauty                            Calm

Challenge                             Change                           Cleanliness

Orderliness                           Competition                   Concern for others

Friendship                             Fun                                Generosity

Gentleness                            Global view                   Gratitude

Hard work                             Happiness                      Harmony

Health                                    Honor                            Individuality

Inner peace                            Innovation                      Integrity

Intelligence                           Justice                             Kindness

Knowledge                           Privacy                             Progress   

Punctuality                            Respect for others            Rule of Law

Safety                                    Satisfying others              Security

Self-givingness                     Self-reliance                      Self-thinking

Content over form                 Continuous improvement   Creativity

Determination                        Democracy                       Discipline

Discovery                               Diversity                           Efficiency

Enjoyment                              Equality                            Fairness

Leadership                              Love                                  Romance

Loyalty                                    Maximum utilization        Learning
                                            (of time, resources)

Meaning                                  Patriotism                          Peace

Perfection                               Personal Growth                Perseverance

Pleasure                                  Power                                 Service (to others, society)

Simplicity                               Stability                              Strength

Standardization                      Teamwork                            Tolerance

Tradition                                Tranquility                            Trust

Truth                                      Well-being                            Wisdom

Benefits to All                        Civic Duty                            Civic Pride

Civil Rights                           Common Purpose                  Consumer Rights

Human Rights                        Diversity                               Duty

Concern for the Environment        Equal Opportunit         Majority Rule

Minority Rights                     Nation's Status (in World)    Respect for Others (individuals,                                                                                                             cultures, races)
Respect for the Individual     Respect for Elders                Right to Bear Arms

Safety Net (for elderly, unemployed, etc.)                         Women's Rights








What are your top 5 value assumptions?

Hidden Assumptions

We are always making assumptions.

When we go to the train station we assume that there will be a train coming soon.

Unless we learn something to challenge our assumption, we accept the assumption without thinking about it.

But, we are aware that we are making this assumption.


What assumptions have you made already today?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________



We are often making assumptions that we don`t even know we are making.

These are hidden assumptions.


Look at this argument.

Nuclear Power is wrong because it is unnatural!

The hidden assumption is "If something is unnatural, it is wrong."


All arguments have at least one assumption.


Find the hidden assumptions

1) Moby Dick is a whale. So Moby Dick is a mammal.

Assumption_____________________________________________________

2) Giving students a failing grade will damage their self-confidence. Therefore, we should not fail students.

Assumption_____________________________________________________


3) It should not be illegal for adults to smoke pot. After all, it does not harm anyone.

Assumption_____________________________________________________

4) There is nothing wrong talking on a mobile phone during lectures. Other students do it all the time.

Assumption_____________________________________________________

5) Killing an innocent person is wrong. Therefore, abortion is wrong.

Assumption_____________________________________________________

6) Traces of ammonia have been found in Mars' atmosphere. So there must be life on Mars.

Assumption_____________________________________________________

New Study!

Go to any search engine and search for "new study".

You will find so many amazing things!

For example:

Premonitions are real


How many times have your heard about the results of an amazing new study?

Maybe you thought "Wow! This will change the world!"

But then you never hear about this study again.


That`s because the study was probably wrong.


Medical studies with striking results often prove false

Dr. John Ioannidis, a researcher at Stanford University, wanted to know how many "shocking" studies are in fact false.

Dr. Ioannidis and a team of researchers looked at 228,220 studies.

In at least 90% of the studies that had dramatic results, the results in the end turned out to be false.

Dr. Ioannidis wrote an essay "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False.".


So what should we do?

We should not get so excited about any "new study".

We should wait until more research is done on a topic.

Assumptions and tricks!

Nobody likes to be tricked.

One way that people trick us is by using our false assumptions.

This video is about body language.

We assume that when Hillary is pointing at the crowd, she is pointing at someone she knows.

It is a trick.
http://youtu.be/AQENwD-QlRA?t=28m48s


Both Hillary and Obama use this trick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRQjTWmw0OM

Today`s handouts

                              Handout 1

  What Words or Phrases are Ambiguous?

"Ambiguity of information, in words, pictures, or other media, is the ability to express more than one interpretation."
From wiki

"Students hate annoying professors."

Does this mean "Students hate to annoy professors."

or "Students hate professors who are annoying."


Abstract, Concrete,  General and Specific


Abstract terms refer to ideas or concepts; they have no physical referents.

love, success, freedom, good, moral, democracy, racism, sexism

Question 1:_______________________________________________

Question 2:_______________________________________________


Concrete terms refer to objects or events that are available to the senses.

spoon, table, nose ring, green, hot, walking.

Question 3:_______________________________________________


General terms refer to groups. Specific terms refer to individuals

Furniture.....

Chair......

Rocking Chair.....

La-Z-Boy Rocking Chair....

My La-Z-Boy Rocking Chair with the Chocolate stain on the arm



                                         Handout 2




                                Loaded Language

Loaded language  is wording that attempts to influence the certain audience by using an appeal to emotion.


Loaded language is particularly persuasive because it preys on the human weakness for acting immediately based upon an emotional response, without such further considered judgment.



                                Match the terms


bureaucrat                                    pro-choice

anti-life                                        rich people

regime                      　                public servant

investment in public services       tax rate

tax burden                                     government

plant                                              beast

animal                   　　　 　　   weed

job creators                                   public spending



                                         Handout 3

                                        Weasel Words


A weasel word ...words and phrases aimed at creating an impression that something specific and meaningful has been said, when in fact only a vague or ambiguous claim...has been communicated.

From Wiki


    •    "A growing body of evidence..."(Where is the raw data for your review?)

    •    "People say..." (Which people? How do they know?)

    •    "It has been claimed that..." (By whom, where, when?)

    •    "Critics claim..." (Which critics?)

    •    "Clearly..." (As if the premise is undeniably true)

    •    "Questions have been raised..." (Implies a fatal flaw has been discovered)

    •    "I heard that..." (Who told you? Is the source reliable?)

    •    "There is evidence that..." (What evidence? Is the source reliable?)

    •    "Experience shows that..." (Whose experience? What was the experience? How does it demonstrate this?)

    •    "It has been mentioned that..."_____________________________________

    •    "Popular wisdom has it that..."_____________________________________

    •    "It is known that..." _____________________________________________

    •    "Officially known as..." __________________________________________

    •    "It turns out that..."______________________________________________

    •    "Studies show..."________________________________________________

    •    "Some argue..."_________________________________________________

    •    "Up to sixty percent..."___________________________________________

    •    "More than seventy percent..."_____________________________________

    •    "The vast majority..."____________________________________________

Assignment for next week

1) Read chapter 5 of the textbook

2) Fill in the blanks in Handout 3

3) Read Handout 2

Basics of Critical Thinking.

This video explains the basics of critical thinking very well.

Critical Thinking

Who or what is the "Middle Class"?

In the last presidential debate, Obama and Romney kept talking about how they want to support the "Middle Class".


What is the "Middle Class"?

Read this article by Economics Reporter John W. Schoen

Who or what is the "Middle Class"?


"Middle Class" means different things to different people.

Some people think, if you have a job, a home, a family and some money for a vacation, then you are in the "Middle Class".

If you make $50,000 a year, most people think you are in the "Middle Class".


But how about if you make $100,000 a year?

Many people who make $100,000 think of themselves in the "Middle Class".


How about $200,000 a year?

Some people who make $200,000 think of themselves in the "Middle Class".

I can`t believe it!


"Middle Class" is a very ambiguous term.

That`s why politicians want to keep saying it!

Ambiguous Definitions

Some words are ambiguous.

For example, "Rich"

 photo by TheTruthAbout


When you use these words, you should try to define them in concrete terms.

For example, "By rich, I mean people who earn more than $1,000,000 a year"

Once you have defined an ambiguous word in concrete terms, you must use the same definition from them on.

You should not change your definition.


Sometimes a writer uses 2 definitions at the same time in order to trick the reader.

Look at this link.


http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-krikorian-time-20120301,0,1310855.story?track=rss


The writer wants to have 30 "hours" in a day.

Thus each "hour" would be 48 minutes long.

That`s fine but then the writer mixes the old definition of "hour" with the new definition of "hour".

"But wait, there's more. How many times have we heard that eight hours of sleep is ideal. With my 48-minute hour, folks who now regularly get in only six hours of sleep would come close to that ideal, clocking 71/2 hours of slumber."

The intention of the writer in this case is just to amuse the reader.

But some writers use this trick in order to fool the readers.

Be careful of this trick!

Assignment for next week

Assignment for next week

1) Read chapter 4 of the textbook.

2) Choose an article that expresses an opinion. Find the Issue, Conclusion and Reasons.

This website has a lot of articles!

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Issue, Conclusion and Reasons!

We must do a lot of work to find the Issues, Conclusions and Reasons from various essays.

I would like to make it clear why we spend so much time getting the Issues and the Conclusions correct and why we spend time to find out all of the Reasons for each Conclusion.

First, why do we have to find out all of the Reasons?

It takes a lot of work to identify all of the Reasons even from a short essay.

What`s the point?

This is an excellent question. (see ARQ page7 "Who Cares?")

Critical Thinking takes a lot of time and effort so we should save our time and only use our Critical Thinking skills on issues that we think are important to us, right?

However, in a Critical Thinking class, we want to use these examples to improve our Critical Thinking skills even if normally, we would not be interested in the issue in the essay.

With practice, we become better and faster at identifying Reasons.

Thus, when we are faced with an issue that we care about, we can quickly identify all of the Reasons in an argument. Without being able to identify all of the Reasons, we will not be able to determine the worth of a Conclusion. (ARQ page 29)


Next, let me explain why we spend so much time getting the Issues and the Conclusions correct.

What do I mean by "correct"?

In the class, I said that some of the Issues and Conclusions that you wrote were too general and some were too specific.

How can you know if you are being too general or too specific?

If you are being too specific, you are focusing on only part of the writers argument. After you think you have found the Issue and the Conclusion, look at the essay again. Are there large parts of the essay that are not covered by the Issue and Conclusion? If this is true then your Issue and Conclusion are probably too specific. Try to make it more general so that they include the entire essay.

If you are being too general, you are making the Issue and Conclusion wider in scope than the author intended. Try to make your Issue and Conclusion more specific until it just fits what the author has written.


This is not always easy. You will find that you might have to discard many tentative Issues and Conclusions until you find the ones that fit the best with what the author has written.

Let me give you an example where I had trouble finding the Issue and Conclusion in an editorial from a newspaper.

Go to this editorial about welfare programs

When I first read this editorial I identified the Issue as "Who receives the most government aid?" and the Conclusion as "The middle class receives the most government aid"

I identified three Reasons.

1) The poorest are receiving less aid now (36%) than in 1979 (54%) (from The Times study)

2) The middle 60% received a higher percentage of their income from the government than the poorest. (CBPP study)

3) More aid goes to rural areas (where middle class people live) than to urban areas(where the poorest people live). (from the Times study)


My reasoning map for this argument looked like this:

 Here is where I found The Issue, Conclusion and the Reasons:

At first, I thought I had done a really good job.

But then I looked at the article again.

How about the first 3 paragraphs?

They had no connection to my Issue or Conclusion.

Perhaps I made my Issue and Conclusion too specific?

How did I change my Issue and Conclusion?

I decided to make them more general so that the entire article fits into the reasoning map.

Once again, I had to find the Conclusion.

Let`s use the clues from ARQ pages 22-24.

Clue No. 1: Ask what the issue is.

I don`t know the Issue. Go to the next clue.

Clue No 2: Look for indicator words.

I can`t find any.

Clue No. 3: Look in likely locations.

I looked at the beginning but did not find it.

At the end, I saw something that looked like a Conclusion but it was not really clear.

"The disparity is stark. The very people rising in anger against government aid are, in many cases, the ones who benefit most from it. If public policy is to be based on facts, not fantasy, that's a place to start."

Maybe the Conclusion is "The middle class should be angry at themselves. The middle class should not be angry at the poor."

But this is far too general.

My next try was "The middle class should be angry at themselves for receiving so much government aid. The middle class should not be angry at the poor."

This is better but I`m not so happy with it.

Why is receiving government aid bad?

This is not explained in the article.

In this case we have to look at the context in which it is written. (Clue No. 5: Check the context of the communication)

In America, currently, there is a big debate about the rising cost of welfare programs.

The USA owes a lot of money and it has to borrow more and more.

Most people agree that welfare programs cost too much.

So let me change the Conclusion to "The middle class should be angry at themselves the rising cost of government aid. The middle class should not be angry at the poor."

This is a lot better. However, it seems too emotional.

Does the writer really want the middle class to be "angry"?

Finally, I changed the Conclusion to "The middle class are to blame for the rising cost of government aid"

Thus the Issue is "Who should we blame for the rising cost of government aid?"

Now I can change the reasoning map.

This looks a lot more like a correct reasoning map!

However, we are still missing some parts.

I can add the information from the first three paragraphs to the reasoning map.

In the second paragraph, I found an objection to the Conclusion.

It is "The poorest people are drug addicts"

In the third paragraph, I found a rebuttal to that objection.

It is "A Florida case study showed that the poorest use drugs less than the general population"


Here is my completed reasoning map for the argument in this article!

The objection is in red and the rebuttal is in orange.

Now, I`m happy with this reasoning map.

All of the points made in the article fit easily into the reasoning map because I defined the Issue and  the Conclusion without being too general or too specific!

Barriers to Critical Thinking: Too Many Choices!

Read this article about internet dating from the Economist.

http://www.economist.com/node/21547217?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/themodernmatchmakers



"The crucial assumption here, of course, is that what people think they want is what they actually need. That, it is true, is an assumption behind all consumer decisions......... And here, too, the data suggest people are not good at knowing what they want. One of Dr Finkel’s own studies, for example, showed that when they are engaged in internet dating’s cousin, speed dating, people’s stated preferences at the beginning of the process do not well match the characters of the individuals they actually like."

"Indeed, even the very volume of alternatives may be a problem. Studies on consumer choice, from boxes of chocolates to restaurant wine lists, have shown that less is more. Half a dozen bonbons, or a dozen bottles, are easier to pick between than 30 or 40. And an internet dating site may come up with not just a few dozen, but thousands of allegedly suitable matches."
from www.economist.com



Some interesting thoughts from this are:

Sometimes, people don`t know what they really want.

Do you always know what you really want?


Too many choices is a barrier to Critical Thinking.

Can you think of a time when you had too many choices?

How did you deal with that situation?



"Not surprisingly, the difficulty of choosing from abundance seems to apply to choice of people, too. Dr Finkel could find no study which addressed the question directly, in the context of internet dating. But speed-dating once again provided an answer. Here, he found studies which showed that when faced with abundant choice, people pay less attention to characteristics that require thinking and conversation to evaluate (occupational status and level of education, for example) and more to matters physical. Choice, in other words, dulls the critical faculties."
from www.economist.com

Let`s analyze this paragraph using the method explained in our textbook (ARQ)

First, we must find the conclusion. (ARQ pages 22-24)

Clue No. 1: Ask what the issue is.

The issue is, "How does choice affect critical thinking?"

Clue No 2: Look for indicator words.

I can`t find any.

Clue No. 3: Look in likely locations.

I looked at the beginning, but did not find the conclusion.

I found the conclusion at the end. It is "Choice dulls the critical faculties."

Now, I have the conclusion. Next, I must find the reason.

We will use the method on pages 30-32 of ARQ.

A reason must answer the question "Why does the writer or speaker believe that?"

Also we can look for indicator words (ARQ page 32)

I found the indicator words.

"he found studies which showed that"

Thus the reason is  "Here, he found studies which showed that when faced with abundant choice, people pay less attention to characteristics that require thinking and conversation to evaluate (occupational status and level of education, for example) and more to matters physical."

This is an example of a reason that uses research findings.

Assingnment for next week

1) Read chapter 3 of the textbook.

2) Read the post Barriers to critical thinking in this blog.

Answer the four questions.


Good luck!

Barriers to Critical Thinking

We would always like to be able to think critically all of the time. But, this is very difficult. One situation where I have trouble thinking critically is in a bookstore.

                                                  

I have so many books in my closet that I have not read. But, I still want more books.

I should think more critically when I`m in a bookstore.


1) Give an example of a situation where you have trouble thinking critically.




2) Why do you have trouble thinking critically in that situation?




3) Give an example of a situation where you can think critically.




4) What is the difference between these situations?

Finding the Issue and Conclusion

Here is a link to five essay exercises.

On October 6th, we found the issues and conclusions for the first four essays.

If you have time, please try to find the issue and conclusion of essay number five.

Creative Thinking and Critical Thinking (Class handout 10/6)

"This course helped me to expand my creativity and see things in a different and new way."
Student testimonial from TUJ`s website


Part 1

Please discuss these 2 questions with your partner and write your answers.

1) What is Creative Thinking?







2) How is Creative Thinking different from Critical Thinking?








Part 2

3-minute activity

Get into small groups (2 or 3 students).

Follow the instructions for 3 minutes.



When you are finished, answer this question.

What did you learn from this activity?

Critical Thinking and Logical Thinking

Today, we talked about the difference between Critical Thinking and Logical Thinking.

If you are interested in learning more about Logical Thinking, You should watch these videos by Marianne Talbot.


http://www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/podcasts/critical_reasoning_for_beginners

I think they are very interesting but they are a bit difficult.

You might have to watch them more than once.

Good Luck!

Fear!

Don MacMillian is a very funny comedian.

In this video he is making fun of TV ads that try to scare people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xybh6nrgSwU&feature=endscreen

If you feel too much fear (or any strong emotion) then Critical Thinking becomes impossible.

Political Attack ad!

Think about the people who made this ad.

Do they want you to think critically about the issues in the video or do they just want you to have an emotional reaction?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Aohgrn1peA

Anti-Evolution stickers and Weak-Sense Critical Thinking

What is the origin of life on Earth?

How did so many different kinds of plants and animals come into existence?

Many people think evolution is the best explanation for the origin of human life on earth.

However, many people don`t believe this.

This data comes from:
* Jeff Hecht (19 August 2006). "Why doesn't America believe in evolution?". New Scientist 191 (2565): 11.
* a b Jon D. Miller, Eugenie C. Scott, Shinji Okamoto (11 August 2006). "Public Acceptance of Evolution". Science 313 (5788): 765–766. doi:10.1126/science.1126746. PMID 16902112.



In Georgia, the Cobb County School District put a disclaimer in science textbooks.

The sticker said:
“This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered.”
 From www.smugbaldy.com/2005/01/14/evolution-critical-thinking-and-disclaimers-in-k-12-science-texts/


In 2005, a US District Court ruled that the Cobb County School District must stop putting these stickers on their science textbooks.

I think this is a case of weak-sense critical thinking.

Approaching any material with an open mind, studying it carefully and considering it critically is a great thing!

This disclaimer should be used for all material in all textbooks for students who are old enough to engage in critical thinking.

Strong-sense critical thinking is when all claims are evaluated with a critical mind.

Being critical only to things you don`t believe is weak-sense critical thinking.

The Myth of the "Right Answer"

In this video Ross (the man) and Phoebe (The woman) discuss evolution.

Ross is a scientist who believes that evolution is the "Right Answer".

He is very angry that Phoebe does not believe in evolution.

In the end, Phoebe convinces Ross that there is a chance (a very small chance) that he might be wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXr2kF0zEgI

Open Mode vs Closed Mode

Photo by flandersdc




John Cleese is a famous English actor.

In this video, John Cleese: Creativity, he is giving a talk about creativity.

His first point is that creativity is not a talent.


Creativity is a way of operating.




Open Mode vs Closed Mode

There are two different modes that we operate in.

The closed mode and the open mode.



The Closed Mode is;
Active
Purposeful
Tense
Not humorous


We use the closed mode when we want to get something done.

Creativity is not possible in the closed mode.


The Open Mode is;
Contemplative
Relaxed
Humorous
Playful


We use the open mode when we are thinking freely about a topic without any specific goal. 

We can be creative in the open mode.


The open mode is not better than the closed mode

When to use the Closed mode

We should be able to switch back and forth between these two different modes.

But we often get stuck in the closed mode.


How to get into the Open Mode

Space.  Find a place away from everyday pressures.
Time. Have a specific period of time (1.5 hours).
Time. Don`t take the first solution. Creativity takes time.
Confidence. Don`t be afraid to be wrong.
Humor. The fastest way to get into the open mode is humor.


What does this have to do with critical thinking?

Critical thinking requires creativity to see something in a different way.

You need to be in the open mode to think critically. 

Discussion style

Good example

The manner in which you question is as important as the questions that you ask.

Look at this clip from the movie "Pulp Fiction"

They are talking about eating pork.

Notice their friendly style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_Tl1kvlQU


Bad example

The next video is a discussion between Bill O`Reily and Bill Maher.

They are not friendly.

How many times do they interrupt each other?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBcKOffZzdw&feature=related



Which discussion would you like to join?

Assignment for October 6th

Please read chapters 1 and 2 of the textbook.

Keeping the conversation going

My Boundaries for Discussion

1) Don`t call me a liar.

2) Back up your facts with proof.

3) No abuse


What are your Boundaries for Discussion?

Appropriate Manner

Many people have strong views about politics.

People enjoy sharing their views.

But often some people don`t use an appropriate manner.

I find the first picture quite funny, even though I don`t agree with it.

The second one, I find offensive.

I would like to meet the person who made the first picture.

I would not like to meet the person who made the second picture.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is not negative.

"...one sense of the term critical means crucial or related to core criteria and derives from the ancient Greek kriterion, which means standards; a second sense derives from kriticos, which means discerning judgment"

From wikipedia

“Reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do."
Raiskums, B.W., An Analysis of the Concept Criticality in Adult Education (2008)

"Critical thinking is the process of thinking that questions assumptions. It is a way of deciding whether a claim is true, false; sometimes true, or partly true."

From wikipedia



                              My definition of Critical Thinking


Critical thinking is the Marketing of ideas seen from the point of view of the consumer.


What is Marketing?





In one day, what is the most important thing you consume?





How many senses do human beings have?
(Hint: one sense is sight)









You are the only person that can produce your thoughts and you are the only person that consumes your thoughts. What do you think about this?

Course Overview: Critical Thinking Skills (CTS 101)

Peter Quinn

Email: peterquinn40@hotmail.com

Class blog: http://ctsf2012.blogspot.jp/

Textbook: Asking the Right Questions by M. Neil Browne and Stuart M.Keeley

Textbook`s website: http://wps.ablongman.com/long_browne_atq_10/107/27418/7019191.cw/index.html


Critical Thinking...refers to the following:

1. awareness of a set of interrelated questions;

2. ability to ask and answer critical questions in an appropriate manner;

3. desire to actively use the critical questions


Critical Questions

What are the issues and the conclusions?

What are the reasons?

Which words or phrases are ambiguous?

What are the value and descriptive assumptions?

Are there any fallacies in the reasoning?

How good is the evidence?

Are there rival causes?

Are the statistics deceptive?

What significant information is omitted?

What reasonable conclusions are possible?