Critical Thinking 4 - Checklist for Students

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Here's a checklist of questions that students can follow when attempting a critical thinking question:

1. Understanding the Question:

• Have I fully understood the question and its requirements?
• Can I identify the key concepts and terms in the question?

2. Gathering Information:

• What relevant information or data is provided in the scenario or prompt?
• Do I need to research additional information to understand the context?

3. Identifying Assumptions and Biases:

• Are there any underlying assumptions in the question or scenario?
• Can I recognize potential biases in the information or sources provided?

4. Analyzing Arguments:

• What are the main arguments presented in the scenario?
• Are there any logical fallacies or weaknesses in the arguments?

5. Considering Multiple Perspectives:

• Have I considered various viewpoints on the issue or topic?
• What are the potential pros and cons of each perspective?

6. Evaluating Evidence:

• Is the evidence presented reliable, relevant, and sufficient?
• Can I verify the credibility of the sources mentioned?

7. Identifying Factors and Causes:

• What factors or causes contribute to the situation described?
• Are there underlying factors that might not be explicitly mentioned?

8. Recognizing Consequences:

• What are the potential short-term and long-term consequences of different decisions or actions?
• Can I anticipate unintended outcomes or effects?

9. Creative Problem-Solving:

• Can I generate innovative solutions to address the challenges presented?
• Have I considered alternative approaches beyond the obvious ones?

10. Ethical Considerations:

• Are there ethical dilemmas or considerations involved in the situation?
• How might different decisions impact various stakeholders?

11. Logical Reasoning:

• Is my line of reasoning logical and coherent throughout my response?
• Have I used valid deductive or inductive reasoning when applicable?

12. Applying Relevant Concepts:

• Have I applied relevant concepts, theories, or principles to support my analysis?
• Can I provide examples from real-world situations that relate to the scenario?

13. Constructing a Well-Structured Response:

• Is my response organized in a clear and structured manner?
• Do my paragraphs flow logically and connect to each other?

14. Considering Context and Timeframe:

• How does the historical, cultural, or social context impact the situation?
• Are there considerations related to short-term vs. long-term effects?

15. Reflection and Revision:

• Have I taken the time to reflect on my response before finalizing it?
• Can I identify areas where my response could be improved or clarified?

Encourage students to use this checklist as a guide to systematically approach critical thinking questions. Remind them that critical thinking is an ongoing skill that improves with practice and thoughtful engagement with the material.

The Science Delusion

 "Science seeks the truth. And it does not discriminate. For better or worse it finds things out. Science is humble. It knows what it knows and it knows what it doesn't know. It bases its conclusions and beliefs on hard evidence - evidence that is constantly updated and upgraded. It doesn't get offended when new facts come along. It embraces the body of knowledge. It doesn't hold onto medieval practices because they are tradition" Ricky Gervais. Discuss

Here's a response that includes examples that both support and contradict each claim of science:

1. "Science seeks the truth."

Science indeed seeks the truth, as demonstrated by discoveries such as the theory of gravity, which explains the attraction between objects. However, it is important to note that science is an ongoing process, and not all scientific claims necessarily lead to absolute truths. For example, in the past, scientists believed in the existence of ether as a medium for transmitting light, but subsequent research disproved this concept.

2. "And it does not discriminate."

While the scientific method itself does not discriminate, biases and discrimination can sometimes infiltrate the scientific community. Historically, women and minority scientists faced barriers to entry and recognition in certain fields. However, efforts are being made to address these issues and promote inclusivity and diversity within scientific research.

3. "For better or worse, it finds things out."

Science has led to numerous positive advancements, such as the development of vaccines that have eradicated diseases like smallpox. However, scientific discoveries can also have unintended negative consequences. For instance, the industrial revolution, driven by scientific advancements, contributed to environmental pollution and climate change, which have had detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health.

4. "Science is humble. It knows what it knows and it knows what it doesn't know."

Science encourages humility, but scientists are not immune to biases or being overly attached to certain ideas. For example, the resistance to the concept of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, persisted for decades before overwhelming evidence in the form of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics led to its acceptance.

5. "It bases its conclusions and beliefs on hard evidence - evidence that is constantly updated and upgraded."

Science relies on empirical evidence, but the interpretation of evidence can sometimes be influenced by personal biases or flawed methodologies. One example is the case of cold fusion, which gained attention in the 1980s as a potential new source of clean energy. However, subsequent studies failed to reproduce the initial results, leading to skepticism and the rejection of cold fusion as a viable scientific concept.

6. "It doesn't get offended when new facts come along."

While the scientific method is designed to be objective, scientists can exhibit resistance to new facts that challenge established theories. An example is the initial rejection of the idea that bacteria can cause stomach ulcers. Australian scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren faced significant skepticism and even ridicule for their discovery, but eventually, their work was validated and led to a new understanding of the causes of ulcers.

7. "It embraces the body of knowledge."

Science indeed builds upon existing knowledge, but there can be cases where outdated or incorrect ideas persist due to various reasons. One example is the persistence of the concept of "vestigial organs" in human anatomy, which posited that certain organs had lost their original function over time. While some organs once thought to be vestigial have been reevaluated, others still remain controversial or have alternative explanations.

8. "It doesn't hold onto medieval practices because they are tradition."

Science aims to prioritize evidence-based reasoning, but there have been instances where certain traditional practices have persisted despite contradicting scientific evidence. An example is the continued use of certain alternative medicine practices that lack empirical support or have been debunked by rigorous scientific studies.

In conclusion, while science as a methodology strives for truth, objectivity, and progress, it is essential to acknowledge that human biases, limitations, and social factors can impact scientific endeavors. The scientific process is an ongoing journey of discovery, subject to refinement and revision as new evidence emerges and paradigms shift.

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