Based on your reading of ARQ chapter 12: “What Reasonable Conclusions Are Possible?”, respond to the following prompts:
- Summarize your understanding of dichotomous (also called black and white) thinking. Provide an example of a well-known social issue in which this type of thinking is often used.
My understanding of dichotomous thinking is things are either right or wrong with two sides to issues and no more. Thinking this way takes the situation out and looks at just the overlining issue. One example of this is the topic of abortion. From what I have heard about the debate there are only two sides for and against.
- According to ARQ, what are some dangers of dichotomous thinking? How does “grey thinking” and using “if-clauses” enable you to find the best possible solution to an issue or problem?
Some of the dangers of dichotomous thinking limit the range of your decisions and opinions. Grey thinking enables one to reflectively think on exploring the options to black and white answers to complex questions. The use of “if clauses” allows conclusions not knowing the future with certain assumptions made using ifs.
Self Reflection
- Based on the readings, discussions, and assignments you’ve completed for HONS 250, describe how your thinking has changed since the beginning of the semester.
My thinking has changed since the beginning of the semester due to HONS 250 in the way I have become more aware of the articles I read online. I now able to realize what the actual meaning of the things which already “popped” out at me before like the type of fallacy presented in an article.
- What have you learned about yourself as a result of taking HONS 250?
I have learned more about myself as a result of taking HONS 250 that I already think critically all the time but never had the vocabulary to explain the things I was thinking.
- What are some ways you will continue practicing your critical thinking skills beyond this semester?
I will continue thinking about my views and if they should change based on new information presented to me. I will also continue finding the flaws in articles and evaluating the based on the things I know.