For my last and final post for this class, I found random sampling from chapter 14 interesting. Random sampling is used in a lot of research however I did not know it can be used for critical thinking. According to Epstein, random sampling is, "a sample is chosen randomly if at every choice there is an equal chance for any one of the remaining members of the population to be picked." It is obvious that surveying every individual in the world is impossible, therefore using random sampling is the best option because any person can be picked. Selecting random people to conduct an experiment is not as easy as it seems. In the book it says that mathematicians prepare random numbers for the selection. Random sampling gives people a good reason to believe it is good sampling because it is not biased. An argument would be valid because its premises are not false due to the sample selection.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
favorite and least favorite
Week 16, Post 2
My favorite thing about the class is how it is online. I did not have to worry about being late to class. It was also very convenient for my hectic schedule. This class also took me out of my element, I never thought I would ever start a blog and actually write. It was a good experience because I learn to express my thoughts and allow others to read it. The 12 hour intervals made me stay on top of my work because I feared missing the deadline.
My least favorite thing about the class was the final project we did. When I first registered for the class, I didn't know we had to meet in person. My schedule is not as flexible as my other group mates so meeting was very difficult. For the last project, I had to skip two of my classes in order to complete the final project.
One thing this class can improve on is the projects assigned. Conflicting schedules made it difficult to gather every group member. Although, this class is critical thinking and it is about communication, busy schedules made meeting in person inconvenient.
My favorite thing about the class is how it is online. I did not have to worry about being late to class. It was also very convenient for my hectic schedule. This class also took me out of my element, I never thought I would ever start a blog and actually write. It was a good experience because I learn to express my thoughts and allow others to read it. The 12 hour intervals made me stay on top of my work because I feared missing the deadline.
My least favorite thing about the class was the final project we did. When I first registered for the class, I didn't know we had to meet in person. My schedule is not as flexible as my other group mates so meeting was very difficult. For the last project, I had to skip two of my classes in order to complete the final project.
One thing this class can improve on is the projects assigned. Conflicting schedules made it difficult to gather every group member. Although, this class is critical thinking and it is about communication, busy schedules made meeting in person inconvenient.
What I learned
Week 16, Post 1
I learned numerous things in this class but the one thing I learned the most is to make any argument strong and valid. The concepts I learned in class are applied in my daily life now. Before starting this class, I thought every argument was valid if it sounded realistic. However, after learning the different claims and reasoning, I realized that the conclusion is only as good as the premises. I have always been told that there are always two sides for ever story so don't be quick to judge or make conclusions. When I am engaged in a conversation with my friend, I noticed that I am more aware of what he or she is saying. I find myself looking for valid points or if they are saying certain things due to appeal of emotions. Not only do I listen to others but I also make sure that I get my point across to others in a manner where it is reasonable and valid.
I learned numerous things in this class but the one thing I learned the most is to make any argument strong and valid. The concepts I learned in class are applied in my daily life now. Before starting this class, I thought every argument was valid if it sounded realistic. However, after learning the different claims and reasoning, I realized that the conclusion is only as good as the premises. I have always been told that there are always two sides for ever story so don't be quick to judge or make conclusions. When I am engaged in a conversation with my friend, I noticed that I am more aware of what he or she is saying. I find myself looking for valid points or if they are saying certain things due to appeal of emotions. Not only do I listen to others but I also make sure that I get my point across to others in a manner where it is reasonable and valid.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Normal Conditions
Week 13, Post 3
A section in chapter 15 explains the importance of normal conditions used in arguments. Normal conditions are casual claims that are claims that are unstated but obvious and plausible but used to make arguments stronger and valid. In arguments, it is normal to leave certain things left out or unsaid especially if it would be an obvious statement. I found the use of normal condition claims to be an essential when presenting an argument because it allows us to keep our claims short and direct. It is not necessary to have additional apparent information because it is not the focal point of the argument and may cause confusion. Using normal condition claims would make the premises more likely to be vague or broad because statements that are evident can be endless. I think the claims that support the argument should be more concrete, focusing on the importance of the claims is needed.
A section in chapter 15 explains the importance of normal conditions used in arguments. Normal conditions are casual claims that are claims that are unstated but obvious and plausible but used to make arguments stronger and valid. In arguments, it is normal to leave certain things left out or unsaid especially if it would be an obvious statement. I found the use of normal condition claims to be an essential when presenting an argument because it allows us to keep our claims short and direct. It is not necessary to have additional apparent information because it is not the focal point of the argument and may cause confusion. Using normal condition claims would make the premises more likely to be vague or broad because statements that are evident can be endless. I think the claims that support the argument should be more concrete, focusing on the importance of the claims is needed.
Mission Critical Website
Week 13, Post 2
The Mission Critical Website is very useful especially because critical thinking is an aspect of everyday life. Critical thinking is important because it helps you logically evaluate and make arguments. The information provided from the website is almost similar to the book that we use for class. The site is divided into different sections making it easier to locate specific parts. Another reason why the site is useful is the exercises at the end of each section. Not only are there exercises but there are also quizzes that will allow us to gain additional knowledge in critical thinking. Examples are also discussed using explanations such as using certain words may alter the argument. Each of the topics is redirected to another page which contains all the necessary information in depth allowing readers to understand and comprehend better. When the links get redirected, the pages are less overwhelming because it solely focuses on one topic per page.
The Mission Critical Website is very useful especially because critical thinking is an aspect of everyday life. Critical thinking is important because it helps you logically evaluate and make arguments. The information provided from the website is almost similar to the book that we use for class. The site is divided into different sections making it easier to locate specific parts. Another reason why the site is useful is the exercises at the end of each section. Not only are there exercises but there are also quizzes that will allow us to gain additional knowledge in critical thinking. Examples are also discussed using explanations such as using certain words may alter the argument. Each of the topics is redirected to another page which contains all the necessary information in depth allowing readers to understand and comprehend better. When the links get redirected, the pages are less overwhelming because it solely focuses on one topic per page.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Cause and Effect Website
Week 13, Post 1
The cause and effect website was very useful because it narrowed each claim in details. The example of a casual argument the site used was about a bicyclist and two drivers. A bicyclist had to move into the traffic due to a truck that was parked in the bike lane illegally. To prevent from hitting the bicyclist, the car slams her brakes. The car following behind did not stop in time and rear ended the first car. The scenario was broken down into details including how each of the lawyers representing their clients can be defended and not be at fault. The site also included other forms of casual arguments such as reverse causation, post hoc reasoning, and common cause. Other information must also be considered; the argument may include a mixture of "difference" and "commodity" reasoning that can affect the case. Some useful tips were also provided on how casual arguments can be beneficial.
The cause and effect website was very useful because it narrowed each claim in details. The example of a casual argument the site used was about a bicyclist and two drivers. A bicyclist had to move into the traffic due to a truck that was parked in the bike lane illegally. To prevent from hitting the bicyclist, the car slams her brakes. The car following behind did not stop in time and rear ended the first car. The scenario was broken down into details including how each of the lawyers representing their clients can be defended and not be at fault. The site also included other forms of casual arguments such as reverse causation, post hoc reasoning, and common cause. Other information must also be considered; the argument may include a mixture of "difference" and "commodity" reasoning that can affect the case. Some useful tips were also provided on how casual arguments can be beneficial.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Judging Analogies
Week 12, Post 3
I found section C (Judging Analogies) in chapter 12, Reasoning by Analogy, extremely useful. In this section of the book, I learned that reasoning by analogy is used when the premises are not clear or vague. When premises are not apparent or understandable, making comparisons or similarities are needed to draw the conclusion. The examples the book used were exceedingly helpful, it made it easier for me to understand because the two premises that are being compared must have some sort of relativity. The examples in the book went in depth and explained why certain analogies will not work. It listed numerous similarities and differences such as how both firemen and soldiers wear uniforms and fight for the lives of others. It stated that it needs to find the similarities and the importance "in order to find a general principle that applies to both sides." It is also required important to find differences because the "general principle might not apply to one side."
I found section C (Judging Analogies) in chapter 12, Reasoning by Analogy, extremely useful. In this section of the book, I learned that reasoning by analogy is used when the premises are not clear or vague. When premises are not apparent or understandable, making comparisons or similarities are needed to draw the conclusion. The examples the book used were exceedingly helpful, it made it easier for me to understand because the two premises that are being compared must have some sort of relativity. The examples in the book went in depth and explained why certain analogies will not work. It listed numerous similarities and differences such as how both firemen and soldiers wear uniforms and fight for the lives of others. It stated that it needs to find the similarities and the importance "in order to find a general principle that applies to both sides." It is also required important to find differences because the "general principle might not apply to one side."
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