Reference no: EM132965958 , Length: word count:1200 words

PHI 210 Critical Thinking Assignment - Strayer University, USA

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment: Discuss the premises related to a position on a given issue.

Week 3 Assignment - Conflicting Viewpoints Essay: Part 1 (300 words paper + title page + references with in-text citations)

The assignment is divided into two parts: the prewriting paper (Part 1) due this week, and the essay (Part 2) due in Week 5.

Overview - When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view?

This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking by playing the "Believing Game." The Believing Game is about making the effort to "believe," or at least consider, the reasons for an opposing view on an issue.

Instructions -

1. In the Week 2 Discussion, you examined the biases discussed in Chapter 2 of the webtext and reviewed one of the topics from Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues. You may use the same topic from this discussion or find another:

Select one of the topics from Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues, state your position on the issue, and identify three premises (reasons) listed under either the Pro or Con section-whichever section opposes your position.

For the three premises (reasons) that oppose your position on the issue, answer these "believing" questions suggested by Elbow:

What's interesting or helpful in this view?

What would I notice if I believed this view?

In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?

2. Read the excerpt about critical thinking processes: The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful [PDF].

3. Engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts.

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.

Address the main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.

Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

This prewriting assignment has no page requirement.

There is no requirement at this time to include references in the assignment.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment: Examine biases involved with the premise evaluation of a given issue.

Week 5 Assignment - Conflicting Viewpoints Essay: Part 2 (900 words paper + title page + references with in-text citations)

Overview - When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view?

This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking.

Instructions - Write a 3-4 page paper in which you:

1. State your position on the topic you selected in the Week 3 assignment, Conflicting Viewpoints Essay: Part 1.

2. Identify three premises (reasons) from Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues that support your position, and explain why you selected these specific reasons.

3. Explain your answers to the "believing" questions about the three premises opposing your position from Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues.

4. Examine at least two types of biases that you likely experienced as you evaluated the premises for and against your position.

5. Discuss the effects of your own enculturation or group identification that may have influenced your biases.

6. Discuss whether your thinking about the topic has changed after playing the "Believing Game," even if your position on the issue has stayed the same.

Note - Find below two assignments week 3 (300 words) and week 5 (900 words) + title page + references with in-text citations.

Attachment:- Critical Thinking Assignment File.rar