Research on southern poverty law center

Reference no: EM133301848

Assignment:

Introduction

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions - but not their own facts." (Daniel Patrick Moynihan, cited in Vanity Fair, 2010, para. 2)

We form opinions - and make our judgments - based on facts we observe and values we hold. Our judgments are also influenced by the opinions of others. In the section "An Expert on Hate in America", one of the authors, Dr. Peter Facione, renders an opinion on a non-profit civil rights organization: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Dr. Facione is a leading advocate and one of the most influential voices in the field of critical thinking.

His endorsement of the civil rights organization is unqualified. It is also transparent: Dr. Facione reveals that he is a financial supporter of the organization and has arranged speaking engagements for its founder. This is Dr. Facione's invitation to you, the reader:

Knowing where you can learn more about the SPLC for yourself, and knowing about Dr. Facione's endorsement and support of the Center's work, evaluate this claim made by Dr. Facione: "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124).

The endorsement of the SPLC is contained in the most current edition of the text, whose copyright date is 2016. Since that time Morris Dees, co-founder and former chief trial counsel, has been fired (Hassan, Zraick & Blinder, 2019). Previously, there has been controversy about groups and individuals that are listed by the SPLC as "hate groups" (Graham, 2016; Price, 2018). The organization, which has nearly a half-billion dollars in assets, has also been criticized for how it spends these funds (Robinson, 2019).

Self-Assessment Question

Before you submit your initial post, make sure to read the assigned chapter. Then, ask yourself the following: Did the article of the text seem credible and reliable? Why? Be very specific:

Was it because it is in a textbook?
Because it was written by a learned and respected person?
Because of content in the article?
Because of your previous knowledge of the SPLC?

Initial Post Instructions

For the initial post, address the following:

Conduct additional research on the SPLC. Did your opinion alter in any way? Why?

Only after you have done some responsible research should you begin to respond to the discussion prompt. The discussion is not about the SPLC; it is not about Dr. Facione. It is about what you have learned about forming opinions.

Your post must answer this question:

How do you define the term "expert"?

Your post must also discuss at least two (2) of the following questions:

How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion? Explain what you believe to be the purpose or function of facts in making a judgment.
How did you respond to the self-assessment question? Since doing further research, have you re-thought the way in which you assess credibility and reliability? What is the importance of factoring the recency of a reference or opinion (i.e., how old is it?) into an assessment of credibility and reliability?
How would you evaluate Dr. Facione's claim "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124). Does the SPLC fit your definition of "expert"? Be specific in your answer.

Follow-Up Post Instructions

Respond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.

Writing Requirements

Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)

Reference no: EM133301848

Questions Cloud

Is fair to require individuals to purchase health insurance : From Levine's Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Bioethical Issues. Issue: Is It Fair to Require Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance?

Identify the philosophers conclusion : Identify the philosopher's conclusion (claim/position) and premises (evidence) that are used to convince the reader of their claim.

How confirmed terminal patient would be able to request pas : Doing research and taking into consideration the actual laws concerning when and how a confirmed terminal patient would be able to request PAS.

Discuss the nature of consciousness : Discusses the nature of consciousness. His discussion touches on computers and the question whether a computer could have conscious experiences.

Research on southern poverty law center : One of the authors, Dr. Peter Facione, renders an opinion on a non-profit civil rights organization: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)..

What does it mean to an organism has conscious experience : What does it mean to say that an organism has conscious experience, according to Nagel? What sense do bats have that is different to all of our senses?

Does the utilitarian have any kind of come back : Suppose someone leveled the charge against utilitarianism, that 'Utilitarianism is an unacceptable moral theory, b/c it is at odds with justice."

Relationship between apollonian and dionysian : How does Nietzsche understand the relationship between "Apollonian" and "Dionysian" principles as constitutive of Attic tragedy, and what do these terms mean?

How are multiple temporalities represented in watchmen : How are multiple temporalities represented in Watchmen? Refer to 3 specific examples in your answer and pay attention to the use of sequential panels.

User Account

All Pages