Chapter 4, Question #3

The concept I chose to discuss this week is the topic of social errors and biases. One line that caught my eye is, “humans are highly social animals” and I completely agree with that statement. When I was younger it was hard not to absorb what the media was portraying as “cool”, because I thought that being socially accepted was very important. Reading about this topic I came to realize how important it is to know that humans are highly social animals and to not let that part control all of your actions. Sometimes wanting to be popular can make you do something that you may regret later on and that is not the right choice to make. Also, it may be hard to separate what is right from wrong when someone you look up to tells you to do something. We have to be able to analyze the situation and figure out what the best thing for you to do is. This is why I thought this concept was important to discuss this week. 

Chapter 4, Question #2

Condon believed that UFOs did not exist, due to the fact that there was no concrete evidence that they existed. Where Hynek believed that though there was only a small percentage of sightings, he thought they were actually alien space crafts in the world. In the middle there is Paynter, he thought that there may be a chance there were UFOs, but remained skeptical. I believe the scientist with the strongest argument is Paynter. Since there is no concrete evidence that UFOs do or do not exist, it is best to acknowledge both sides of the opinion, but to also stay skeptical. Since no one knows whether or not UFOs are real it is hard to say that they exist or even to say that they do not exist. Most of the sightings were unclear and what we learn about UFOs are usually just stories and opinion. The existence of something cannot be based off of non-concrete evidence. So in this case, I believe that Paynter’s argument was the strongest.

Chapter 4, Question #1

According to the Boss text, “knowledge is information or experience that we believe to be true and for which we have justification or evidence”. I believe that wisdom is also information or experience you believe to be true, but it’s something you gain over time. We acquire knowledge at college through the classes, but wisdom through the people you meet and the experiences you have. I agree with Aristotle’s belief that wisdom is the greatest virtue; because with wisdom you will be able to analyze a situation and use your past experiences to figure out what the best option is for you. I think that the information age has made us more knowledgeable, but not wiser. The information age provided us with many tools that gave us easy access to knowledge, but it is not able to teach us wisdom. You grow wiser as you get older and more experienced in life, and you learn from the older generations as well from their stories. And when you get older, you will to the same for the younger generations. 

Chapter 3, Question #3

The concept I chose to talk about this week is the role culture plays in communication. It is really important to think about whom you are talking to and where they are from. Each culture has a different take on what is polite and what is expected when being spoken to. For example, the text stated that, “respect and dignity are highly valued by the Chinese, but they may be hesitant to ask someone to repeat themselves.” Also, “European Americans tend to be uncomfortable with silence, whereas silence plays an important role in communication among the Apaches of Arizona and many Asian cultures”. Looking at the examples you can see how you may need to approach different people with different methods according to their cultures and traditions. Because communication plays such a vital role in our lives, I think this concept should be remembered when it comes time for you to communicate with someone of a different culture. 

Chapter 3, Question #2

Being a college student I find myself using many rhetorical devices to describe how I am feeling. For example, I used sarcasm when talking to friends saying; “I sure love doing homework 1:00am in the morning!” Obviously that is not true. Sarcasm is used to get a point across by being ironic. I do not in particularly enjoy doing homework and saying that I love doing homework 1:00am in the morning in turn shows how much I dislike it using sarcasm. Another rhetorical device I have used in the past week or two is a hyperbole. An hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used to create a strong feeling or impression. The hyperbole I used was, “I am going to melt in this heat if I don’t get out of the sun!” I wouldn’t literally melt in the sun, but I was trying to describe how hot it was that day. Rhetorical devices are used in our daily lives and I think it is good to learn about the many different types to know how to react to them.

Chapter 3, Question #1

According to the Boss text, “critical thinking is a collection of skills that enhance and reinforce each other”. Because Sally Ride loved to solve problems as a child, she developed the skill of critical thinking. Ride realized that she excelled in her communication skills, which was a great help in reaching her goals. Since Ride was such an amazing analytical and critical thinker, she became the youngest and first female astronaut in space. Communication skills are very important because they help you express what you are trying to portray and help others understand where you are coming from. Ride was also chosen to serve as Capcom for the first and second shuttle flights in NASA. She was chosen because of her communication skills and her ability to critically analyze problems.

            There are a lot of different characteristics to a good critical thinker. Ride had outstanding communication skills and an eye for solving problems. Where someone else for example, can be great at breaking down a specific problem and pin pointing the issue. I believe that critical thinking is a great skill to have and to always keep in mind when making decisions.