Discussion Post I
The media we consume affects us, but we also affect it. Most people think that they perceive truth objectively, as it is. However, we all see things from a point of view and people tend to seek media that supports their points of view. This can serve to further entrench us in a narrower way of looking at things while at the same time making us feel more certain that our point of view is objective and neutral. We also learn in Chapter 8 of the text that people have biases (such as the confirmation bias) that make it hard for them to embrace ideas that contradict with their own points of view. This discussion seeks to explore how we can free ourselves from these tendencies.
Critical Thinking on LIVING SMART with Patricia Gras - YouTube Video
Reflect: Think about the ways in which people consume media that supports their own points of view. Consider what we might do to learn to think more objectively and see things from multiple points of view.
Write: Express your thoughts on the following questions:
A. To what degree and in what ways are people manipulated by the media that they consume? Make sure to give specific examples.
B. What types of consequences can follow from people having more choices of what media they can consume?
C. Do we control our media, or does it control us?
D. What can people do to break free from media hypnosis and have broader, more objective points of view?
E. In what ways might we strive to overcome confirmation bias? Address anything else that you find relevant and interesting in the video.
Discussion Post II
Logic and critical thinking are highly relevant to the events we see in the world around us. This discussion gives you a chance to share an example. Start by selecting an event that is going on in the world right now. It could be something in the news, something you have learned about from science, technology, an academic field, or even something important and relevant that is going on in your life. It should be an issue that allows for different perspectives (there are many ways to define "perspectives" ... they could be about whether the thing is true, good, real, important, being done in the right way, etc.).
Topic: The Supreme Court nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
In your post,
A. Share a source (or sources) that addresses or explains the issue/topic/event (you do not have to use scholarly sources here).
B. Share an argument on each side of the issue or explain the two different perspectives.
C. Evaluate the reasoning surrounding this topic. Address questions such as the following:
a. Are the competing positions clear?
b. Do the two positions/perspectives actually contradict each other?
c. Are the premises of the arguments strongly supported by evidence?
d. Do the arguments use good reasoning?
e. Are any fallacies or biases committed by either side?
f. Why do people hold the different positions/perspectives?
g. How might either (or both) sides express their perspectives more effectively?
D. Evaluate the rhetoric that surrounds this topic: Address questions such as the following:
a. Are people being civil and fair minded in how they address the issue?
b. How might one strive for greater fairness, objectivity, and civility in how we address this kind of topic? If we did so, would society be more likely to make progress on issues such as this?
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.