Discussion Question

The liberal arts college model offers students a broad foundation of knowledge, not all of which is directly related to the students’ major focus. Think back on the liberal arts classes you have taken at Bethel University (or elsewhere) and discuss the ways in which the knowledge you gained from that class helped you to become a better critical thinker.

Give at least three examples. Based on what you have learned so far in college, how does a liberal arts education, and the specific course(s) you focused on in this discussion, help prevent the pathology of sociocentric thinking as defined in your readings this week?

Assignment Directions:

The ASSIGNMENT section in this course has two components: 1) Essays and 2) Journal Entries.

1) Essays are more formal and academic. A successful essay will:

– Correctly utilize appropriate sources, including the assigned reading and lecture.

– Be well organized and clearly written. You should make sure that you have a short introduction and conclusion, and that you clearly answer each part of the assigned question. You also should write in paragraphs. If you have questions about essay organization, please let me know. Please proof read your essays to ensure the use of proper spelling and grammar.

– Be of proper length. Each essay should be 200-300 words in length.

– Follow APA style.

Assignment:

1 In order to combat egocentric thinking, Paul and Elder (2006) suggest analyzing the logic of our thinking. Please analyze the logic of your thinking by answering the following questions:

a. Are any of the questions you are focused on in your life deep questions?

b) To what extent are you questioning you purpose and goals?

c) To what extent are you questioning your assumptions?

d) To what extent are you questioning the implications of your thoughts and actions?

e) Do you ever question your point of view?

f) Do you ever wonder whether your point of view is keeping you from seeing things from an opposing perspective? If so, under what circumstances?

g) Do you even question the consistency of your thoughts and behaviors?

h) Do you question the logic of your thinking?

i) What do your answers tell you about yourself and about your habits of questioning?

2 List and explain the elements of reasoning. In what ways are the elements of reasoning sometimes confused with other domains of thinking? Provide at least three detailed examples.

3 Journal: Paul and Elder recommend completing a journal and analyzing the answers. Therefore, answer the following questions each week and record how your thought process is developing:

When did I do my worst thinking today?

When do I do my best thinking?

What did I actually think about today?

Did I figure out anything?

Did I allow any negative thinking to frustrate me unnecessarily?

If I had to repeat today, what would I do differently? Why?

Did I do anything today to further my long-term goals?

If I were to spend every day this way for 10 years, at the end, would I have accomplished something worthy of that time?

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