Critical Thinking Blog #1

For me, critical thinking is the process of analyzing the problem and logically determining a solution. By using logic and reason, I have had success in solving problems at work and in everyday life. One way I use critical thinking is by using my math knowledge to successfully determine hours and budgets at work in addition to my home life. However I understand math may not be a critical thinking process for all. Another way I use critical thinking is at school. When I am given an assignment, I analyze my possibilities to come to a conclusion of the best practice for the assignment. Even now, I am trying to think critically to answer the questions for this blog. However, there have been the occasions in my life where I have failed to look at things critically and I always suffered for it. For example, on occasions, I have jumped in head first on an assignment and either failed miserably or had to redo it because of the quick action.

"We often long for surefire, step-by-step procedures [to help us solve problems] and the more personally threatening a situation is, the more we want foolproof rules. But there are no rules that guarantee our thinking will be correct . . . The only way we can decide whether to follow certain rules is if we use our best reasoning to determine that those rules are reasonable, that they lead to reasonable results when followed." – Gerald Nosich, Learning to Think Things Through
I enjoyed reading this quote. The quote reminds me of learning as a child what you can do and cannot do. For instance, the child is jumping on the bed and the parents tell him/her to stop or they will hurt themselves. The child decides to not follow the rules the parents provided and ends up breaking his/her arm when they fall off the bed. It also remind me of a song entitled "Don't Ask Me How I Know" by Bobby Pinson, in which he gives advice on what not to do. I think there is a great deal to learn from others mistakes and on most occasions should adhere to the warnings. In my opinion, itellectualism is a positive meaning in my world. I grew up around smart individuals who wanted to share their knowledge with those in their lives. If someone were to describe me as an intellect, I would be extremely proud. As for the words logic and reason, they go hand in hand in my everyday life. I am a very fact and reality based person. I struggle with emotions and feelings mainly because they are not black and white. Even when a problem comes from the emotional side, I usually look for a solution with logic and reason.

I just wanted to add that while I was a little skeptical about the assigned book, I am finding myself really enjoying it. The entire passage that Susan Jacoby writes about the March of the Penguins had me nodding my head and laughing.