Author Question: Discuss an example of how failures of critical thinking often contribute to unfortunate accidents. ... (Read 122 times)

elizabeth18 · **on:** Jun 19, 2018

Discuss an example of how failures of critical thinking often contribute to unfortunate accidents.

What will be an ideal response

Question 2

Ben and Steve receive an essay assignment in their college course

Ben is eager to learn the material and willing to do careful research so he can put together a well-organized essay that presents cogent arguments for the perspective he hopes to discover as he learns more about the issues involved. Steve plans to wait until the night before the essay is due and then to cut and paste from whatever he can find on the Internet until he compiles enough pages to meet the professor's stated minimum. Which of the two students appears to be more disposed toward critical thinking? Explain why.

What will be an ideal response

succesfull · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Failures of critical thinking often contribute to some of the saddest and most unfortunate accidents. At Yosemite Park's Vernal Falls, three young people stepped passed the guard rails to take pictures. Other park visitors called to them, urging them to get back to safety, but they did not. Then suddenly one fell, the other two tried to help, and all three were swept over the falls to their deaths. If they had thoughtfully considered the risks and benefits, we doubt that they would have made the tragic decision to ignore the posted warnings.

Answer to Question 2

Ben appears to be the stronger critical thinker because he exhibits inquisitiveness and wants to take a systematic approach to the learning challenge of writing an informed and cogent essay. Ben appears ready to ask good questions, probe deeply for the truth, and to inquire fully into the issues relating to the topic of the essay. Steve seems willing to do only the minimum necessary to fulfill the assignment, but without any desire to engage the issues or use the assignment to gain new knowledge.