Homework: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay
When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view? This Homework asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking by playing the "Believing Game." The Believing Game is about making the effort to "believe" - or at least consider - the reasons for an opposing view on an issue.
In this Homework, you will first read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes: "The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful". Next, you will review the Procon.org Website in order to gather information. Then, you will engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts.
Follow the instructions below for this prewriting activity. Use complete sentences and adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
I. Select one of the approved topics from the procon org Website and state your position on the issue.
II. From the Procon.org Website, identify three premises (reasons) listed under either the Pro or Con section - whichever section opposes your position.
III. For each of the three premises (reasons) that oppose your position on the issue, answer these "believing" questions suggested by Elbow:
a. What's interesting or helpful about this view?
b. What would I notice if I believed this view?
c. In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?"
The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:
i. Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.
ii. Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
iii. Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this Homework are:
a. Identify the informal fallacies, assumptions, and biases involved in manipulative appeals and abuses of language.
b. Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking.
c. Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic.