Discussion:
Q1) Causal reasoning is the process of thinking or identifying the relationship between cause and its effect. It is very important in the process of critical thinking since it will help in analyzing the outcome of a process. Sometimes we know the "cause" and we try to figure out the "effect" (Dyer, pg52).Critical thinking is an important attribute of strategic planning and causal reasoning is one of the major skills requires for strategic planning. Strategic planning is similar to the cause and effect method because when planning we have to analyze both the external and internal environment to accurately come up with a solution. A difficulty in establishing causality can be that certain issues might be caused due to external factors, in such circumstances the cause cannot be determined and its effect cannot be related.
Q2) Causal reasoning can be defined as a discussion or a narrative explanation of a chain of events that are related to each other. This is perhaps the most common trend in business and politics and can be best supported or validated by an introduction of credible evidence. Causal reasoning in critical thinking rests at the core of this class I believe, and should always be given careful consideration before presenting. Decisions that affect the dynamic of a process, operation, or in some cases the lives of others frequently hang in the balance, therefore it is incumbent upon leaders in business and other facets of our societal constructs to think reason and react carefully while always remaining flexible to other perspectives. Perhaps the biggest problem in establishing causality is the different interpretations that a particular study or piece of evidence reveals. It was alleged in the 1990's controversial O.J. Simpson trial that the gloves worn during the murder were purchased by O.J. Simpson. The same evidence that was successfully traced back to O.J. Simpson and was shown to have been purchased by him were tried on and could be visibly seen nationwide that they did not fit.