Application: Critical Thinking in Action Project
Thus far in the formulation of your argument, you have analyzed claims and evidence. Left alone, these statements have little significance. This week, you have explored how to breathe life into these statements by making inferences and assumptions, the skeletal framework of an argument. Inferences and assumptions are reasoned using deductive and inductive logic. In your resources this week, you have seen the differences between the forms of reasoning and the strengths and weakness of each. This week, you will use inferences and assumptions, as well as deductive/inductive reasoning to further develop your argument.
Using the information from Week 3, write a 1- to 2-page paper that describes at least two inferences and assumptions from the information and evaluates the logic of your thinking. Also, indicate whether you used deductive or inductive reasoning, and explain how it was used.
To view the grading criteria for this Assignment, refer to the Weeks 3-5 Critical Thinking Action Project Rubric, which is located in the Course Information area of the course navigation menu.
Application: Critical Thinking in Action Project
Note: Compile your Assignments for Weeks 2, 3, and 4 and combine them with this week's Assignment. All four Assignments will be turned in this week as one document.
You now have all the elements to create a reasoned argument that is based on evidence. To prepare for this Assignment, you may wish to review your responses for the Assignments in Weeks 2, 3, and 4. Combine the salient features from these into a cohesive argument that proposes a solution. Recall that there are many ways to structure a logical argument. In general, an argument seeks a solution to a problem or an answer to the essential question. You began by analyzing claims and asking questions in an attempt to isolate and better understand the essential question in Week 1. Week 2 challenged you to gather evidence to further elucidate the questions you raised. You made inferences and assumptions from this evidence in Week 3 using two forms of logical reasoning. Now you must propose an equally logical solution to the problem and demonstrate your reasoning.
In a 2- to 3-page paper, construct an argument stating what you believe to be the solution to the company's problem. This argument must state the problem being addressed, the purpose in solving it, and the reason this is significant. The argument will discuss the evidence-based essential questions that are raised (note that these might not be the same as in Week 2 but may be a mixture of more important questions from Weeks 2, 3, and 4). Show how the information leads to logical inferences and assumptions and conclude by offering a solution. Demonstrate why, based on the assumptions drawn, it will be effective.