Critical Thinking

 ONE POST REQUIRED. YOU NEED NOT WRITE A LONG ESSAY. BUT YOU SHOULD ADEQUATELY DESCRIBE THE ANALYSIS. 300 WORDS SHOULD SUFFICE.

This week we will practice constructing and analyzing an argument regarding a cause-effect relationship. 

· Consider a personal or professional context in which you examine the question, "What is causing effect Y"?

· First, identify the issue.

· Second, examine the context: What are your assumptions? What observations and experience are relevant to the forming of a hypothesis?

· Third: formulate your hypothesis.

· Fourth: if this is an actual case in which you examined evidence and either confirmed or disproved your hypothesis, briefly describe your findings. If this is not an actual case, describe how would you go about hunting for the best evidence to confirm or disprove your hypothesis.

The analysis should have the following structure:

1) Issue: "What causes effect Y" (e.g. What caused my flat?)

2) Examination of assumptions, observations, evidence and information.

3) Formulate hypothesis (Thorns have caused the flat.)

4) Examine evidence that confirms or disproves your hypothesis.

These kinds of analyzes are quite common in personal and professional life. In organizing your analysis, look for ways in which one might improve one's reasoning.