Critical Thinking

How did you define "critical thinking"?  Groups discuss, compare graphics, agree on a definition, and put it on the board.

We look at pages 36 and 37.

You read pages 40-43.  Answer these questions. You may work in groups if you wish.

1.  List the four types of evidence discussed in detail.

2. In the "Types of Evidence" paragraph, it describes four other types of evidence that are not part of their current discussion. However, that list includes what I hope you will provide as support in a short five paragraph essay.  What are they?

3.  Give an example of a fact:
      Give an example of a belief:
       Give an example of an opinion:

4. Explain how "interpreting" a statistic is different from misleading with statistics.

5. Explain why an auto tech student's analysis of the Ford Mustang's design flaws should be more convincing than mine. {What other factors might interfere with his/her effectiveness?}

6. What are possible problems with "firsthand observations"? {aka anectodatal evidence}

What are the rhetorical appeals? 
 
First of all, remember rhetoric?

Aristotle's Three Appeals: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Okay, let's hear it from someone else. 

Now read pages 43-44.

After reading those pages, I want you to annotate the handout.  It is a letter;  label each paragraph with one of the three appeals.  If any appeal is missing, note at the bottom why it is left out, and come up with an example of that appeal that could be added to the letter.

Homework:

1.  Finish whatever of the above you did not finish in class.

2.  Read pages 634-636 and 638-640 in Bedford.  Decide which of these articles you will write the next long paper on.  (It's up to you whether you write about one you agree with, or one you disagree with.)

2. TWFTD:  retard in the OED: you must find out how long it has been used as an insult (in writing).