When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking. The assignment is divided into two (2) parts. For Part I of the assignment (due Week 3), you read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes, reviewed the Procon.org Website in order to gather information, and engaged in prewriting to examine your thoughts. * Remember that in the Week 2 Discussion, you examined the biases discussed in Chapter 2 of the webtext. In Part II of the assignment (due Week 5), you will write a paper to synthesize your ideas.mentphi210

QUESTION

Assignment 1.2: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay – Part II
Synthesizing and Writing
Due Week 5 and worth 100 points

When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking.

The assignment is divided into two (2) parts.
For Part I of the assignment (due Week 3), you read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes, reviewed the Procon.org Website in order to gather information, and engaged in prewriting to examine your thoughts.
* Remember that in the Week 2 Discussion, you examined the biases discussed in Chapter 2 of the webtext.

In Part II of the assignment (due Week 5), you will write a paper to synthesize your ideas.

Part II – Writing
Write at three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:

1. State your position on the topic you selected for Assignment 1.1.
2. Identify (3) three premises (reasons) from the Procon.org website that support your position and explain why you selected these specific reasons.
3. Explain your answers to the “believing” questions about the three (3) premises opposing your position from the Procon.org website.
4. Examine at least two (2) types of biases that you likely experienced as you evaluated the premises for and against your position.
5. Discuss the effects of your own enculturation or group identification that may have influenced your biases.
6. Discuss whether or not your thinking about the topic has changed after playing the “Believing Game,” even if your position on the issue has stayed the same.

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

• Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.
• Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
• Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.
• Based on the guidelines in SWS, “A well-researched assignment has at least as many sources as pages.” Since this assignment requires you to write at least 3-4 pages, you should include at least 3-4 references.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Identify the informal fallacies, assumptions, and biases involved in manipulative appeals and abuses of language.
• Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking.
• Use technology and information resources to research critical thinking skills and informal logic issues.

• ANSWER

• Critical Thinking and Biases in Evaluating Conflicting Viewpoints

  Introduction

  Critical thinking is a crucial skill that allows individuals to analyze information objectively and make informed decisions. In this paper, I will address the topic of [insert topic selected for Assignment 1.1] and present my position on the issue. Drawing from the Procon.org website, I will identify three premises that support my viewpoint and provide a rationale for selecting these specific reasons. Furthermore, I will explore my responses to the “believing” questions regarding three premises opposing my position. Additionally, I will examine two types of biases that may have influenced my evaluation process and discuss the impact of my enculturation or group identification. Lastly, I will reflect on whether my thinking about the topic has changed after engaging in the “Believing Game.”

  Position Statement

  After careful consideration and evaluation of the available information, I maintain the position that [insert your position on the chosen topic].

  Supporting Premises

  From the Procon.org website, I have selected three premises that provide substantial support for my position on [insert topic].

  Premise 1: [State premise from Procon.org]

  Explanation: This premise resonates with my position because [provide reasoning or evidence supporting why this premise aligns with your viewpoint].

  Premise 2: [State premise from Procon.org]

  Explanation: This premise reinforces my stance due to [present your rationale or evidence explaining why this premise strengthens your viewpoint].

  Premise 3: [State premise from Procon.org]

  Explanation: I find this premise compelling as it underpins my position by [provide reasoning or evidence illustrating why this premise bolsters your perspective].

  Evaluation of Opposing Premises

  Although I stand by my position, I must objectively evaluate the premises opposing my viewpoint from the Procon.org website.

  Believing Premise 1: [State premise from Procon.org]

  Response: While this premise challenges my position, I acknowledge that it raises important considerations such as [highlight the valid points or concerns raised by the opposing premise].

  Believing Premise 2: [State premise from Procon.org]

  Response: Although this premise contradicts my position, it prompts reflection on [discuss the insights or perspectives offered by the opposing premise].

  Believing Premise 3: [State premise from Procon.org]

  Response: This premise presents an alternative perspective to my viewpoint, and it compels me to reexamine my position by [describe how the opposing premise offers a new lens for evaluating your stance].

  Types of Biases in Evaluation

  During the evaluation process, I recognized the presence of biases that might have influenced my assessment. Two types of biases that likely affected my analysis are confirmation bias and availability bias.

  Confirmation Bias: As a human tendency, confirmation bias predisposes us to seek and interpret information that supports our existing beliefs. I might have unconsciously favored evidence or arguments that aligned with my initial position.

  Availability Bias: This bias occurs when we rely heavily on readily available information rather than conducting comprehensive research. I may have been influenced by the prominence of certain arguments or evidence while neglecting to explore alternative viewpoints thoroughly.

  Effects of Enculturation or Group Identification

  Enculturation and group identification can significantly impact an individual’s biases. Growing up in a particular culture or belonging to a specific social group can shape one’s values, beliefs, and perceptions. These influences may have subtly influenced my biases during the evaluation process, potentially leading me to be more receptive to arguments that resonate with my cultural background or align with the perspectives of my social group.

  Reflection on Thinking Change

  Engaging in the “Believing Game” has allowed me to critically examine opposing viewpoints and develop a deeper understanding of the topic. While my position on the issue has remained unchanged, my thinking has evolved through a greater appreciation for the complexity of the topic and an enhanced ability to evaluate conflicting arguments objectively. The “Believing Game” has encouraged me to consider alternative perspectives, challenge my initial assumptions, and strengthen my critical thinking skills.

  Conclusion

  In conclusion, critical thinking plays a crucial role in evaluating conflicting viewpoints. By analyzing premises from the Procon.org website, I have identified three premises that support my position on [insert topic]. I have also examined opposing premises, evaluated biases, and reflected on the impact of enculturation or group identification. Engaging in the “Believing Game” has further refined my thinking, reinforcing the importance of objective analysis and open-mindedness in the face of differing perspectives. Through the cultivation of critical thinking skills, we can navigate complex issues more effectively and make informed decisions based on careful evaluation of evidence and reasoning.

  References