in response toRobert H. Ennis' , A Super Streamlined Conception of Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking has often been dubbed reflective skepticism. A defintition which makes logical sense by the "dispositions" presented in the reading... acording to Professor Ennis, a critical thinker
1. Cares that his or her beliefs are true.
2. Seeks alternativea and other explanations, plans and resources.
3. This information is justified and backed up by his or her sources.
4. he or she is well informed on the topic of discussion.
5. Considers seriously points of view other than their own.
Critical thinking is more difficult, more troublesome than garden variety brainstorming or thinking. The author however does not detail what benifits a person can receive from using this method, but rather it is simply an explaination or how to guide in the critical thinking, which in the reading threw me for a loop. I Suppose it is seflish to look for a benifit in the reading, (or perhaps i was expecting it to be a point of view rather than an explanation) but i am inclined to not be a very organized person and was looking for a little encouragement. the Conception of Critical Thinking presents a very technically derived point of view, none the less helpful, but I dont believe it is obvious in the reading that the someone may be (for example) a better debate person by applying this method.
The idea of debate in relation to the reading i found interesting- What I mean is the idea of debate aplying to the 5th disposition: "Considers seriously points of view other than their own". In my experience the person who has put the arguement or debate on the table usually believes strongly and stubbornly in the topic he are she is addressing. This only makes logical sense- for what is a debate without a strong belief? However, I do believe and feel that one should care that his or her beliefs are true when engaging in discussion. Ennis himself had stated that the critical thinker does indeed "Care that their beliefs are true." I have witnessed and been in several discussions where one opposing side or point of veiw cares cheifly for the sake of debating- of argueing to prove perhaps a superior intellect, or perhaps they just wish to argue? However, this one statement is the thing i deem most essential when engaging in coversation or debate. I believe every participant should seek to arrive at a truthful conclusion. When truth of the matter is kept the crucial reason for intellectual debate. I believe that we would indeed have much more enlightening and beneficial conversations.
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"Any kid with a computer discovers fonts, layout and image manipulation at about the same time they learn to stop using a diaper."- I believe that this is a bit of an overexageration. It is true that kids now are more inclined to notice fonts and other aspects of graphic design, and even experiment with them but i would still argue that fonts and images the non digital world are recognized and appreciated first. The idea of the logo for example is noticed and recognized even before a child can read.
-I believe this is an incredibly insightful article. The idea of desribing before revealing your work and notations on the selling your idea is helpful to an artist/designer. Sometimes guilty of being overly attached to my work This particular seperation of business and art is benificial. I pulled some inspiring sections from the article which i was inspired by...
"The designer who shows only signs of self-absorbtion and narrowness of focus isn't going to inspire his or her client.... this is fatal."
"When I good idea is rejected, it is often the presentation that is rejected."
The idea of understading and being literate and able to describe or sell your style and design comes across with potency. I think anyone wishing to understand what it is designers do would greatly benifit from reading an article such as this.
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