Chapter 1. Introducing Critical Thinking and Philosophical Inquiry
CH. 1 QUESTIONS
Q1
(a) How does an explanation differ from an argument?
(b) What is probably the best advice for anyone trying to evaluate an argument?
(c) What is the rationale behind this advice?
(d) Support your responses to parts (b) & (c) with an example that demonstrates the usefulness of your advice.
Q2
(a) Why is it important to critically examine your beliefs?
(b) What is the role of reasons in critical thinking?
(c) Why does critical thinking matter?
(d) Find, share, and cite one online example of a piece of especially bad reasoning that you have encountered recently?
Be sure to (i) explain what makes it bad reasoning, and (ii) whether or not you think this example poses any problems for individuals and / or society and why.
Q3
Bertrand Russell claimed that beliefs have an incredible influence on our actions.
(a) Do you agree that our beliefs are connected to our actions towards others? Explain your reasoning.
(b) Provide one example of when the updating of your own thoughts either did or did not influence your actions in the world [should be consistent with your response to part (a)]. Your example must include:
(i) A specific belief which you held and then changed, AS WELL AS,
(ii) an explanation of how your BEHAVIOR did or did not change as a result of your belief change.
Q4
Russell argued that in philosophy, there should be no questions that are “off limits,” and that philosophy should be in the business of asking uncomfortable questions (think of disputed political, religious, and ethical issues).
(a) Do you agree with Russell that there is value in challenging one’s own beliefs by asking uncomfortable questions? Why or why not?
(b) Provide an example from your own experience of when such questioning challenged your belief(s) or the belief(s) of someone you know and explain what happened.
Q5
(a) On Russell’s view, how can the uncertainty that philosophy breeds be beneficial?
Be thorough in your answer and be sure to include Russell’s concepts of the ‘Self’ and ‘not-Self’.
(b) Explain what Russell means when he states that, “the value of philosophy is found in the critical examination of the grounds of our convictions, prejudices, and beliefs”.
