Chapter 4 Question 3

I really learn something from the chapter 4 knowledge, evidence, and errors in thinking. One concept that I want to talk about it in details is evaluating evidence. According to the chapter, evidence is something that tends to prove or disprove a particular view. Evidence plays an important role in argument. It is used as the grounds or premises for the belief in a particular conclusion. Most importantly, we need to make sure whether the evidence on which we base our argument is accurate or not. Since evidence can come from many sources, we need to consider it based on the reliability. We can use our own experience as credible evidence for a claim. For example, there is a conflict with our experience, we are reasonable to suspect the reliability of the claim. This chapter gives out a clear idea that the importance of knowing how to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of evidence in critical thinking and logic.

Chapter 4 Question 2

In the conclusion that Condon drew was that nothing has come from the study of UFO’s that has added to scientific knowledge and it was not likely to advance science. After reading his conclusion, I think there is a lack of scientific evidence of the need of UFOs. That limited the bounds on what can be discovered and what can be valid in our lives. Hynek concluded that the goal would be to have a program to establish the reality of the UFO as a legitimate subject for future scientific study. This is based on the claims that UFOs are a global phenomenon and not enough research has been done on them. In addition, Paynter concluded that it must be proven with the highest and most complete standards of physical science and reasoning in order to know the existence of UFO. In my point of view, I think Paynter made the best argument. This is because he gave a valid conclusion that was based on the presented evidences.

Chapter 4 Question 1

Knowledge is information that you acquire from studying certain subjects or from others. Wisdom is acquired knowledge that you have applied into your life to create experiences to help you understand the knowledge at a deeper level. In other words, knowledge is knowing while wisdom is understanding. In my point of view, acquiring knowledge does not keep us from acquiring wisdom. However, knowledge is necessary for wisdom. We can have knowledge without wisdom but cannot have wisdom without knowledge. Two of them are tightly bound together. I would say I am acquiring both knowledge and wisdom in college. Whenever we study for the midterms of finals, we are gaining knowledge. After we understand the knowledge and know how to apply back in our lives and gain experiences, then it turns into wisdom. I think the information age nowadays helps us become wiser by providing many aspects of knowledge. It actually depends on how people make use of the information from the internet or media.

Chapter 3 Question 3

The concept that I would like to discuss in depth in Chapter 3 is the main concept from the chapter---what is language. From the book, it states language is a system of communication that involves a set of arbitrary symbols, whether spoken, written, or nonverbal, as in the case of sign language. In another word, language is the principal method to communicate with others. Language is also the primary means of transmitting cultural concepts and traditions. We are born into a language by what it said from the chapter. I think it is interesting sometimes because it is not a must to sound out in order to let people to understand what we are trying to say. Especially when we are with our friends, my friends can easily understand me when I just move a little with my eyes. I can conceive this as a sign or body language. Language is an amazing thing in the world which connect human as a chain since we can understand each other because of language.

Chapter 3 Question 2

One of the rhetorical devices I used in the past week is euphemism. “A euphemism is the replacement of a negative term with a neutral or positive one to cover up or sugarcoat the truth.” I was persuading my parents to let me go back to my hometown in winter break. The ticket cost $1400 which is quite a lot amount of expense for a month of winter break. What they had in mind at first when I said that was “NO! That is too much since you do not even have a job to earn any money!” Later, I changed my way to say that “I miss you so much and I want to spend my Christmas with you” with a pitiful tone. Ultimately, they approve me to go back home.

Another example of rhetorical device I used is sarcasm. “Sarcasm is the use of ridicule, insults, taunting, and/or caustic irony.” My sister is a shopaholic. She spends all her money once she gets paid. Her action gives me a chance to taunt her always suffering from lack of money even she has a job.

Chapter 3 Question 1

Looking back at the characteristics of a good critical thinker listed on page 7 in Chapter 1, Sally Ride can totally exemplify these qualities. Ride loved to solve problems while she was a child. She was known as an exemplary critical thinker and able to clearly articulate and develop strategies to meet her life goals. And also, she double majored in English and Physics. From the background information given, I can tell she is a good critical thinker. After she applied for a new group of astronauts, she was one of 35 picked out of more than 8,000 applicants. She got picked because she had outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills. Besides, Ride was chosen to serve as Capcom because of her exemplary communication skills. She made good use of her critical thinking and communication skills in order to have all those achievements. Later on she helped little girls to develop their leadership, writing and communication skills. She was not only contributed to the NASA but also to the children.