{"ops":[{"insert":"I’ve listened to this first episode of the podcast series more than once and, each time, I’ve gained new insights and understandings! I’m always thrilled to realize how deeply and richly my learning about critical thinking can grow.\n\nHere are just a few points that I learned from this time I listened to Episode 1: “The Analysis of Reasoning: Going Deeper – Analysis Overview”:\n \n1. There are two kinds of analysis. \nIn other words, analysis of inanimate, natural objects and analysis of human reasoning. When we break something down into its parts, we are checking what it is made of or what constitutes it. When we are analyzing human thinking, then, as Dr. Nosich explains, we are asking: “What is going on in this thinking?” In this way, the Elements of Thought, though always present in my  thinking, are essential to clearly and explicitly “go through” the parts of my thinking to aid my understanding about what is really going on in my reasoning. \n \n2. Relevance between the Elements of Thought, the parts of our thinking, is really important because we are trying to analyze how things are connected within a particular context. In other words, when we analyze, we are trying to figure out the logic of that thinking. \n \n3. Dr. Nosich’s clarification that there is a difference between “the parts of the thing” and “the parts of my "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"thinking"},{"insert":" about the thing” was an incredibly helpful point! \n \n4. Bloom’s Taxonomy doesn’t include or refer to any Intellectual Standards (Nosich). As an educator, I find this exposes a significant gap in the assumptions we have about using Bloom’s Taxonomy in teaching. Without using clear Intellectual Standards, we cannot teach our students how to assess the quality of their own thinking! An implication of not having clear standards is that our students might assume that ALL learning and assessment is arbitrary and that it doesn’t matter "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"how well"},{"insert":" they remember, apply, analyze, or create. \n \n5. A caution: the Standards and Elements can be used self-deceptively and, therefore, we can miss the purpose of critical thinking – developing the Essential Intellectual Traits in ourselves.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"In watching "},{"attributes":{"color":"#1155cc","link":"https://community.criticalthinking.org/watchEmbeddedVideo.php?id=312"},"insert":"(Ep. 17) Intellectual Virtues: Going Deeper - Overview & Intellectual Empathy"},{"insert":" with Dr. Elder and Dr. Nosich, I learned the following:\n \n1. During the introduction to the Intellectual Virtues, Dr. Elder emphasized that ethics imply the Intellectual Virtues. That was an important clarification.\n \n2. An Intellectual Virtue, as Dr. Nosich stated, is "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"doing"},{"insert":" the thing – not simply the "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"ability to do "},{"insert":"the thing (approx. 6 min). In other words, an Intellectual Virtue is not a skill, but rather a way of being. For example, Intellectual Perseverance isn’t "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"the ability to persevere intellectually"},{"insert":", but "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"IS "},{"insert":"persevering intellectually. \n \n3. This was stated more than once and was a good reminder: the terms used in critical thinking (the Elements, Standards, and Traits) are NOT mantras! They have to be used and practiced. The words must be “unpacked,” as Dr. Elder stated. It’s essential that we take time to understand and to clarify the meanings of the words "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"for ourselves"},{"insert":" – not simply use the words thoughtlessly or assume that they are shortcuts to developing our habits of mind. \n \n4. When distinguishing between critical "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"thinking"},{"insert":" and the critical "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"thinker"},{"insert":", Dr. Nosich noted that a critical thinker is a person who looks at things “appropriately,” not optimistically or pessimistically (approx. 20min).\n \n5. To develop our Intellectual Empathy, which is an Intellectual Virtue that requires the practice of certain skills, it is important to exercise that skill by considering Points of View that we’ve never considered before. Again, the reminder that Intellectual Empathy is "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"not"},{"insert":" adopting the feelings of that person, but, rather, is to fairly and accurately think through a Point of View is an important one. Also, the reminder that if we refuse to even consider another Point of View that it is a problem: thinking narrow-mindedly and being so intellectually arrogant to assume that we are “the be all and end all” of knowledge is dangerous. \n \n \n"}]}

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"“Logic of "},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Tom Jones"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"” by Henry Fielding"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"As I imagine writing from Fielding’s point of view, my Logic for writing this novel was:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Purpose:"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"         "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"My purpose was to show the petty nature of human thinking, but to balance that with a representation of intellectual perseverance and the development of the intellectual virtues. In other words, rather than focusing solely on the problematic aspects of human nature, I offered a series of examples to demonstrate the growth of someone’s character as they acknowledge their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies. For example, both Tom Jones and Mr. Allworthy make many mistakes, but ultimately both demonstrate Intellectual Humility when they admit that they were wrong and commit to changing themselves and how they treat others."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Problem:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"The main problem I examined was the ways that human nature deceives itself and how challenging it can be to change our thoughts and habits. Other problems I addressed were the problem of dominating parents, what happens when people lie about you, how the desire to be unique and to have money can corrupt people; fractured relationships; the consequences of poor decisions; etc. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Information:"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"  "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"The information I used was simply a compilation of human experiences. In other words, rather than making up examples of egocentricism and sociocentrism, I surveyed how I’ve seen people act. Whether using the pub landlords, landladies, the selfish pull of parents, the kowtowing of lower classes to their superiors, or the desire for secrecy and affect of shame, I merely had to pull these in various ways into my story to make it plausible and to demonstrate the complexity (and superficiality) of human nature."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Concepts: "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"The important concepts I used were: "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Human nature."},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":" In other words, the common characteristics and flaws of how humans think and behave. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Virtue:"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":" the true demonstration of a good thinker and a well-rounded, fairminded person"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Wealth:"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":" what one ascribes value to. Specifically, I showed the tendency for people to ascribe money as wealth, but I wanted to show that true wealth is in healed and healthy relationships, living with a strong and consistent character, and taking care of others."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Point of View:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"My point of view is that humans are the way they are, but humans can change. That it is possible for humans to grow intellectually and ethically so that they can be better and can live differently in a toxic, damaged world. I considered the points of view of all classes of society and, unusually, the perspectives of gender and education. Unlike many other writers, I did not adopt a religious or moralistic perspective because I wanted to show that an ethical life need not be tied to fear of damnation or other rubbish that is often taught in religious circles."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Assumptions:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"I did take some aspects for granted, including that my readers would want to read about the intellectual and character growth of a young man. I also took for granted that my readers would be familiar with the context in which my story is written and is relevant. That said, my assumption was that people would be reading it in my day – not that it would become one of the most important works in English literature!"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Implications and Consequences:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"From my perspective, I am convinced that an implication of reading my novel is that the reader will be moved to analyze their own thoughts and behaviours. A consequence that I hope for is that the reader "},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"will"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":" change their actions not only in the ways they deceive themselves, but also in the ways they treat others. I also think that if people studied the first chapters of each book, they would gain important insights into the writing process and to its relationship to thinking."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"Conclusions:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#222222"},"insert":"Humans are flawed and make innumerable mistakes; however, if one is committed to learning and to admitting when they have been wrong, there is hope for improvement. Although Blifil appears to be an inconsequential character in the novel, he is, in fact, a foil for Tom. I used the archetype of two brothers to show that, although nurture does have an effect on a person’s development, nature and choice are far greater indications of a person’s character. A person’s character cannot simply be represented in a single event or two, but must be shaped through difficulties over time. It is in the choices made daily, whether in ideal circumstances or when experiencing injustices, that a person may develop their intellectual habits of mind and may grow to become worthy of legend. "},{"insert":"\n\n\n\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"The primary organizing ideas in Episode 16 of this podcast are the examination of how we too often use egocentric and sociocentric standards instead of intellectual standards in our thinking. In other words, we tend to prioritize the needs and wants of ourselves (egocentricism) or of our groups (sociocentricism) above the needs and wants of others and these selfish standards can interrupt our process of critical thinking. For example, we may use a standards such as “it’s true because I believe it,” rather than assessing the accuracy, relevance, or fairness of our thinking. \n \nI learned the following insights from watching the video:\n \n-       These internal and unconscious processes of egocentrism and sociocentrism can prevent us from achieving our capacity as critical thinkers. Specifically, I found two points made extremely relevant: that we can be locked within our group logic and that if we crave validation, then we may not achieve our capacity as individuals. Personally, I have seen these two factors within my own life. Within my family, my work, and my religion, I’ve found myself, too often, pulled into ways of thinking that are taught and reinforced simply because “it’s true because we’ve always believed it.” I also find that when I’m pulled into those ways of thinking, then I often feel rather desperate for validation from others. I’m deliberately using the passive voice in my description because – until I began studying critical thinking – I didn’t realize the sway that group thinking had upon affirming my own egocentrism. My own egocentrism was reinforced and strengthened within my groups. I must admit that when I began studying critical thinking, I assumed that identification of the problems in my habits of mind was the major step to eradicating the problems. I’ve come to realize over the years, however, that these unconscious processes are deeply embedded within me. It’s not a matter of identification and elimination, but rather a process of working through the multiple ways that my mind deviates from fairness and accuracy. I must take the long view of my own development. Also, this is why the intellectual standards are so valuable because they give clear tools I can use to excavate my own egocentric and sociocentric patterns of thought and I can use to improve my thinking slowly over time.\n \n-       We have an innate fear of intellectual conflict and we desire to avoid it. If we want to avoid intellectual conflict because it disturbs us, then that’s an indication that our ego has entered into our thinking. In many ways, this relates to my first insight about group logic and self-validation because I’ve found intellectual conflict particularly difficult if it’s tied to group assumptions about particular behaviours (as though a behaviour demonstrates the validity of a belief). That said, the more I’ve developed my intellectual autonomy and confidence in reason through critical thinking, the less fearful I am of encountering intellectual conflict. Because my whole identity is no longer tied to each specific thought or belief, I don’t fear being around people who think differently because I know I’m able to rethink and to reframe my thoughts as needed. The more I’ve focused on clarifying and evaluating my own thoughts and beliefs, the less nervous I am about my ability to reason through intellectual conflict. \n \n-       A third insight I gained was the discussion between Nosich and Elder on the importance of being realistic about our own capacities and the problem of telling people to “follow their dreams.” As an educator, I find this a difficult, but important balance point when working with students: to encourage them to hope and to have goals, but also to be realistic. I find this in my own life too. I’m often idealistic about what should be possible and then can belittle myself for not “achieving” those goals. Slowly, I’m learning to not compare myself with the arbitrary goals and standards that academia or society has and, instead, to use critical thinking tools to assess my thinking, to be (more) patient with my own intellectual growth, and to be realistic with timelines. \n \nAfter watching the podcast, my questions are: \n-       After the discussion on capacity and being realistic, I’m curious: how does a person better identify their capacity and then best develop their will to achieve that capacity?\n-       How can I practice identifying my neediness sooner and become better at stopping it?\n-       How can I stop “mustivating” about others in my life and, instead, focus on my own thoughts and actions? \n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"\tIn Episode 13 of “The Analysis of Reasoning” Podcast, Dr. Elder and Dr. Nosich examine Point of View as an Element of Thought. The Primary organizing ideas within the podcast are that the term “Point of View” (POV) is a “way of looking at things.” In other words, although we may use “point of view” when referring to our assumptions, conclusions, and other parts of our thinking, it is an Element of Thought that is unique because each person inhabits a distinctive position. For example, a group of likeminded individuals may share the same goal, but they each have a distinctive point of view because of their own lived experience and unique context. A second important idea is that we can practice using disciplinary POVs, such as a legal or ethical perspective, when we think. In other words, POVs can be multilayered, which is part of why they can be challenging to articulate. For example, an individual’s POV may be the literal POV from which something is viewed, their emotional or personal POV, a disciplinary POV, that is couched within a broader worldview. As Dr. Elder shares, a background “Logic of” ourselves would include “all of those thoughts that would be affecting how we are thinking about this moment for this given reality.”\n\nI gained the following insights from this podcast:\n-       Because it is multi-layered POV is incredibly complex and requires careful attention to understand its complexity and how it functions in how we think.\n-       There is an entire network of ideologies that are in the background of one’s worldview/POV. I’d find it fascinating to tease these networks out for myself!\n-       When thinking things through, it’s helpful to remember that not everything "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"has"},{"insert":" a “logic.” In other words, a “logic” implies something has been reasoned through and it’s important to know when things don’t conform to a logic. Dr. Nosich gave the examples of street names in different cities or of a favourite colour, which I found particularly helpful. \n \nAfter viewing this podcast, I have the following questions: \n-       If I were to clearly and logically think through the network of ideologies that inform my POV, how would this enable me to communicate more effectively with others who hold different POVs?\n-       How can I better recognize how my POV changes over time? I often assume that I have had certain perspectives for"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"ever"},{"insert":", but that shows my bias. I’d like to better track my POV in particular contexts over time.\n-       How can I better navigate between my personal POVs and those worldviews in which I was raised and may not fully recognize their influence on my personal POVs?\n \nAs a literature teacher, I have always found Point of View an incredibly interesting concept and this podcast has only inspired me to investigate its part in my thinking even more deeply. \n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"In the episode of “The Analysis of Reasoning: Going Deeper – Implications,” Dr. Elder and Dr. Nosich examine the primary idea of that implications are what follows logically. In other words, implications are what "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"might "},{"insert":"happen or is likely to happen in a given context and, in the podcast, implications are carefully defined differently than consequences, which are what "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"does"},{"insert":" happen in a certain situation. \n \n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"I gained the following insights:"},{"insert":"\n \n-       Dr. Elder and Dr. Nosich make an important point that implications are extremely wide ranging and cannot always be known; however, when we do our best reasoning, we should think through the logical, likely, and important implications. Although our own egocentric and sociocentric tendencies will lead us to focus on either what we "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"want"},{"insert":" to have happen or what we most fear, by practicing thinking about implications in our daily lives, we can prepare to make stronger decisions in the moment. For example, the tendency towards bias within policing was brought up. Dr. Nosich suggested that if police were to engage in critical thinking about implications and assess potential implications "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"before"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"after"},{"insert":" demanding situations, then actions made from a quick decision could be improved. \n-       The discussion about intuition and gut was particularly interesting to me because I know so many individuals who seem to make decisions based on their “gut feeling.” As Dr. Elder helpfully explained, intuition implies that a person has reached certain conclusions "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"without"},{"insert":" conscious reasoning and that they’ve used the Intellectual Standards to do so. Dr. Elder emphasizes, however, that thinking with one’s “gut” "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"does not"},{"insert":" imply the use of Intellectual Standards. Intuition may be an implicit process, but critical thinking makes it clear and explicit. In other words, rather than assuming that one’s intuition will be a guide, there are clear methods of reasoning that can be practiced regularly so that, in a moment of stress, a person has already built the response as a habit. Personally, I’ve found this to be an extremely helpful: practicing critical thinking "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"before "},{"insert":"moments of great stress and anxietyenabled me to rely on the methods that I’ve already used and react differently than my natural instinct would be. \n-       Lastly, I found two separate points significant and relevant, although they weren’t discussed at the same time. The first was the discussion about the limitations of narrow, disciplinary-specific vocabulary and training and the importance of developing ourselves as generalists. In other words, taking time to learn about significant human understandings "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"regardless"},{"insert":" of the discipline. For example, studying important ideas from philosophy, psychology, and politics, even though I am an English teacher. The second point was the discussion about how when we understand the role of implications, then we’re better able to think through logically what is possible. As Dr. Elder said, “the mind of the critical thinker sees possibilities.”\n\tMy own field is English; however, I’ve often thought that this is precisely the purpose of studying both literature "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"and"},{"insert":" theory. In reading widely, a person can not only see a wide spectrum of implications and consequences based upon the thoughts and actions of characters in a text, but also learn about significant concepts and thinking from other disciplines. In other words, students of literature are given the opportunity and are encouraged to "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"think through"},{"insert":" different points of view, implications, and consequences. The problem is, however, that the field of English assumes that the purpose of doing so is clear to students and that the method is explicit. It is not! Personally, that’s why I’ve found the Elements, Standards, and Virtues to be so incredibly helpful in my teaching because it is an explicit method of what the field claims to do. \n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"After watching the podcast, my questions are:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n-       After listening to the discussion about sociocentrism and the inadequacy of our affective forecasting, which addressed precisely why I find Critical Thinking so relevant to the Emotional Intelligence trend, I was wondering: How can I better assess my feelings and emotions and think through the implications of acting "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"differently "},{"insert":"than may be expected in a family or community situation? \n-       In what ways can I better understand the consequences of a situation? In other words, in what ways and to what extent can I better assess what I am or am not responsible for in work or at home?\n-       I was once extremely methodical about my research and writing, but that practice waned over the years as I overly focused on my teaching. In what ways can I be more systematic in my own learning? \n\nYet again, the \"Going Deeper\" Podcast simply made me want to study critical thinking even more rigorously! \n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"The primary organizing idea about “Information in Relationship with Intellectual Standards” (Ep. 7) is that although information is essential to reasoning, our best reasoning requires us to use the intellectual standards to "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"assess"},{"insert":" the information within a specific context. In other words, information is neutral: we can use it effectively or poorly in our reasoning. It is only when we apply the intellectual standards, such as accuracy, relevance, and significance, that we can then evaluate the best ways to use or to disregard information. \n\nWhile listening to this podcast, I gained insight from the following points of discussion:\n            - Information can be inert. In other words, information does not tell me what to do with it             or how to use it. Unlike a Conclusion, for example, which would prompt me into a particular action or intellectual move, information can just “sit” there. My mind may store it, but ultimately I must also evaluate it and include it in my reasoning to achieve full understanding.\n\n            - The Question at Issue helps to determine what information is relevant and significant. \n\n            - Too often, we use our own experiences too often generalize what is accurate and to decide what is applicable to everyone and to all circumstances.\n\n            - Balancing our own POV with other evaluated information is necessary if we are going to be fairminded critical thinkers. \n\n            - Egocentricity can cause us to give away too much time/energy to others and prevent us from doing things that are beneficial for ourselves. It is important to avoid distorting information that puts us in a positive light.\n\nMy questions about Information are:\n            - Why does education focus so heavily (and almost exclusively) on Information, rather                 than teaching students how to reason through the various fields of study? Has that been a recent development or has that been a problem throughout the history of education? \n\n            - Likewise, our society places a significant emphasis on the collection of data and the       purposes of its use are not always clear. What are the best ways to help institutions or companies see that data collection is only "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"one part"},{"insert":" of a much bigger problem of how to analyze and assess what is needed in a situation?\n\n            - Dr. Elder discussed the ways that people hide information for selfish purposes. If we do our best reasoning and decide the certain information in a context is relevant and significant, what are the best ways to help other people to see why the information matters? In other words, if someone claims that certain data or experiences are irrelevant to a situation, how do you help them to better understand your thinking and, potentially, to see the significance of the information/data/experiences? \n\nAs with each Episode, this podcast prompted me to think much more deeply about the ways that I use information and to assess my own use (or lack thereof!) of the Intellectual Standards. \n"}]}

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"The organizing idea of this podcast is the importance of clarifying and evaluating our purposes – not only those in our daily lives, but also those that are significant to our long-term wellbeing. In other words, the podcast invites us to consider "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"in what ways"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"to what extent"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" we can and should strive to achieve our goals. The problem of living within a capitalistic and dysfunctional society means that we must be realistic: we need to take care of our health, to have an income, and to contribute to our society. It’s equally important, however, to have a conscious sense of self and to strive to develop to our full capacity. Even within a problematic world, living a healthy life of purpose is essential to our wellbeing. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"This podcast helped to crystalize the significance of purpose in my life. I sometimes struggle between having significant goals, but getting “bogged down” with the mundane, daily life duties and responsibilities that seem to interfere with those larger goals. In some ways, the challenges of the past few years (COVID; job change; family; etc) have developed new tendencies in me that I do "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"not "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"like. My attention span is shorter; my intellectual perseverance is lower; my sense of self is weaker. Listening to Dr. Nosich and Dr. Elder discussing the importance of "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"both"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" daily life and larger goals and the importance of developing our capacity to our fullest extent was a great reminder for me. I also was deeply moved by the discussion about not bullying ourselves for having made the best decisions we could based on our thinking "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"at that time"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":". It helped me to recognize that different purposes may co-exist and that context matters, but I "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"can"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" reframe my purposes and reclaim my sense of self. I can seek a better balance between daily responsibilities and my larger goals to achieve my full capacity. It might not be an immediate change, but I can rebuild my attention, perseverance, and sense of self and will achieve the goals that are within my capacity to achieve. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\nMy questions that I’m still wrestling with are:\n- If we use the Intellectual Standards to assess our goals, how do we balance and choose goals appropriately for different contexts (short term goals versus long term goals)? \n- To what extent should we align our purposes within a dysfunctional world and to what extent should we simply live separately? \n- What are the best ways to determine my actual capacity?\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"The primary organizing idea "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","bold":true},"insert":"\"The Analysis of Reasoning: Going Deeper - Concepts\" Podcast"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" is that the meaning of the words (concepts) we use every day is extremely significant. In other words, concepts and key words are “ideas in the mind” (Dr. Elder) and “a way to organize” our thoughts and communication (Dr. Nosich). Rather than assuming that the key terms in our thinking are obvious, we need to take the time to clarify what we mean when we say certain words. One way to do this is by asking ourselves key questions, such as: what do I mean by this word? When I use this word, what am I intending it "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"to do"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"? How does it function? In addition to clarifying our own understanding of the words we use, it’s also important to find the educated usage of a term to ensure that there is a shared understanding of concepts with others. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"As a teacher of literature and language, this podcast was particularly interesting to me. A major goal of mine is to help students understand the significance of the words that we use – and take for granted – every day. Words not only shape our thinking, but also create our world. In other words, "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"how"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":" we use language constructs our conversations, relationships, laws, social mores, cultural traditions, and belief systems. Specifically, the podcast gave me great insight into:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"1. The significant difference between a concept’s definition and its usage. As Dr. Nosich said, when a concept is defined in a sentence, it becomes limited; however, when a person investigates "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"how a concept is used"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":", then the word’s flexibility becomes clear and brings understanding. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"2. The importance of using the Intellectual Standards in our own thinking. The ideas in our minds "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222","italic":true},"insert":"do not "},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"automatically have Standards attached to them. Because of our own egocentricity, it can be easy to assume that our ideas and meanings are accurate and the best. By using the Intellectual Standards to check our thinking, we can assess and strengthen the clarity, accuracy, and quality of our thinking."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#222222"},"insert":"3. The relevance of concepts to my own thinking and behaviour. In other words, it’s important to ask: how do the ideas that I hold inside my mind motivate and push my behaviour? Becoming extremely aware of my own assumptions about ideas can help me to assess and to check my own behaviour not only towards myself, but also towards others. For example, if feeling tired, I might berate myself for not doing more (the concept of tired = lazy = bad). Alternatively, I could assess my own usage of that concept and discover that it is inaccurate. I could reframe my idea: the concept of tired = I’ve already worked hard = the need for rest = good. I could allow myself to rest. By acknowledging that I have an inaccurate idea of what tired means, I could change my thinking and, therefore, my behaviour. "},{"insert":"\n\nAfter watching the video, I have further questions, including: How can I practice using the Standards to examine the ideas that I hold more thoroughly? How can I better trace what I mean when I use certain words to ensure I see their flexibility in my thinking? How can I change my thinking so that I"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":" do the best I can"},{"insert":" in a situation, rather than becoming frustrated that I can’t change everything in a situation?  \n\nAs always, Dr. Nosich’s and Dr. Elder’s depth of discussion simply inspires me to delve more deeply into the theory of critical thinking and – more importantly – into how I practice it in my own mind and life.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"After listening to this series, I am again reminded of the depth that there is in the Elements of Thought. The very fact that there are multiple episodes on Questions indicates the richness of thinking about our thinking. In Episode 5 (Questions Part 3), I found Dr. Nosich's and Dr. Elder's discussion of the questions about democracy particularly helpful. Their willingness to highlight the inaccurate assumptions that many of us have about communism and the many ways that our society is based upon the communal or community I found compelling. Too often, our own intellectual cowardice and fear of seeking out accurate information prevents us from truly exploring the significant questions that would enable us to deepen the quality of our lives. For example, one question that was posed was: \"What are the most important questions in my life?\" In other words, what are the questions that I'm willing to and will be thinking about for years to come? There are many aspects of these podcasts that are so helpful, but this is one I'm carrying into my daily life immediately! \n"}]}