Chapter 6: Q3

In chapter 2: Small Group Communication, one concept that I found important was, “Developing Your Critical Thinking Skills.” This concept is explained by the following: considering different perspectives, clarifying issues and values, evaluating information, and identifying contradictions. It explains that by having a different viewpoint on an issue can help you realize that your own view might not be accurate. When clarifying issues and values, they should both be clearly stated and understood. When evaluating information, not only should it be clearly stated, but it should be recognized as to where the information came from and what is being said is relevant, as well as true. One should also think abstract and not take things at face value, but actually further explore what the statement is really trying to say. Incorporating relevant conclusions is also helpful when summarizing the numerous solutions found throughout the process of critical thinking. These are some critical thinking skills that are beneficial to people.

Chapter 6: Q2

There was a time in my freshman year of college that I was accused of cheating on a test with two other students. I knew who had cheated on my paper and he kept begging me to take the fall because his parents would have serious consequences for him. I began to think that this could affect my entire life and that I should be worried about myself and my consequences, rather than worrying about his. My critical thinking skills came in handy because I could have easily taken the fall for it and been kicked out of San Jose State, had I not thought things out. I realized that he did not care about my life and my schooling because he was busy thinking about his. As bad as I feel, I told my professor who had cheated and she luckily believed me. Although there was pressure and a lot at stake, I was able to use critical thinking skills and found a solution to a potential problem.

Chapter 6: Q1

President Obama opposes the legalization same-sex marriage on a federal level but he does support the recognition of a civil union between same sex-couples, and to me I believe that this does not show consistency in his position. Obama’s supposed position is equal rights and opportunities for people but by supporting same sex-couples and not supporting same-sex marriage on the federal level is a contradiction. If Obama agrees with a part of same-sex marriage, he should agree with the baggage it comes with. I take these actions as Obama’s attempt to have people think he is in favor of same-sex marriage when in reality he is not. However, Nava and Dawidoff had some strong and valid arguments because of their honesty. There was no “beating around the bush” about their thoughts on gays and lesbians wanting to be recognized as a heterosexual couple. Obama might argue with Nava that same-sex marriage is not a denial of basic rights because it is not stated in the constitution about same-sex marriage, and the term rights is always related to the U.S. Constitution.

Hi! I am Aliana Grey. I am a third year at San Jose State and my major is Political Science. I have only taken comm 20 so this is my second comm class. I am hoping to declare a minor in communications by the end of this year. I want to go to back to the lovely city of Los Angeles and get into USC Law school! I am born and raised in LA and I am really enjoying my time in NorCal! After taking this course, I wish to gain critical thinking skills and be able to recognize fallacies because I feel that these are great qualities to have in law school! :)