John Sperry

Professor Hasson
English 1C
June 27 2014
Critical Thinking
After concluding the debate portion of the Field Day project, Ive learned and had realizations
about critical thinking that enhanced my knowledge on the function. Every individual has their own
opinion, however, whether on not they choose to listen to your opinion is up to their critical thinking
ability. Many individuals have poor critical thinking in that they will not listen, let alone field another
perspective on a subject, causing an ignorance trait since they feel they know they are right when they
really know nothing.
The first few participants we debated were very hasty when it came to the debate because they
either were in a hurry for class or just didnt really want to participate. However, for the most part, the first
few individuals were very poor critical thinkers based on our grading system, scoring low in areas such as
knowledge on the subject and seeing the other side of the debate. They were very set in their own opinion
and acted as if they knew more on the subject than they actually did. These first few individuals made me
realize how strongly some people believe in their opinions, they express the inability to think differently.
Some where emotionally ties to the subject and displayed such in their opinion and delivery of their
platform. Critical thinking is vastly important to have since it always growth intellectually and allows you
to see other perspective that will allow you to process information that is significant in the modern era.
Some people we debated did express clarity, relevance, depth of information, logic, and fairness in
their stance on the subject. This led me to realize that some people have ideals and opinions based on
exposure and environment they grew up in as well as influences from media and family (parents). It is
important to be able to effectively communicate (which some participants did effectively), but also to think
open-mindedly while recognizing alternative thought to come to a well reasoned conclusion after
comparing it to factual evidence. It can be said there is a vast difference between what is considered a poor
vs. a excellent critical thinker, but what 1 significant aspect labels how one is as a critical thinker doesnt
really exist. As many different thing can classify an individual as a poor critical thinker, however, everyone


is entitle to their own opinion no matter how uninformed or irrational it may be.
There is no true conclusion about what I have discovered about critical thinking besides what was
previously stated about ones personal opinion regardless of what is or how is formed/ supported. Some
people are just poor critical thinkers and some just wont change nor attempt to improve their critical
thinking ability due to ignorance or some other influencing force.