Critical Thinking

The Critical Thinking chapter in your textbook explains the core standards of being an effective critical thinker. Think about these core standards as you read the following story.

The Blind Men and the Elephant is a famous Indian fable that tells the story of a group of blind men that touch an elephant to learn what it is like. Each one feels a different part, but only one part, such as the side or the tusk.

• The individual touching the elephant’s tusk exclaims, “It’s a Spear!”
• The individual touching the elephant’s ear exclaims, “It’s a Fan!”
• The individual touching the elephant’s side exclaims, “It’s a Wall!”
• The individual touching the elephant’s tail exclaims, “It’s a Rope!”
• The individual touching the elephant’s leg exclaims, “It’s a Tree!”
• The individual touching the elephant’s trunk exclaims, “It’s a Snake!”

They then compare notes and learn that they are in complete disagreement.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read the attached file “The Blind Men and the Elephant.”
2. Read the Intellectual Standards on pages CT-14 and CT-15 of your textbook. Which of the nine standards of critical thinking best applies to this story (Clarity, Accuracy, Precision, Relevance, Depth, Breadth, Logic, Significance or Fairness)?
3. Write approximately 150-200 words (1-2 paragraphs) explaining your answer.