UNIV 1212: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Ms. Lisa M. Hibbard
Section: 210
Group Members:
Batul AlAlawi (Accounting)
201300791
Joud AlNobi (Finance)
201200892
Aisha AlTheeb (Interior design)
201302359
Heba AlHindi (Interior design)
201301231
Rawabi Hilabi (Computer engineering)
201200444
Assignment 2: Textbook Chapter Analysis (10%)
Assessment Criteria
CRITERIA
Assessment Rubric for Group Written Report
SCORES
Introduction
Thesis statement, why chapter topic is important, outline body
topics
3%
Critical thinking and
communication
Define what these terms mean, describe how they are related
3%
Importance in
argumentation
Introduce your topic by defining the topic and justify its
importance in the field of argumentation
3%
Key concepts
Define 5 concepts with examples
5%
Case study
Discuss case study in chapter. Outline scenario, claims, evidence,
concepts relevant to chapter
5%
Conclusion
Thesis statement, summary of key points from the body
paragraphs, how key points justify importance of chapter topic
3%
Mechanics
Punctuation and spelling and capitalization are correct, words are
well chosen, writer uses own words, use of headings, topic
sentences, third person, full sentences, no bullet points, follows
guidelines
3%
TOTAL
25%
What is an Argument?
Introduction
An argument is all about discussion or reason for or against. It is based on argumentation
for both sides; person and another person. This argument has different kinds of argumentation in
each side, it is able to be done by using an argument with evidence for the truth, but it is unfair
for other side.
The important of this topic are, it is very reasonable that focus on deciding what they believes in
each one of them. They must to having a discipline how to argue directed to solve this problem.
Must have willingness first to imagine or think to open or say what must for and to having a best
point at the end of argumentation.
In this case in arguments, haven’t a contest of any debate unless didn’t believes that is not
obligate to offer evidence of any kind that can really shock and that is not possible to
interpretations of the topic. It is also must clear how to apply each word and educates thoughts
being wise and having any an intellectual capacity at all and must be respect at the same time.
Critical thinking and argumentation
People deal with critical thinking and communication in different perspectives throughout
the past 2500 years. There are slightly differences between critical thinking and communication.
Critical thinking is about thinking, analyzing and collecting information to reach the solution
independently (Nordquist R., 2014).
Communication is a verbal communication between two or more, to exchange new and different
information. Communication can as well be nonverbal which means without talking, and body
language is the most powerful forms in nonverbal communication (Macmillan, 2009). There
cannot be critical thinking without communication. When people critically think their problems
or a certain issue, they mentally and physically communicate with other people in many ways.
Critical thinking and communication may sometimes lead to an argument. Critical thinking is
used to think, analyze and classify an idea or an issue, yet communication here is used to transfer
meanings, the reasons behind the issue and to clearly give evidence to the other participant
(Miller B. 2003).
Importance in argumentation
Argument is a discussion or debates, it could be positive or negative. Argumentation is
being able to express an opinion and to make a point of view and. “The importance of
argumentation is to solve problems, and it is a part in people’s life it make life easier because of
solving its problems. Because people have different opinions, people should argue with each
other to solve the problem. The main point of argumentation is to convince others, so successful
argument build on the skill that the person have to convince the other party. Argument is very
important, and people should study about it to be more logical and intelligent in discussions.”
(Sanchez, 2006). To make the argument convincing people should support the argument with a
proof or evidence to make it stronger, and make others believe it. Argument is increasing the
level of communication between people.
Key concept
Moral argument: moral means ethical, manners, and decency; and moral argument means
argue with people in good, and in ethical way. All people should be ethical when they argue
about something because if they don't have the ethical of argument they will face a lot of issues
when they discuss about work, issues, or anything. Some people when they discuss about the
problem then say their opinion. However, there is not any ways that people can say the only one
opinion is better than any other opinion. Opinion is what people believe and understand.
However, sometimes opinion not helpful is just increasing problem in each side. People have to
know what the moral claims with any role vaunt are evidence. For example, according to
(Damer, Attacking Faulty Reasoning, 2014) moral premises would be “ One should treat other
people with respect" and " It's wrong to discriminate against a person on the basis of sex."
However, legal arguments are the role of the moral premises in moral argument. Also, it's
analogous to role of the legal standard in legal reasoning. In law don't throw the briefcases into
the air, and declare because there isn't way to decide difficult legal issues. Example, according to
(Damer, Attacking Faulty Reasoning, 2014) "The lawyer and client then proceed to present a
custody plan, which if a doped would be in the best interest of the child."
The aesthetic argument is the third type of the argument. It will judge about the artistic of
something or beauty. These types of arguments are like pervasive in the society as moral
argument. In fact many people are unthinkingly professed about the discuss-stop. For example,
according to (Damer, Attacking Faulty Reasoning, 2014) "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
If other part of people don't agree with that , people who are agree won't stop to try to convince
the people who are contrary to judge if it's wrong ,or not. Moreover, the principle of clarity is
reformulated by an opponent. Also, principle of charity should be strong possible version with
what people believe. If any person wants to manage something the principle should be very
clear, and the method should be in good and in legal way. Also, it should be ethical. Assignment
were about the example of argument and it gave the explanation what is an argument and what is
the opinion. The second one is moral argument that means ethical argument. Moreover, legal
arguments. It supports a particular position on a legal role.
Case study
COAL EXPORT TERMINALS
As the U.S. begins to shift away from carbon-emitting coal-fired power plants, coal
producers are gearing up to ship more of the fuel overseas. Currently, there is a major push for
West Coast export terminals that would open the floodgates for a new coal
Market in Asia. This year, coal exports from the U.S. to China and India are expected to increase
to 86.5 million tons, up from 79.5 million tons in 2010, according to the U.S.
Energy Information Administration. Advocates for clean energy, the environment, and
public health and safety have coalesced to challenge the plans to develop coal export
capacity along the coast.
Currently, the Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point and Millennium Bulk Logistics’
Longview Terminal both in Washington State are the first of several proposed coal export
terminals along the Pacific Northwest. They represent a line in the sand for environmental
and public health advocates.
Gateway Pacific Terminal:
The location is in the Cherry Point, WA. The Gateway Pacific Terminal is a proposed
coal export terminal at Cherry Point, near Bellingham, Washington.
If completed, the terminal would have the capacity to export 54 million tons of coal annually
from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming to Asian markets. In February 2011
SSA Marine applied for state and federal permits for the $500 million coal export terminal at
Cherry Point. If approved, the terminal would begin construction in early 2013 and operations in
2015. SSA Marine along with partner Peabody Energy plan to export up to 2s4 million metric
tons of coal per year through the Gateway Pacific Terminal. The terminal has faced significant
opposition from local and national environmental groups. Currently, groups including Climate
Solutions, Puget Sound Keeper, Community Wise Bellingham, and the Sierra Club are
committed to challenging SSA Marine’s permit for this terminal expansion.
Public Health - Coal that is planned for export out of the Gateway Pacific terminal would
come from the Powder River Basin area in Montana and Wyoming. The surge in coal trains
travelling from the Powder River Basin to the terminal near Cherry Point would increase air
pollution from coal dust along rail lines across several states. A comprehensive 2001 study of
coal dust emissions in Canada found that the West shore Terminal near Tsawassen B.C. emits
roughly 715 metric tons of coal dust each year. The report states that “coal terminals by their
nature are active sources of fugitive dust.” According to the rail operator, BNSF, every coal car
can lose as much as 500 pounds of coal dust en route. The wide ranging health dangers of coal
dust include exposure to toxic heavy metals such as lead, selenium and mercury. Coal dust leads
to increased asthma, wheezing and coughing in children. Toxic pollution from diesel exhaust is
linked to stunted lung development, increased probability of heart attacks, lung cancer,
worsening asthma and infant mortality.
Climate -The burning of coal is a leading cause of climate change. If the Gateway Pacific
terminal is completed as it is proposed, and eventually exports upwards of 54 million tons of coal
per year, that coal would produce roughly 100 million tons of CO2 in the same amount of time.
Instead of exporting climate change around the world this coal should stay in the ground.
Longview:
The location is in the Longview, WA. Millennium Bulk Logistics’ Longview Terminal is
located in Longview, Washington, 60 miles north of Portland, Oregon, and would export coal
from the Powder River Basin mining region in Montana and Wyoming to markets in Asia.
In November 2009, Cowlitz County in Washington State approved a proposal by Millennium
Bulk Logistics, owned by Australian Ambre Energy, to establish a coal terminal at Longview,
which would receive 5 tons of coal annually. However, in February 2011, internal Millennium
Bulk Logistics emails were disclosed showing that the company hoped to export up to 80 million
tons of coal through the Longview terminal – nearly 15 times more than the originally proposed
5 million tons. As a result, in March 2011 Millennium Bulk Logistics and Ambre Energy
withdrew their permit application for the Longview terminal due to public and political outrage
over the deception. There is strong public opposition to the Longview Terminal. Environmental
organizations in Oregon and Washington, including Columbia Riverkeeper, Climate Solutions
and the Sierra Club are watching to see if Millennium Bulk Logistics or another company applies
for a new permit to develop the Longview port into a coal export terminal.
Public Health - Coal that is planned for export out of the Longview terminal would come
from the Powder River Basin area in Montana and Wyoming. An increase in mining and the
resulting increase in number of coal trains travelling from the Powder River Basin to the
Longview terminal would increase air pollution from coal dust along rail lines across several
states. The impacts of increased coal mining in the Powder River Basin affect traditional
ranching communities by putting strain on water sources and pushing families off of ranch lands
to make room for mine expansions.
Climate - If the Longview Terminal were completed as it was proposed, it would
eventually export 80 million tons of coal per year, which coal would produce roughly 160
million tons of CO2 in the same amount of time. Instead of exporting pollution that leads to
climate change around the world, coal from the Powder River Basin should stay in the ground.
Jobs - Coal export requires a small workforce and wastes hundreds of acres of waterfront
property to store raw coal. If completed as proposed, the expansion of the Longview Terminal
would provide between 20 12 and 70 13 jobs. This 460-acre site has tremendous potential for
hundreds of jobs in light industrial and smart-tech growth instead of being mired in a single-
commodity trade. Far from being a job creator, the volatile export market for coal leaves the
long-term viability of these terminals in question.
Conclusion
Argument is about for discussing or reasoning in each sides of debaters. Selves control
yet is not enough for this topic, must have more patience and long understandable. Leave the
words as can as good hearing both person. May able to have many differences information of
communication in each side of people arguing. Analyze the idea and classify each issue of the
problem, to solve it clearly. To convince people, think the main reason and be wise before
answer all the questions or suggest. Argument very popular in the whole World especially in
Politics. However, may able to increase healthy mind and can help to educate life for the best
results for being a better thinker.
References
B, M. (2003). What Is the Connection Between Communication and Critical Thinking?.
Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-connection-between-communication-andcritical-thinking.htm.
Damer, E. (2005). Attacking faulty reasoning (6th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth/Thompson
Learning.
Macmillan (2009). Macmillan dictionary. Retrieved from
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/communication
R, N. (1996). Grammar and Composition . Retrieved from
http://grammar.about.com/bio/Richard-Nordquist-22176.htm
Sanchez, R. (2006, January 14). Importance of Argument. Retrieved from Coposition II Online
(One Group): http://groupone.wordpress.com/2006/01/14/importance-of-argument/