Creative & Critical Thinking
December 2, 2013

Everyone likes to think that he or she is a rational person and that his or her ideas are well grounded in rationality. But we don't often think about what exactly it means to be rational or reasonable, or for our ideas to be characterized that way. First paradoxical observation: to be rational doesn't necessarily mean to be right. Second paradoxical observation: to arrive at a rational position involves taking a risk that one's preconceptions are wrong alongside a commitment to and orientation toward a Truth that may be inherently elusive. In this workshop, we'll discuss and explore the various shades of meaning related to the idea of rationality and the way it is expressed in the Drexel Student Learning Priority associated with "Creative and Critical Thinking."

Some questions for discussion during our session:

• Why is it rational to consider "validity" and "truth" as separate issues?
• How are "convergent," "divergent," and "emergent" thinking related?
• What does "bias" really mean in relation to rationality?
• Why do the "arts and sciences" require one another for each to succeed?

You will leave the session with a more focused understanding of the meaning of "rationality," how creative and critical thinking are designed to help you develop and exercise it, and how working toward these educational goals will enhance your life prospects both in your career and as a human being.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, December 2, 2013
• Time: 3– 4 p.m.
• Location: MacAlister 2019, 3250-60 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19104
• Event Catagory:Drexel Student Learning Priorities. This is the first DSLP event from a series of twelve DSLP events.
• Presenter: Dr. Peter Amato, Director, Programs in Philosophy and Teaching Professor of Philosophy.

Refreshments will be served. Promotional materials will be distributed to all students that attend the event.

Winning Question:

What is the difference between the everyday notion of "bias" and the logically careful meaning associated with critical thinking? Describe and explain what "cherry picking" is and how it results in holding a position that should be regarded as "biased".

Winner: Mohammad Nozari

Please email dslp@drexel.edu to find out how to retrieve your award.