Peter Simpson

Theology

 

 

Journal

 

The key idea of this section is how to think correctly. With explanations of philosophy and theology, the three kinds of knowledge, five common thinking errors, five steps to critical think and the process of reasoning the chapter shows us how we can think incorrectly and how to think correctly.

 

1. Five common thinking errors
1. Non Sequitur- When a conclusion does not follow logically from the premises used to support it
2. False and / or vague premises
3. Ad Hominem – When you attack the person who is arguing and not the argument
4. Begging the Question – when arguing a person already assumes he’s right. Ex: God exists because God exists.
5. Red herrings – Something said that is  beside the point in order to distract everyone from the real issue
2. Theology- Faith seeking understanding, it is the exploration and examination of ones faith using reason
3. Philosophy – Philosophy is asking the big questions of human existence, what is the meaning of life? Does God exist? etc. Philosophers use reasoning to explain or discover truth.

http://www.seinfeld-fan.net/pictures/george/george_costanza005.jpg

 

One good question- How am I thinking, do I catch my self using the five common thinking errors? If so why am I using them and how can I stop myself?

 

      From this study I found out that to make my self a better person I need to be aware of how I am thinking. I need to be able to realize when I’m using one of the five common thinking errors and be able to correct my self. I now also know the five steps to critical thinking and the process of reasoning, and now I should try to use these whenever I’m making a decision or arguing a point.