The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking - Personal Statement Example

In The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking the person with well-developed critical thinking can:
• Raise clear questions and problems;
• Collect and allow relevant information, interpreting it using abstract ideas;
• Come to reasonable conclusions and solutions, made according to the criteria and standards;
• Think open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and avoiding, if necessary, their assumptions, involvement, and practical compliance;
• Communicate effectively with others in reaching a decision (5).
Of those difficult decisions I had to make in my life, I can tell, perhaps, only one thing that I can be proud of. At this time, we lived with a friend in another country. I must say that we, unfortunately, did not often see each other, since neither I nor she had the opportunity and time. It all started with a phone call late at night. I could not make out what she was trying to tell, I realized just I need to come urgently. My friend’s apartment was not locked, and I immediately thought about burglars, but my first guess was wrong. My friend was sitting on the floor and crying; it was impossible to understandable phrase of her.
Accordingly, my friend, relying on support and understanding, alienated upon the stumbled recommendation of an abortion.
She was not able to make this decision alone, so she asked me to help her. I tried to ignore the personalities and analyze the situation regardless of the identity. The first thing I thought about was the financial side of the issue - not in terms of operation, but in terms of maintenance of the child. It could be a bit difficult, but possible. I know that people rarely can not give up anything in their life when it comes to higher-priority things. For example, my friend will have to forget for a while about a career and reduce her considerable demands, which in my opinion is not the most tragic. By the way, her mother, likely, was shocked by such a confession too, but, as the further story would show, it was not her final decision.
In addition, if the issue of abortion is discussed, it emphasizes that my friend ranges between what she wants minutely (to solve all problems at one moment), and the voice of the woman’s instincts and heart. So, if she makes the correct choice, the child would not be unnecessary.
Here I should say that I am almost a principled opponent of abortion, but rarely prevent people from breaking their own lives, believing that everyone has to go through their own mistakes. Especially, if a particular person is sacred and sure that his opinion is the only true one.
However, the situation of my friend, fortunately, had a fundamental difference, which permitted the possibility of presenting to her the voice of reason.
By this time, we have moved to a comfortable sofa and drank another glass of water. I began to outline in detail my point of view, citing as an example some of our friends.
I did not forget to mention the pleasant side of parenting, which I thought was an advantage for me.
I should say that both of us are not religious people, so, of course, I was not referring to this area for evidence. Nevertheless, I tried to recall the morality and irreversibility of certain actions, particularly those, which may lead to further complications. It is no secret that as a result of abortion a woman may become infertile, and I knew that my friend likes children and wanted to become a mother, however just in some distant future. Feeling that she is relaxing, I half-jokingly recommended myself as a nurse.
This completely brought her out of the shock by the behavior of both her boyfriend and mother and she admitted that if she was not under such emotional stress, she would not even come up with the idea of abortion. Nevertheless, her gratitude for the help “in a critical situation”, as she said, was cordial. The next day her mother phoned with apologies.
How was my critical thinking represented in this story? First of all, I had to think fast - still, the issue was vital, and the decision could affect not one life. One disappointed person was already in the room, so, I had to think as objectively and soberly as it was possible. Moreover, I had to be able not to be mistaken about the method of persuasion. And I'm glad that I did it. Read More