Elements of Thought

   PURPOSE

To have a purpose is to have a reason to pursue a goal. In other words, it is common to challenge ourselves whether in everyday life, academically or socially to find our purpose that will serve to guide us with conviction. We consistently seek direction that is entailed with having purpose in one’s life this thirst for it also poses the need to contribute to the greater good. For example, some utilize Social Media to begin movements to give back to the local community or bring awareness to issues that hopefully would initiate a chain reaction across the world!

QUESTION

I understand "questions" are used to direct ones thinking process when analyzing new information or problems. In other words, we as human inquire when we seek to an achieve better understanding whether it be a concept we are familiar with or something unfamiliar. The pursuit for knowledge never ceases which means questions will always arise so that each corner of new information can be understood from a fair standpoint An example of someone exhibiting questioning using social media is when a user questions dive deeper into uncomfortable issues to uncover the hidden truth. This takes intellectual courage for it is not easy to go against popular opinion when it has a strong presence on platforms such as social media.

ASSUMPTIONS

I understand "assumptions" to mean existing pre-existing notions that may or may not be consciously recognized initially.In other words, when presented with a problem we reach into our minds to draw conclusions to form an opinion on possible solutions. Or it could be simply our human nature to have biased assumptions when we are giving new information that we may or may not agree with or believe. An example of someone exhibiting assumptions using social media would be when someone chimes in on issues that don’t include them then getting chewed up in the comment section. A deeper example is that of biased opinions on issues that affect sexual assault stating that some still assume that it’s a females fault for a mans unwanted attention or vice versa.

POINT OF VIEW

I understand "point of view" is the stand in the narrative that you choose to see the issue or story from.In other words, we are limited in the scope that we have when it comes to our capability to give a fair analysis from different viewpoints. There are always two sides to stories in everything which is why to gain a full understanding we must challenge our thinking process to understand the actions and responses of each side. An example of someone exhibiting a point of view using social media would be by their posts clearly tailored to permit their reader to see the issue through their eyes/opinions/feelings.

DATA, INFORMATION and EVIDENCE.

I understand "DATA, INFORMATION and EVIDENCE." to mean the supporting points in ones pursuit to analyze a topic.In other words, by using concrete studies with data creates a solid basis to support your statements. Credibility carries the point across the finish line to gain support depending on whether you have substantial evidence to support to quiet the opposition. An example of someone exhibiting data, information or evidence using social media would be crediting their sources or incorporating videos with further studies in their blog to support their stand point.

CONCEPTS and IDEAS.

As two different but similar terms where one means existing guides to understanding vs ideas being original thoughts drawn from different sources.In other words, concepts are self made guides created to try and make sense of this world we live in. Similar to rubrics that sort our the new information consistently shuffled into our minds day in and day out. Ideas however are spontaneous nuggets that your mind spouts out on its own accord mostly as solutions but sometimes completely random.An example of someone exhibiting concepts and ideas using social media would be sharing holding positions for newborns so they can latch hence sparking ideas for other posts that tag the original post that may start a thread.

INFERENCES or INTERPRETATIONS by which we draw CONCLUSION

I understand "inferences and interpretations" to mean that your mind is in the process of                making sense of the new information presented. In other words, we often make                interpretations through our viewpoint in the initial stages of analyzing new information. These theories can be tested to ensure that they are have basis or else scrap it so that an unbiased review can be made. Social media users often interpret pictures with correlating blogs as a brief look at their possible vacation destinations whether good or bad.

IMPLICATIONS and CONSEQUENCES.

I understand "implications and consequences" to mean are personal claims that may or may not be sound which consequences usually follow if these claims or thoughts incite resistance from popular opinion. In other words, we draw often live in our own truths which may or may not coincide with the society standards. Whether from a political stand point or personally conflicting for others it will always rub someone the wrong way. Consequences however are the obstacles or backlash that comes along which is why a fair-minded evaluation before a claim is made publicly is very important.

An example of someone exhibiting the implications and consequences using social media would be claiming a truth in a controversial topic that earns backlash from one side or both depending on what they choose to say. The purpose of the assignment is see the connection between the intellectual virtues and analytical thinking for one cannot make a full circle if these aspects are not fully understood. The key question at the heart of the assignment is making connections deeper than shallow posts. Social media is a platform to connect and dive into issues through a well thought process that encompasses the values of a grounded intellectual writer.

This is a process of self-awareness so that we can continue to improve our analyzing skills by improving our thought process. Will the effectiveness of our thought process increase as we strengthen our understanding?