Linda Logan INT 322

April 14, 2014

D. Langley Instructor
Chapter 10

The Role of Criticism:

Part One: Overview
This chapter provides an overview of why criticism is necessary in
evaluating our own problems and issues. The role of criticism in problem
solving is important for two reasons. First, no solution is ever perfect, and
secondly, in many cases, solutions cannot be put into effect without first the
approval of others. Criticism is equally important in resolving issues,
obtaining a viewpoint is ideal for reaching compromise, however subtle flaws
may become evident once the idea translates into action.
Being critical of others ideas is a lot easier than being able to criticize
our own ideas and solutions. Because we become familiar with all the
aspects of our findings, we become attached to them making it difficult to
objectively spot flaws in own theories. Other reasons why critical evaluations
of our ideas and resolutions is necessary is because at times, we are
presented with faulty and inaccurate information, or information that is
based on rumors, hearsay. Also, misinterpretation of correct information will
also lead to errors in judgment, unless rigorous critical evaluation is applied
to ensure a validity that will stand up under the scrutiny of others.
There are two safeguards in overcoming the obstacles of critical
thinking. The first is to force you to think critically and disregard the natural
reaction of relying on the familiarity of it being your idea. The second

safeguard is to use your own ego to motivate you to continue to re-evaluate

your ideas, before someone else can point out critical flaws within your plan.
Applying curiosity to the critical thinking phases increases awareness
about problems and issues and allows us to address them more productively
as challenges and opportunities.
Curiosity allows us to approach criticism inquisitively and to examine the
idea from different perspectives. By aAsking how and why type
questions increases the chances of finding flaws and imperfections that need
to be addressed.
Criticism is also necessary because it eliminates the risks of assuming
that others will respond with the same enthusiasm to our ideas, that small
imperfections will not affect its acceptance, that others see the idea clearly,
and that those that stand to benefit will accept it automatically. These types
of assumptions can interfere with obtaining a positive outcome and
satisfactory application of the findings.
Part Two: Questions
1. Why is criticism necessary?
Criticism is necessary because it is the method by which we refine and
polish ideas, so that once applications occurs, all major and subtle
flaws have been addressed, and its efficacy has been validated by
others.
2. Why do individuals feel that there is no need to criticize their
own thinking?
Individuals think this way because we because of our egos. We feel
that our thinking is better than others and because we are familiar with

the process or concept we feel others will understand and accept our
explanations as clearly as we do.
3. Most people are blind to their imperfections, what are two
safeguards against this mistake?
To reject the familiar notion that because you thought of an idea that it
makes it perfect, and the second safeguard, is to use your ego to your
advantage by forcing yourself to reevaluate ideas critically, in order so
that they me be addressed before someone else is given the
opportunity to point out the imperfections.
4. When examining or approaching criticism inquisitively, what
type of questions should you ask?
How and Why types of questions need to be asked when
approaching criticism inquisitively. These types of questions, posed in
this way, increases the chances of identifying and addressing flaws and
complications that could hinder the application of the ideas and its
acceptance by others.
5. List four assumptions that occur often enough to interfere with
critical thinking that warrants special attention critical
thinking are:
The assumption that others are as familiar with the problem or issues
as I am and will share the same enthusiasm; that small imperfections
will not affect the acceptance of the idea; that because the idea is
clear to me, that it is as clear to others, and that people who will
benefit the most will accept the idea automactically.