Glynis DeYong
Elements of Reasoning Exercise
Following the model of Elements of Reasoning create a scenario relating
to a lameness case. You can use an actual experience or make one up
1) List each step and write a few sentences for each showing how a
succession of poor critical thinking skills can lead to a poor
conclusion
2) Recreate the same scenario with good critical thinking skills and
illustrate how the outcome would differ.
Poor Critical Thinking
Purpose, Goal or End in View: To train the wild horse, Spirit for 90 days
so that he is ready to be ridden by his owner.
Question at Issue or Problem to be Solved: Spirit is losing weight and is
now limping intermittently on alternating front legs. Correct these
issues so that he may resume training.
(Information) The Empirical Dimension of Reasoning: He has been at
the training facility for 2 weeks. He is constantly on soft dirt or sand.
Both feet look normal. He is not wearing shoes. His diet was changed
from free choice forage to twice a day feeding when he was brought to
the facility. He doesn’t eat all of his hay. He came from a pasture with
other horses and is now stalled with barriers between him and the
other horses.
Inferences: Because the horse is losing weight, he should be fed grain.
Because he is limping without a visible reason, a vet should be
consulted.
The Conceptual Dimensions of Reasoning: Horses that limp need to have
their hooves tested for abscesses. Thin horses need more food.
Assumption: The horse should be fed extra grain and the vet will find
the reason for the limping.
Implications and Consequences: The horse is running a fever. The vet
has no idea why he is limping intermittently on both front legs. She puts
salve on his feet and wraps both front feet in diapers and recommends
that he be hosed down.
Point of View, Frame of Reference:
Spirit has abscesses in both front feet. When they start coming out, he
won’t have a fever anymore and he will stop limping. The extra grain
will cause him to gain weight. Don’t train him until he stops limping and
then continue with his training.
Good Critical Thinking
Purpose, Goal or End in View: To train the wild horse, Spirit for 90 days
so that he is ready to be ridden by his owner.
Question at Issue or Problem to be Solved: Spirit is losing weight and is
now limping intermittently on alternating front legs. Correct these
issues so that he may resume training.
(Information) The Empirical Dimension of Reasoning: He has been at
the training facility for 2 weeks. He is constantly on soft dirt or sand.
Both feet look normal. He is not wearing shoes. His diet was changed
from free choice forage to twice a day feeding when he was brought to
the facility. He doesn’t eat all of his hay. He came from a pasture with
other horses and is now stalled with barriers between him and the
other horses. The horse sometimes appears nervous. Sometimes he
seems lethargic. Upon more careful observation, the horse appears to be
very unhappy and often stressed. He is running a fever.
Inferences: The horse is losing weight. Returning him to free choice
forage feeding will help resolve this. He is running a fever, indicating
infection. He is limping and running a fever, indicating a possible
abscess. Because he is having multiple problems, he may not be able to
be trained at this facility.
The Conceptual Dimension of Reasoning:
By calling the vet, we will get the fever lowered. By testing his hooves
for abscess, we may discover the cause of the fever and the limping. By
returning to free forage feeding, we may reduce his stress and allow him
to gain weight. By sending him home, he may recover more quickly.
Assumptions: Giving the horse something that he knows will help his
overall condition. The vet will know how to reduce the fever. He may be
better off in familiar surroundings.
Implications and Consequences: If the vet cannot specifically treat the
limping and fever, then this horse will continue to be ill and cannot be
trained. Instead of keeping him at this facility, he should probably be
sent home and his regular vet consulted.
Point of View, Frame of Reference: It is better for this horse to take him
back to his familiar surroundings and allow him to get well. Alternative
training methods should be considered.