Biology: Foundations for Analysis & Critical Thinking
Introduction
Consider the following questions that are often asked by people engaged in the study of
life -- Where did life come from? What is the origin of life? When did life appear? Is
there life on other planets? Finding the answers to these questions and many more like
them is not an easy task. To facilitate our discussion of issues like these we must first
agree on some definitions, guidelines and distinctions.
DEFINITIONS: Define the following terms in your ISSN
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is critical thinking?
What is a fact?
What is an opinion?
What is a bias?
What is a preference?
To help you answer the following question, visit these websites,
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
http://www.m-w.com/
Why should we think?
http://www.panam.edu/faculty/cmiller/Ph1-05_1.htm
What does it mean to think?
http://www.panam.edu/faculty/cmiller/Ph1-05_2.htm
What do I need to think?
http://www.panam.edu/faculty/cmiller/Ph1-05_3.htm
Recognizing different kinds of facts?
http://www.panam.edu/faculty/cmiller/Ph1-05_4.htm
8 things to keep on mind about any argument…
http://www.panam.edu/faculty/cmiller/Ph1-05_5.htm
Facts, Opinions, and Reasoned Judgments
http://www.kcmetro.cc.mo.us/longview/ctac/opinion.htm
Critical thinking definitions, elements
http://www.kcmetro.cc.mo.us/longview/ctac/definitions.htm
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~compose/faculty/pedagogies/thinking.html#elements
http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/ACCDitg/SSCT.htm
DISTINCTIONS
?
When discussing an issue, who should be charged with the responsibility of
distinguishing between
BELIEF
FACT
OPINION
GUIDELINES
Describe how you want to be treated when…
•
•
You are sharing your findings, ideas, opinions, or beliefs openly with
others in the class?
Another person disagrees with your perspective?
Biology: Origin of Life on Earth
Name ____________________________ Date _____________Section_____
In the table below, define abiogenesis and biogenesis. Using the same table, record
evidence for and against each of these explanations for the origin of life on earth.
Finally, summarize your preference and opinion of each explanation,
Abiogenesis (definition):
Criteria
Evidence
For…
Evidence
Against…
Preference
Opinion
Biogenesis (definition):