Socratic Problem-Solving Activity: Critical Thinking Assignment Example

Socratic Problem-solving

QUESTION 1 of 4

Step 1: Identify the elements of the problem, issue, or question. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing?

Yes. An issue arises when trying to determine whether nurture or nature has a greater role in shaping an individual’s personality. It is generally accepted that our human nature is inextricably linked to nature. Nature is affected by elements such as genetic heritage as well as other aspects of biology. A person may be said to be the product of their surroundings, the lessons they have learned throughout their lives, and the experiences they’ve had throughout their lives. This is what is meant by the term “nurture.” Nature and nurture, in my view, both have a role in determining who we are as individuals. I believe that a person’s nurture may have a significant impact on their development but does not fully determine who they will become. In my opinion, if the environment we were raised in makes us vulnerable to certain challenges, then our natural inclination is eventually what will enable us to triumph over those challenges. The behavioralist theoretical approach maintains that a person’s personality may be shaped by being taught certain ways of thinking and feeling.

QUESTION 2 of 4

Step 2: Analyze/ define/ frame the problem, issue, or question. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing?

Yes. This step involves doing an analysis of the issue. The first thing to do when trying to solve a problem is to pinpoint exactly what the issue is that needs to be fixed. Second, after the issue has been established, it’s time to come up with as many potential remedies as feasible. Third, after generating a list of potential solutions, it is time to evaluate those options and settle on a single one. Step four comprises putting the solution developed in the first three phases into action.

QUESTION 3 of 4

Step 3: Consider solutions, responses, or answers. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing?

No. The pieces of evidence only fit together loosely. The idea that the vast majority of individuals are adept at the actions necessary to achieve in life is both a viewpoint and a premise that is not substantiated. A conclusion may be drawn from the fact that the conditions in which many individuals find themselves make it very improbable that they would achieve success in life. There is no proof from the course materials or academic publications to back up the claims made in the response.

QUESTION 4 of 4

Step 4: Choose a solution, response, or answer. Did the response adequately include this step? Yes or No? If no, what was missing?

Yes. The lack of proper reasoning in Step 3 undermines the validity of the argument. While the author’s arguments are reasonable, they lack an explanation of the theory of behaviorism that serves as the basis for those arguments.

Socratic problem solving activity assignment

Preparation:

Study the following information – Learn to Apply a Socratic Approach to Problem Solving.

http://www.capella.edu/iGuidePA/criticalThinking/pdfs/SocraticApproachtoProblemSolving.pdf

In this activity, we are going to review the assignment provided below and then analyze whether the Socratic Approach was applied adequately in the sample response provided below.

Socratic problem solving activity assignment Assignment:

In considering how personality develops, the impact of the child’s environment, as well as the child’s innate characteristics, must be taken into consideration. Assess the nature versus nurture controversy. Assess your views on how each affects a child’s personality and moral development. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning. Which theoretical perspective on personality and moral development most closely represents your view?

Sample Response:

In the context of the nature versus nurture controversy, nature means one’s genetic inheritance of traits such as intelligence, physical characteristics, and personality tendencies (Vander Zanden, Crandell, & Crandell, 2009). Nurture means the influence of environment, including parenting, schooling, physical environment, culture, and other factors (Vander Zanden et al., 2009). In the past, social scientists and others argued which factor—nature or nurture —was responsible in a given situation, but it is more common today to ask either how much is due to nature versus nurture, or how they interact (Vander Zanden et al., 2009). Vander Zanden et al. (2009) therefore characterize the current nature versus nurture controversy as asking either how or how much, rather than which.

While there are many theories that address the nature-nurture controversy, behaviorism most closely represents my view. Most of the behaviors needed to succeed in life are within the capabilities of most people, but some people’s environments make success unlikely for them. If a person is raised in an environment that does not support educational activities, that person is unlikely to become a physicist, even if he or she was born with the intelligence traits of an Einstein. Similarly, those raised in a violent environment are more likely to be violent, such as those who were abused as children may subsequently abuse their own children.

Reference: Vander Zanden, J. W., Crandell, T. L., & Crandell, C. H. (2009). Human development (9th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education Socratic problem solving activity assignment