Critical Thinking Problem Hint: Think outside the box (cover all nine circles with four straight lines)
The Bridge Crossing Problem A = 1 Minute B = 2 Minute C = 5 Minute D = 10 Minute Problem: Cross the bridge two at time with one always coming back until all are across. How do they all cross in 17 minutes Answer: A crosses with B = 2 minutes B comes back = 2 minutes C crosses with D = 10 minutes A comes back = 1 minute A crosses with B = 2 minutes Total crossing time = 17 minutes Conclusion: The more complex the problem, the greater the role of the smallest elements
EducationYearly EarningsLife EarningsDifference 1High School Dropout College Grad Doctorate Professional Degree Is College Worth The Money?
High School vs. College Grad Lifetime Earnings $2,400, ,200,000= $1,200,000 Net Gain College Grad vs. Doctorate Lifetime Earnings $3,600, ,400,000= $1,200,000 Net Gain
College Grad vs. Professional Degree Lifetime Earnings $4,400,000 – 2,400,000= $2,000,000 Net Gain Conclusion Never take at face value what you read or hear, no matter how “right” it sounds. The degree of “rightness” is simply a measure of how closely it corresponds to our values. Critical thinkers step back from their own values to assess the validity of assertions by examining all of possible variables’ effects.