Is Critical Thinking Epistemically Responsible?
Main Question: Is Michael Huemer’s argument for his main successful? [Your statement should make clear your main position on this question.]
Huemer argues that we should never rely on what he terms “critical thinking”
when it comes to forming beliefs about “publicly discussed issues.” Instead, we
should either suspend judgment on the issue or just follow the lead of the experts and believe whatever it is that they believe. Explain and evaluate Huemer’s argument for this thesis.
In the explanation portion of your paper, you should:
(i) explain what
Huemer means by “critical thinking;”
(ii) utilize some example of a
“publicly discussed issue” in explaining his position, and
(iii) fully explain
Huemer’s main argument for his thesis, trying to make it seem as plausible
as you can.
In the evaluation portion of the paper, you should: (i) develop an
objection to Huemer’s argument (be sure to state explicitly what aspect of
his argument the objection targets); (ii) evaluate your objection to
Huemer’s argument (does it succeed? If so, consider what Huemer might
say in response. If not, fully explain why not); and (iii) restate your
overall position on Huemer’s argument.
