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This is the personal site of Michael
Hawthorne - retired steelworker, semi-professional college student,
currently enrolled in Antioch
University's Ph.D. in Leadership and Change program and
adjunct professor of Economics for Vincennes University's
satellite campus on the San Diego, California Naval bases.
Mavericks have been described as being
independent in thought and action, individuals who view things
differently and not only consider alternatives to traditional ways of
doing things, but act on those alternatives. The original Maverick
(Samuel A.) died in 1870 and did not brand the calves he let wander the
open range - hence "maverick" has become synonymous with doing
things against the mainstream.
However, is a person who attempts an
alternative solution to traditional problems really a Maverick (as
described above) or a person using sound critical thinking skills?
The following definition of critical thinking comes from "Ph.D. in
Leadership and Change: in the Professions" - a handout for the
Ph.D. in Leadership and Change program at Antioch University - where I am
currently enrolled:
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"Critical thinking is conceptualized as an
intellectual ability that identifies and challenges assumptions and the
basis for points of view, that questions the adequacy of evidence and
substantiation, that challenges the importance of context and weighs
opinions, that imagines and explores alternatives, and that engages in
reflective skepticism. An individual's ability to hold a critical
stance and to question and reappraise, to challenge certain ways of
behaving, to be skeptical of claims to neutrality and objectivity, is
often viewed as an indicator of maturation and development."
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| In the case of Samuel A. Maverick: Did
he just go against the mainstream (refusing to brand his cattle), thus giving the dictionary a new term
to define "maverick", or was it something else? I
propose that sound critical thinking skills led him to conclude - with
everyone else's cattle having a burned patch of hide, it would be easier
to spot his from a distance, thus saving the time and energy of having
to get close to the animal to distinguish the brand.
At present this site is limited to just this home page.
However, over time, I will be adding additional pages that I hope will
encourage people to practice thinking critically about events, people,
things, etc.
If you have comments or suggestions, please feel free to email me at:
Michael@MaverickThinking.com |
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