Applying Critical Thinking

2629 Words6 Pages

Introduction

On August 12, 2010, the Governor of Illinois notified the Federal State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343, of the state’s intent to outsource and privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function (B. Glenn, personal communication, August 20, 2010). In response, Mr. Padilla, the president of the FSEU Local No. 343, requests the FSEU Director of Human Resources, Ms. Glenn to evaluate the notification. The memorandum dated August 20, 2010, includes Ms. Glenn’s reasons and recommendation for opposing the proposal.

The paper will evaluate the memorandum using the critical thinking model outlined by Browne and Keeley (2010) in their book Asking the Right Questions. It will apply the described methodologies to assess the communication’s content, conclusion, and reasons. Additionally, by answering the eleven questions ambiguities will be highlighted, fallacies in reasoning illustrated, and underlying assumptions identified. The paper will also provide an assessment on the quality of arguments and the soundness of the author’s reasoning.

What are the issues and conclusions?

The memo sent from Ms. Glenn to Mr. Padilla discusses the opposing viewpoints associated with the state’s intent to outsource and privatize the DoT information systems management function. The main issue identified in the communication relates to the question of responding to the proposal: should it be opposed (Glenn, p.1). As a result, the memorandum evaluates the position the union should take and concludes that “the FSEU Local No. 343 should challenge the governor’s proposed privatization of the DoT information systems management function as an unfair management practice” (Glenn, p. 2).

What are the reasons?

T...

... middle of paper ...

... the displaced employees.

Conclusion

After applying the critical thinking framework advocated by Browne and Keeley (2010) several shortcomings in reasoning become obvious. As illustrated throughout the paper the memo is emotionally charged, employs poor evidence, and contains reasoning fallacies. Based on the findings the conclusion can neither be accepted nor rejected. It would advisable to obtain further information before arriving at a decision on the matter.

Works Cited

Browne, M. N., & Keeley, S.M. (2010). Asking the right questions: A guide to critical thinking (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Mintz, S. (2007). Civil service reform. Digital History. Retrieved from
 www.digitalhistory.uh.edu

National Archives and Records Administration (n.d.) Pendleton Act. Retrieved from http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=48

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