It is more convenient to assume that reality is similar to our preconceived ideas than to freshly observe what we have before our eyes. Robert Fritz
Click the title and read the short essay written by Stanley Scudder, "Take this Fish and Look at It." It's also found on page 17 in your text.
What does this the Fritz quote mean? How does Stanley Scudder discover the truth in this quote? Why does the professor encourage the student to continue to examine the fish? What was so unacceptable about his first examination? How does this connect to critical thinking?
This post should be answered by Wednesday. Don't forget to respond to one of your peers.
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79 comments:
Robert Fritz in his quote tries to show his idea that people are more likely to make
their personal assumptions and judgments base on what they have learned or known before. People will not critically, deeply and clearly think of what is on their eyes.
In the short essay, Stanley Scudder discovered this truth when he enrolled a laboratory class. He was given a fish, haemulon, and was asked what he saw from the fish. In his first examination, Scudder only examined what he had known about the fish such as head, lips, and eyes. The little discoveries in fish from Scudder made Professor Agassiz disappointed. In order to let Scudder understand the truth, he asked Scudder to look at a fish and thinking what he had missed repeatedly.
Professor Agassiz encouraged students to continue examining the fish because he wanted to show the similar truth of what Fritz had shown was correct. As Scudder in his essay said, “Facts are stupid things until brought into connection with some general law.” The term “Facts” is similar to Fritz’s “preconceived ideas.”
Based on above analysis, Scudder’s examinations are the great example of explaining how this is connected to critical thinking. In his examinations, he looked at the fish many times. After that, he thought of what was the most visible feature outside the class again and again. All his work matches the meaning of critical thinking, examining possibilities and challenging himself. These were what Ms. Wanzo had taught in the lecture.
After the reading, I believe the truth and think how the truth works in my daily life. I think one of the best ways is to work on my biology lab in that way.
Few corrections for my last comment.
"he asked Scudder to look at a fish and think what he had missed repeatedly."
and
"All his work matched the meaning of critical thinking, examining possibilities and challenging himself."
sorry.
Robert Fritz quote means that it is easy for us to say what we see rather than think about it. Fritz quote reminds me of another quote which is “never judge a book by its cover.” The quote also applies to people because we make assumptions and form opinions on them based on what we see. It is the opinion we form that makes us either makes us either want to get to know them or stay away from them. While some people form ideas about people though what they see, there are others who do the opposite.
Stanley Scudder discovers the truth to the quote after trial and error. Stanley Scudder thought with all the facts he had come up with would be enough to impress the professor however although it did it was not what he wanted. The professor continued to encourage him because he wanted him to observe and form an opinion based on what he saw.
This connects to critical thinking is because we have to think beyond what our original opinion is. For example, asked a question we respond based on the experiences that we went through.
Mr fritz quote is one that, many people do on a daily basis. To assume does not take much work at all;it's our experience's that connects us to our preconceived ideas, and assumptions. Therefore, without an observation through one's eye's, we can only assume that we will get it right.
Regarding Mr. Scudder finding the truth in the quote. I believe, it clearly shows,when Professor Agassiz request Stanley to examine the fish, and he did. However,his findings were not accurate which led to reexamination of the fish. The next day Mr. Scudder greeted the professor and gave his account to which, Professor Agassiz acknowledged. In deed, Mr. Scudder assumptions, where totally over estimated!
Professor encourage the student to continue examining the fish, because of the professors position.("To get the best out of you.") However, The student did not examine the fish carefully, nor fully. Therefore,It would be in the students best interest to continue observing the subject,and provide the correct information. Furthermore,in the process perhaps,finding some other ground breaking material as well. Mr. Fritz analysis is right on!.(at this point I'm only assuming, perhaps Ms. Wanzo can correct me?)
Unacceptable first examination! Spending only ten minutes on the examination, being careless with the subject, not being focused, and not providing the full facts, and most of all, not having the desire to devote himself to his trade.
The connection to Critical Thinking, is how Mr. Sucdder was told to look again, and again to not only challenge himself,but to dig deeper in ones consciousness in bringing creditability to the situation!
Chun Wing Wag (Andrew)
Great analysis. I really enjoyed reading your summary! Right to the point,Organized, and well understood!
Great job,
Francisco Santos
Fritz quote mean we alway believe what we know already, but sometime we neglect the plainly points. We should look at the thing and think about it, the answers are come from what you seen or tested.
Stranley Scudder discover the truth when he attended the laboratory class. The professor ask him to look at the fish, and find out what he discover. The professor asked him to look at the fish agian and again last for serval days. After many error and hints. He find out there are many different answer, and the answer is come from what he see and discover.
The professor encourage the students to continue to examine the fish because there are many different discover from fish. The students can find out more if they look it for a long time. And of course, student should think about more new ideas when they looking. Not just the fact. For Stanley Scudder first examination, he is only telling what he already know, which are facts. He never have his own opion about what he saw.
This is connect to critical thinking bacause critical think is give out your own opion, even it may wrong, but that is what you thought.
Many of us have this habit of looking at things and without any question accepting them as they are, most of the time this happens even without us noticing it. We have a pre-set category in our mind made out of all the things we have seen so far in the world. As soon as we see something, without even questioning, we categorize it in our mind. This happens with almost everything we can sense: things we hear, things we smell, things we touch…, and as Fritz states in her quote, this will stop us from recognizing the reality.
In his essay, “Take This Fish and look at It”, Samuel Scudder is talking about the same discovery that had come to him through a simple science class. Scudder has been given the simplest task one can be given and he is failing it: the task of looking. Since at first, he was looking at the fish not with his eyes but with his pre-set mind frame. He was just looking for those “facts” and visual things we all expect for a fish to have. In less than an hour he thought that he was ready to explain all about that fish. But as his professor repeatedly tells him that his not yet done and encourages him to look more and more, he starts to realize that he should look beyond. Finally by putting a lot of simple visible “facts” about that fish together he starts to discover a “General Law”: the point that his professor was looking for.
This story is talking about the importance of critical thinking; about using our eyes for thinking beyond what is in front of them. It talks about finding the connections, “examining the possibilities” and “challenging ourselves” to a point that we can unravel the “reality”.
But what is questioning about Scudder story is the final part of it that is somehow in contradiction with his entire discovery. After looking so carefully for long days to haemulons fishes, Scudder came to a point that he could draw haemulon fishes in such perfection that whoever was looking at it could guess it was haemulons fish; But by saying, “and to this day, if I attempt a fish, I can draw nothing but haemulons”, doesn’t he show that again he has let a preconceived mind set (now the shape of haemulon fish) becomes an obstacle for him to perceive reality?
To Chun Wing Wan (Andrew):
I liked your analysis. I like the way you have paid attention to the similarities between "preconceived ideas" and "facts".
I like that you have used part of the lecture in your essay, that made me go back to the lecture and use it in my analysis.
Thank you. Before I submitted my comment, I was worried about the mistakes. However, this blog's purpose is to discuss readings and express ideas with each other. I think all these are the ways to practice Critical Thinking.
Robert Fritz is making a point that people are quick to saying things before thinking.
In the short essay, Samuel Scudder discovers the truth in this quote by not being a critical thinker to his assignment. His assignment was to studied the fish by examining it. He obviously did not examined the fish with critical thoughts which was unacceptable because he already knows the physical appearance on the fish. The professor continues to encourage the student to examine the fish because it was a matter of philosophical views on an object that you already know the facts about it. But to think beyond that object. It's connected to critical thinking because it makes you think more deeply and heavily about it.
Hello Kailin,
I feel the same when you talk about the idea that people should look at a thing and think about it, and something which is obvious are come from what you seen or tested.
Based on your comment, I think my analysis are slightly different with your comment which is the following idea.
Scudder showed his own opinion about what he saw, but the things he saw were too related to the "preconceived idea." which made his professor disappointed.
Thanks.
Yasaman kazerooni I really like what your statement when you said, "We have a pre-set category in our mind made out of all the things we have seen so far in the world". I find it very strong and straight to the point.
The Fritz quote means people sometime make their conclusion without deeply thinking. They actually just look at the surface of one thing, thus they miss some important details. People actually need to observe things in different ways conscientiously.
In this article, Stanley Scudder discovered the truth when he enrolled Professor Agassiz’s class. He received a fish and started to observe it. In the beginning, Stanley can only examined the basic things that we know about the fish such as eyes and head. When Professor Agassiz continued to ask Stanley to look at the fish, he examined new features of the fish.
The Professor encouraged the student to continue to examine the fish because he would be able to discover more if he examines more. Also, he can learn from his experience.
In Stanley Scudder’s first examination, he only pointed out the things he already knew, not his own thought. He didn’t really pay attention on what he saw.
This connects to Critical thinking because it has no right or wrong answer. The more you think, the more you gain.
Robert Fritz quote means we should not judge another person from appearance. We should not jump to conclusion and form our thoughts on what we see from the outside. We should think first and ask questions to find the true beauty that is within.
Stanley Scudder discover the truth in this quote when he enrolled in the Scientific School. He was given a fish called haemulon. The first observation Scudder made was unacceptable with his professor because he only notice the head, lips, eyes and the scales on the body. Then Scudder decide draw the fish thinking something was going to be different. It took Scudder many tries to find something new about the fish.
Nevertheless, Professor Agassiz encourage his students to continue to examine the fish because he wanted to challenge his students to think outside the box. This story relate to Robert Fritz quote because Scudder form his opinion from the appearance instead of looking deeper.
This connects to critical thinking because we should challenge ourselves by digging deeper in our thoughts.
Hello Francisco,
I really enjoy reading your comment because the way you said was funny. I agree what you said that he only spent ten minutes to examine his fish. That is the point I missed. You gave me a fresh idea to look at Scudder's studying.
Actually, a biology lab usually requires at least an hour to do an experiment. Scudder was quite fast.
Thanks.
My understanding of Robert Fritz's quote is that it's easier to think the the truth is what you believe it to be rather than attempt to look for it and find it. In other words, it's difficult to differentiate between your idea of reality versus the endless possibilities there are to find. Stanley Scudder discovers the truth in this quote because he stops thinking in terms of his preconceived notions, which are things that he already knew about the fish. Then he begins to discover deeper things that he wasn't consciously aware of at first glance, for instance, noticing that its sides are symmetrical and its organs are paired. The Professor encourages Scudder to continuously examine the fish because even if he thought he knew all of what there was to the fish, he can always find more. When he first examined the fish he was only focusing on what the average person would already know about a fish. This essay connects to critical thinking because the Professor was constantly telling him to describe more of what he saw, to think beyond. Critical thinking is thinking beyond the first glance and thinking beyond the blatantly obvious to discover possibilities.
Hi, Kailin Cheng.
I liked your last answer, “critical thinking is given out your own opinion, even it may wrong, but that is what you thought.” I strongly agreed with it. In addition, I believed that critical thinking has no right or wrong answer. The more you think, the more you gain.
Thanks!
I believe that the Fritz quote mean that we are always taught what things are and so when the things are presented to us; we already assume we know what it is. Sometimes we all believe that our notion and our opinion of certain things are true, but really it is not and does not have the same reality.
Stanley Scudder discovered the truth in this quote when he was force to spent his time observing the fish. After three days he was to tell the professor about his findings. Scudder realize that at first, to him it was like any other fish, but when he had to leave the fish and and recall from memory what the fish was like, he found new evidence that he did not observe before. It was his own image and perception of the fish from what he saw, what he experienced, and what he felt.
Professor Agassiz encouraged the student to continue to examine the fish because he wanted him to see the fish as something more than a fish. He wanted the student to see the fish as a haemulon and not just a smelly creature that can swim under water. Professor Agassiz knew that by looking deeper, broader, and more 'outside of the box' that the student can see more detailed things then before.
His first examination were all generic things, such as characteristic that fishes can only have. It was just like he took a look at the fish and told the professor what he saw or what he already knew about fishes. He did not explain to the professor what is different about this certain fish.
This connects to critical thinking because the student is thinking differently. He is being challenged with his reality and what is presented in front of him. He sees the fish as more than a fish because he is thinking much more, he is thinking bigger, like he is seeing it for the first.
Hi Jennifer,
I really liked your response and I agreed with a lot of what you had to say. When you said, "We should think first and ask questions to find the true beauty that is within", what did you mean by the true beauty?
Hello Xiaoying Cen,
Our answers are very similar and so I must say I agree a lot with what you say. I like how you pointed out that we all 'need to observe things in different way conscientiously'. It is true that sometimes we need to be more conscience of our thoughts and actions; very good point. What you said about how critical thinking has no right or wrong answer and we gain more to think is just spot on and a really great observation. Kudos.
Robert Fitz quote mean we are always say what we see about the things in front of our eyes, and it is the easy way for us to make an assumption base on our knowledge or opinion about what we observe rather than think carefully and thoroughly about them. This is more likely happen to all of us in the daily life.
Stanley Scudder discover the truth in this quote by examining the fish when he attended the Scientific School as a student of natural history and do the lab. The professor Agassiz told Scudder to examine the fish and he will ask what Scudder have seen. Scudder was making an unacceptable in his first examination by giving the answer based on his knowledge to the professor about what he have seen like the fish has the pores of the head, fleshy lips and lidless eyes; the lateral line, the spinous fins and forked tail; the compressed and arched body. The professor very disappointed about his answer. In order to let him discover the truth, the professor ask him to examine again and think carefully. Finally, Scudder was discovering the truth about the fish, and he had the best entomological lesson and inestimable value from the professor.
The professor encourage the student to continue to examine the fish because the professor want his students to think deeply and carefully to discover the truth, the fact like Scudder said “Facts are stupid things, until brought into connection with some general law”. This connect to critical thinking by thinking beyond, examine possibilities and challenges ourselves like Scudder did to find the truth.
According to my understanding of Fritz quote, Fritz is telling us that we couldn’t find the truth until we observe repeatedly. What we see in the first sight is what we have known. We don’t actually know the truth if we don’t explore the truth in multiple directions. Stanley Scudder just discovers the truth in Fritz quote. Stanley Scudder concluded the specimen, haemulons, as a fish by his first time observation. Stanley Scudder didn’t see “haemulons” as what it is, because he didn’t observe it beyond his “preconceived ideas”. The professor was very disappointed upon Scudder’s first time report. In order to let Scudder to figure out what “haemulons” really is, the professor encouraged him to continue to examine the fish. Scudder’s first examination was so unacceptable because he only can tell what “haemulons” is belonging to the catalog of fish, but nothing beyond. Scudder has to challenge his initial perception, explore more evidences, and so his investigation could have quality to appeal. These steps are logos, ethos, and pathos. They are the way of critical thinking.
I liked your analysis, well organized and I like your comment about Robert Fritz quote.
I agree your saying.
I think Scudder’s case is just same as our practice here. We communicate and share ideas with each other, and then we are able to develop much deeper and further from our original thoughts. This is another connection to critical thinking, too.
Back to your post, "Robert Fritz quote means we should not judge another person from appearance. We should not jump to conclusion and form our thoughts on what we see from the outside. We should think first and ask questions to find the true beauty that is within." How do you think if critical thinking connects to our lives?
I liked your comment about Fritz quote and I think it is true for all of us in the daily life.
Roberts Fritz’s quote means that people make their own opinion based on what they saw in front of them, without looking more deeply what lies inside (Lack of observation). Which make people lost a lot of important things in their life.
Stanley Scudder discovers the truth in the quote, when the professor asks him to examine the fish again and again for several days. He realizes that each time he looks at the fish he gain new or extra information that he hadn’t discover at the beginning of his observation.
Professor Agassiz encourages the students to continue examine the fish because he wants the students not only giving facts what is look like on outside of the fish, but what make the fish so different from others fish. Also, he wants the students to think beyond what they already know. Another important thing is Professor Agassiz wants the students to understand that they are not only examine the fish as a part, but also as whole and not only use the observation data to conclude the report, but they also can touch, smell, and taste to figure out what make haemulon so special. In Stanley’s first examination, he didn’t examine the fish very carefully. He applies what he known about the fish to his examination report. He only tells the facts to the professor, but not his own opinion or without explore more deep at haemulon.
This connects to critical thinking because we need to think outside of the box, in order to gain more information.
The quote from Robert Frit'z means that often times, our assumption and bad judgment call lead us to misunderstood what the reality really is. What we experience, witness or heard create a "mind set" and that mind set gives us an bias opinions toward an individual or subject matter.
Stanley Scudder discovered the truth in this quote from instructed to observe the fish. He thought this "Haemulons" fish is just like any other fish and his duty was to describe how the fish look. During the 3 days process, he discovered more and more information from personally experience and observation. His perception changed. He understood the fish inside out with details. He had the fish image imprinted in his head, recognizing the scent of "Haemulons" and distinguish the difference comparing with another fish.
The idea behind the professor encouraging his student from observing the fish is so that they can explore and examine the object themselves without the "he/she" say, what he was taught or heard. Truthfully understanding the details by experiment gives you a more convincing knowledge towards the reality.
Stanely first examination was unacceptable because he only provide just what he observed and not understand the character of "Haemulons". This examination forces student to think of different possibilities and to understand the concept to go beyond thinking what the reality really is. It's related to critical thinking because everyone have an different opinion towards whether an individual or object. It leads me to the direction to willingly accepting other people opinion and be more open mind understanding why do people think what they think.
Our perspective is directly influenced by our own cultural constructs. Most of us have been on this earth for at least twenty years, and in those years we’ve formed concrete ideas about the nature and mechanics of life workings. Robert Fritz quote refers to the tendency of experiencing through an influenced prism. Parents, friends, past experiences, and social hegemonies all influence how we approach situations. To think critically it is important to abandon preconceptions. The short story allegorically shows this point. Stanley Scudder approaches his fish assignment without imagination. His observation is a rehashing of textbook haemulon data. It is uninspired. The professor pushes Stanley to generate an organic observation, “to freshly observe”. Thinking critically is the dismissal of accepting the obvious. Thinking critically involves challenging the ideas of both yourself and others, while generating and unearthing new ideas. Exploration is at the root of critical thinking and this is exactly what Stanley Scudder experienced in Take This Fish And Look At It.
Hi, xiaoying cen, I really like your analysis about Robert Fritz’s quote. It is true that we make our own decision without thinking more deeply. Our eyes only provide image or information to help us to produce a thought about something we see. At the same time, we need critical and creative thinking abilities to analyze the situation or things. Not just look at the surface and make the decision. In addition, I strongly agreed what you said about how critical thinking has no right or wrong answer. The more you think, the more you gain. As we observe things more carefully, we should not miss some important details or things in our life.
I agree your point that we should digging deeper in our thoughts. Do not just see the surface, think deeper, you can understand more, and learn more. And also such as think about you are a fish, and you have the same experience like the fish, they makes you have more idea.
hi, Chun Wing! Thanks for you opinion. "preconceived idea" are you mean the idea that the auther alreay know before he look the fish? That is what im trying to say.
Thank you!
It is easy for one to stay within their comfort zone of pre-concieved ideas of reality rather than go out and search for truth. By endlessly examining the fish, Scudder dismisses his pre concieved notions about fish (in this particular example) and goes on to further explore what has yet to find out. The professor knows that looking at the fish for extended periods of time will allow Scudder to really search with not only open eyes, but an open mind. Much like critical thinking, we need to search with open minds, putting ourselves in a position we may not always be comofrtable in.
nightwork-
You're spot on. He keeps Scudder their until he has completely worn him out, down to his core. Once he has been stripped down to his basic observation, he really begins to see what he was meant to.
Also, forgive all of my typos...
he has yet to find out*
comfortable*
there, not their*
The Fritz quote goes directly into what critical thinking is and proves it throughout the examination and re-examination of the fish. Upon first look, Scudder sees what everyone else sees. As he continues to examine the fish over and over again, he discovers more and more truths about the fish. While the first examination might be true, by the time you have invested everything into it and examined it with fresh eyes (as Scudder did after he slept, and when he did not have the fish to examine), there might be more and more truths to discover before you are actually finished looking. I think the Professor did a good job in teaching Scudder this lesson. Scudder says himself that this one lesson has influenced how he approaches all aspects of his life.
Thank you for reading my response Cameron! I like this blog atmosphere. I felt a bit like Scudder while reading this story. Sometimes for reading response assignments its easy to regergitate a familiar anaylsis. I re-read the essay multiple times until it illicted a 'fresh' and genuine response. The best part of critical thinking is producing something that suprises even yourself. I think looking at anything for a long period of time and rolling it around on your tounge will transform your perspective.
Hi,
Who is nightwork. Your posts are well done and I'd like to credit you but I don't know who you are. Please list your name.
Hi Andrew,
Firstly, Kudos!!! You were the first to post. Thanks for being the brave one.
You have made great connections to the text. How do you challenge yourself to think critically?
In Fritz’s quote, I believe he is saying that people tend to have make opinions based on what they heard or read about, rather than seeing it for themselves and looking more into it to make their own opinions. People expect things are the way they are without thinking or questioning about the big picture. They need to look past the facts handed to them and develop their own ideas and connections.
Stanley Scudder discovered the truth in this quote from his experience with Professor Fritz. He was assigned to observe a fish and report that he learned from it. At first he observed what he saw, which did not satisfy the professor. By entailing that there is more, the professor encouraged the student to continue to examine the fish and make further observations and connections.
This connects to critical thinking because he is thinking “beyond” what he sees. The professor challenged him by making him think that there was more. As a result, he “examined the possibilities” and “challenged himself.”
Hello Caresse:
I enjoyed reading your post. It appears that you enjoyed reading the Scudder text and making connections. In your post you state, "Robert Fritz quote means that it is easy for us to say what we see rather than think about it." In essencse this is true, but he also goes a little deeper than that. What does he mean when he says "it is more convenient to assume that reality is similar to our preconcieved ideas?"
Once you understand this, then the connnection to the Scudder text will be even greater.
Post your findings here.
Hello Xiaoyeng,
Great post. In it you state, "This connects to Critical thinking because it has no right or wrong answer. The more you think, the more you gain." Can you explain what you mean by this? If "critical thinking has no right or wrong answer," what is the value in this type of thinking?
Do you think that Fritz or Scudder would agree with you?
Hi Cameron,
Your response to the Scudder text is very good. You are correct, Scudder is forced to move outside his comfort zone. In this way, he is able to examine the fish more closely.
How does this connect to the Fritz text? What is Fritz suggesting?
Ms. Wanzo Nightwork is me Annie Steiner. Nightwork is this obsolete fashion blog I made who knows when and it was the only way I could figure out how to sign on. I in no way want an alias. How do I change that? Thanks so much.
Annie
The Fritz quote comments on generalizing ones environment. To assume about ones circumstances rather limits the ability to discover them. This can put one in the place of interpreting their surroundings rather than letting their surroundings speak for themselves. This requires the knowledge that everything and everyone has its own voice and unique experience. This being said actions speak louder than words and for this to work requires everything and everyone to be responsible to do what they are saying.Passed on information or repeated negative experience can replace ones willingness to form their own opinions, to have new experiences and learn from them. In other words a closed environment vs an open environment. To discover independently what others have come to and concluded or not, while creating new insight through discovery and observation.
In the story Scudder presents, he is challenged to do all of these things by exercise of observing a single fish for three continuous days. Within the first ten minutes he believes himself to be done after listing off all of the names of the parts of the fishes body. The Professor tells him he is no where near through. Basically saying he hasn't observed even the first most obvious and basic truth of the fish. He challenges Scudder to keep on in this way until proper translation occurs.
This is what critical thinking is all about. Breaking down the wall of preconceived notions that enable greater dialogues. This is what I have come to expect along the road to knowing truth. Letting go, it is the first step in allowing experience the freedom to unfold. To unfold naturally and let it be plain as day and dark as night.
Hi David, I like your post about "people expect things are the way they are without thinking or questioning". In nature, we are too used to be in the comfort zone without breaking out of the cell box to venture outside the box of exploration. We like to think it is what it is basing on what we heard or taught before examining and understanding it ourselves.
Annie, yes.... I agree, to be inspired is key to learning. Inspiration creates beauty into experiences. Also I am pleased to read u too enjoy finding the surprise in challenging oneself.
Fritz quote means that if we do not know exactly what is the fact is, what we judge, think carefully may be better than our first inattentive observation. The image that already set in our mind that can lead the fact cannot reflect accurately because the "pre-set" has influence in shaping our perception resulting dismiss others potential outcome. At first, Stanley Scudder was given a fish to examine; however, he could only find the basic ideas. Lately, after several days looked at the fish, he realized that every satisfactory consequence had come out. Professor encourages students to continue to examine the fish because the actuality cannot be found immediately. Therefore, he asks his students to keep observing. Over time, something new that is come up again and again. When they are willing to challenge their beliefs and investigate competing evidence which is they finally find out the answer. Like critical thinking, challenging the thoughts that make us suspected or confused, we are trying to open-mined and willing to examine issues from various sides and then evaluating the outcomes.
I just read your post and see that you went into very good detail about how we “categorize [things] in our mind.” I have a similar thought about it, but you went into very good emphasis on it. What he looked for in the fish was a vague description of the fish that anybody can think of, but with the aid of the professor, he went into very good detail into separating that specific fish from any other. He used those “facts” that he gained to develop into what they call a “General Law.”
I also find the contradiction you found very interesting. He was assigned to observe the fish for so long that all he can think about was just that. I believe by studying and “specializing” on the fish, he wiped his preconceived mind set he had about the fish, but made it an obstacle to perceive reality.
For me, Robert Fritz’s quote says that most people tend to understand and distinguish things with less studying and researching. They just come out with an answer or judgment without adequate observation and thinking. Ironically, the fact is if they want to know more, they need to research more.
Actually, Stanley Scudder found out more features of the fish as he kept examining. At times, he was stuck and frustrated when he was unable to find out more. But when he drew the fish, he began to find new features. Therefore, the truth is not only a pencil is one of the best of eyes as his professor said, but also you will see more if you change your position of observation.
Professor Agassiz encourages students to be patient to research for more information which can’t be found at first sight. To do that, students need to observe carefully and think deeply. Furthermore, they were encouraged to learn how to treat problem from different positions.
His first examination finished carelessly, because he just stated what could be found at first glance, and he didn’t realize he needed to examine more.
It connects to critical thinking, because critical thinking is a kind of thinking needed thorough analysis, and it’s a process to find out something significant behind what the thing looks like.
Roberts Fritz’s quote means that many people do not make critical thinking to the things. To be frank, most of us often use our prior knowledge and concepts to discuss the issue. And much of our thinking is biased, distorted or uninformed. Roberts Fritz asks people do not judge the things by their appearances.
Stanley Scudder discovers the truth in this quote from his own experience in scientific school. At that time, Professor Agassiz asks Stanley Scudder to look at a fish and express what he has seen from the fish. Stanley Scudder makes the first fault that he just take ten minutes to look at the fish and describes the fish by its appearance. However, Professor Agassiz disappoints with his answer and asks him to look again. Stanley Scudder takes several days to observe, and he discovers much more information from the fish.
Professor encourages students to continue to examine the fish because he encourages students to use observation skills to gain new knowledge. Professor Agassiz disappoints with Stanley Scudder’s first examination because Stanley Scudder dose not analyze the fish in detail. This connects to critical thinking because critical thinking requires thinkers to improve their thinking by careful observation.
Hi Simin Liang,
I agree with your idea about “We don’t actually know the truth if we don’t explore the truth in multiple directions.” It is truth that we need more time to observe and analyze the issue. We can’t widen our knowledge if we do not open-minded.
Hi Cameron Attaran,
I agree with your point that is we need to be open-minded. Although we disagree with other people choices, it might be the truth or might provide us more choices. We are not perfect, we are able to learn new things, and we can be wiser and stronger through studying.
Robert Fritz quote means that people are quick to form conclusions on outer appearances because people dont want to challenge their minds. In the article Samuel Scudder was given an assignment to closely examine a fish. The instructions seemed easy to Samuel but the Professor wanted him to think critically. Samuel wasn't thinking critically he was just stating obvious facts about a fish;however, after some tries he finally realized what he had to do. This connects to critical thinking because its easy to examine an object but it takes more work to think critically about an object.
To Megan Guaraglia, I agree when you wrote to assume about ones circumstances rather limits the ablitiy to discover them. I like how you phrase this. It's true when you assume something your just limiting yourself from growing and discovering more information.
To my understanding, Robert Fritz's quotes means that people are used to make their assumption and judgment without thinking critically and deeply, which is based on what is in front of their eyes and what they known. People can’t actually know the truth by the first sight from their eyes. Stanley Scudder discovers the truth in this quote by observing the fish repeatedly in the laboratory class. The teacher ask him to examine at the fish several times, so he can able to discover more things that he doesn’t know at his first examination. The professor encourages the student to continue to examine the fish because students are able to discover more truth and reality from the fish. You can get more information from fish if you observe more from it. In Scudder’s first examination, he misses a lot of things about the fish because he didn’t observe it carefully. This connects to critical thinking because we need to think critically from the examinations and challenges in order to gain more information or form our own opinion.
I agree with you. In our life, when we meet an object or problem, we couldn’t give our opinion base on its appearance; we have to observe it deeply. During the second observation, we can find out some information or idea more than what we think at the first we see an object or problem. For example, I am a immigrant and English is my second language. I am very depressed when I read an English passage because the passage is wordy and there are many vocabularies that I have never seen. When the first time I read the passage, I don’t understand what is the main idea of the passage and want to give up. But, if you try to read through the passage several times, you can able to guess the meaning of the vocabulary through the whole sentence. That is a good way to understand the passage and get the meaning of vocabularies that you have never seen. In the other word, you can gain more when you read it again and again. As Roberts Fritz said the people make their own opinion based on what they saw in front of them, and gain more information from that object or problem.
It’s impressive what you say the meaning of Roberts’ quote to you. Most people usually judge thing right or wrong without deeply thinking. It’s just like the out layer covers more things inside so that we don’t see unless we push aside this layer.
In my opinion, Fritz's quote means that looking at the ideas we heard before can be a easier way to see truth, but it really needs us to observe what we have seen and then think about it deeply and freshly. Our ideas are often influenced by preconceived ideas. Therefore, we often find one part of the truth only and dismiss many important things. Sometimes people don't believe themselves and their ideas. As a result, they stop thinking about the truth and just follow others' views. Besides, they think that is all. However, to discover the whole truth, it is necessary for us to examine what we see in our eyes, and then explore the truth and analyze it. Stanley Scudder found the truth from his eyes and thinking, not from others'. First of all, he just found the basic features of the fish. Finally, after his professor asks him to examine the fish many times, he comprehends the meaning of that examining the fish more makes him gain more information about it. The professor encourages the student to continue to examine the fish because he wants to let his student to find the truth by his own and new observation. In addition, he wants to let him know if he tries more times he will find out new knowledge and differences. Then he can think outside of the box. When we think more, we will get more because in researching for the truth, we can discover many different ways to see the truth which is connected to what we see in our eyes. His first examination was so unacceptable because he just looked at the surface of the fish and didn't really go to observe it and connect to what he thinks. Critical thinking always needs us to think more and challenges ourselves. For example, we try to use the evidences you found to persuade others to believe in your ideas. Like critical thinking, there is not just one way to find the truth and it needs us to find out. In addition, we don’t mind if they get wrong and keep trying until they succeed. When we see more and examine more times, we can think more and understand more.
After I read the Robert Fitz quote, I think Frite wants to present that when people meet something that is fresh or strange, they depend of their knowledge and experience to make their own assumption fast and quickly. Also, they do not have completely and deeply think about it. However, It would make them misunderstand it.
Yes, Stanley Scudder discover the truth in this quote. The professor gave the specimens of fish to him, and asked to observe the fish ‘s specimens for a while. At first, he generally observed it. he said that in her article “ I turned it over and around ; look it in the face – ghastly; from behind, beneath , above sideways, at a three quarters’view- just as ghastly. I was in despair.” He did not note any special thing from that fish. After the professor’s encourage, he began to carefully observe it again . then he noted that “ the fish has symmetrical sides with paired organs”. After this hard examine, Scudder have learn something new. He said that “I was bidden to point out the resemblances and differences between the two; another and another followed.”
The professor constantly encouraged Scudder to continue to examine the fish because he wanted to train Scudder effectively. In Biology, it is really important to have the good observation skill. As Subber said “in everyday life this lack of observation may not be noticed, but in science it would be considered a serious failing.” It can show the observation is how important in Biology. Also, the professor wanted him to try his best to finish this examination.
Scudder‘s first was so unacceptable because he did not carefully observe the fish. As a Biology student, they always need to observe some ting stuff such as the cell, so they have to have the good observation skill. At the first time he did not noted the special part of the fish, so it is unacceptable.
It is really connects to critical thinking. It teaches us to think more deeply and completely. Also, when we are thinking a question, we should try to think it from many ways and different point of views. As a result, we can solve the problem and have a good result.
I stand with you. I also think that its connection to critical thinking implies the importance of thorough thinking when answering a question. In addition, most of time, it’s surprising to find more detail when thinking from many different ways.
Hello, Ms. Wanzo
I want to tell you that you spelled my name wrong. My name is Xiaoying, not Xiaoyeng. Thank you for responding my comment.
I actually mean that everything could be true if you just believe. For example, the people who like apples would say apples taste delicious, but the people who don’t like apples would say apples are tasteless. Both of these two answers are true because it is your own thought and feeling.
The value in this type of thinking is what you believe depends on how much time you spend on examining. The more time you spend on observing, the more details you could figure out. An object doesn’t only have one face. If you examine more, you could observe another face.
I think Scudder would agree with me because when he spends more time on examining the fish, he observes new features. He examined many different ways of the fish.
Hi Jingrong Ma, your analysis of Robert Fritz’s quote is really great. I really agree with your idea that “most people tend to understand and distinguish things with less studying and researching. They just come out with an answer or judgment without adequate observation and thinking.” It is really true. I always meet that situation in my life. When I meet some problems, I can have my own answer fast because I do not think about it deeply and do not do any research. After I deeply think it for a while and do my research to get the real answer. I know how fool I am.
This quote means people always believe in what they see and they judge the others by their look. People should think more and deeply because sometime it’s different inside. In the short essay, Stanley Scudder discovered this truth when he enrolled a laboratory class. At the first time, he looked at the fish, he didn’t find out anything but then after a few days look at it carefully, he discovered there are many different answer. He obviously did not examine the fish with critical thoughts which was unacceptable because he already knows the physical appearance on the fish. The professor continues to encourage the student to examine the fish because he observed and then gave answers that everyone already knows when they take the fist look. It's connected to critical thinking because it makes you think more deeply and heavily and beyond the subject.
In my opinion, Robert Fritz’s quote says that it is more convenient to most people to assume to know from a quick point of view, or from just hearing about it than to actually see and studying it on your own. For example we were told by friends, teachers, parents, and various people about certain things. It continues to relate to one another it becomes knowledge in your brain, your own fact. When actually seeing feeling certain things gives your more ways to distinguish things and understand certain things. We tend to open up our opinions from our own ideas rather than open up our thoughts through observation and studying. Stanley Scudder found some specific features of the fish, choosing not to use tools to further his studies of the fish; he studies the fish by touch. He checks the sharpness of the teeth and even counts the scales in each row. He begins to discovered the truth of this quote when realizing it not just the visibility of the fish that he is seeing, he discover with or without the fish in his sight that the exact account was beyond the features. Such as the symmetrical sides with paired organs that he was able to discuss.
Professor Agassiz encourages the students to continue examining the fish because there is still a lot more to study on, you cannot just get it at first experiment or the second try. The lab experiment will continue and continue as the hypothesis keeps changing through the conclusion. I believe this gives the students a better value of understanding the in-estimated amount of observation that goes on. The first examination was only through physical examinations, giving multiple details. This connects to critical thinking because from what we our taught is that critical thinking is to think beyond than what is necessary. Think outside the box is what most people would say. The professor is asking what do the students see when looking at the fish; student’s give their observations to the professor and then ask to keep looking as if the professor is looking for one specific feature. Through critical thinking the students see more than just physical features of the fish but certain aspects of it and through drawings and endless observations led them to an unlimited amount of findings.
To Caresse Fong: I like your example “never judge a book by its cover”. I think it's a great example, really related to our topic.
Hi. Linh..I agree with your opinion that "the image that already set in our mind that can lead the fact cannot reflect accurately because the 'pre-set' has influence in shaping our perception resulting dismiss others potential outcome." Our views can be influenced by "the pre-set " and shaped based on it. In addition, because of this, we may miss other important information about the truth or are led to think in a wrong way. However, if we examine more and think more, we can discover that the truth is connected to our thoughts and observations and it is not just shown as what we see at the surface of it. In the sentence "when they are willing to challenge their beliefs and investigate competing evidence which is they finally find out the answer", what do you mean by "investigate competing evidence" and can you explain more about that? Thank you!!
Robert Fritz quote means that it’s easier to believe what we already know instead of taking the time to dig deeper and get past our preconceived ideas. Stanley Scudder discovers the truth in this quote when he is given a haemulon to observe. By having to observe the haemulon for a longer period of time Stanley Scudder learns to look past his initial discovery. In doing this he learns that there is much more to see and learn than what he initially expected. The professor wants him to continue to examine the fish because as you take a closer look at something you will be able to learn and pick up on every detail of that item. The professor also knows that most people only see and learn what’s on the service. When you take the time to take a deeper look you gain a deeper understanding of the subject you are studying. Stanley Scudder’s first examination was unacceptable because it was a quick ten-minute glance, which did not provide him with the information the professor was looking for. This connects with critical thinking by showing us we need to have a longer thought process about things. It also tells us that a quick overview is not the same as taking the time to actually review something thoroughly and to never take anything at its face value.
Hi. Xiaomei Li
I agree with you that we need to think outside of the box, in order to gain more information. Yes. We should think widely and deeply. It can help us to know more useful information.
I think that what Rites to say in this quote is that people make conclusions according to the pre conceived assumptions they have about things. Stanley Scudder discovered the truth in this quote because he learns to think and see and don’t take things for granted. The professor encourages the student to continue to examine the fish because he wanted him to make connections between the characteristics the fish has and why the fish has them. The first examination was unacceptable because the student didn’t see the characteristics that made the fish special. It was not just a fish; it was a Haemulon, a specific kind of fish. It is connected with critical thinking because examine things in detail and think of different possibilities make to get different views of the things.
To Michael Huynh:
I really like your comment about how “we tend to open up our opinions from our own ideas rather than open up our thoughts through observation and studying.” I think this holds true in our everyday life.
I agree with you in that the first examination was unacceptable because Scudder answered by saying the physical features of the fish but he didn’t do any connection about it. Sometimes we think we already know everything and it prevents us of thinking deeply.
I believe that Robert Fritz’s quote means that people are so used to what has already been planted in our heads from what we’ve been taught to what we’ve experienced to the point where we regularly assume quickly of what is in front of us rather than analyzing what is actually there. Basically, we simply look and assume what’s in front of us instead of observing and analyzing. Stanley Scudder discovered the truth in this quote when Professor Agassiz asked him to look at the fish and tell the professor what he seen. The first couple of times, Stanley just told the professor what he already knew about the fish, so the professor was unsatisfied with Stanley’s observation. After his multiple observations, Stanley finally realizes that he was only looking at facts rather than critically analyzing the fish in front of him. Stanley’s first examination was unacceptable because he simply looked at the fish and stated the facts that he already knew about the fish rather than observing and examining it. This connects to critical thinking because it is common for people to simply look at something and accepting it as it is rather than critically thinking about something with multiple views and accepting only one view.
This quote means we are easily affected by our “preconceived ideas”. We usually tend to think base on what we have been told but not what we observe. A good example will be how people feel towards insects. Many of us think that insects are dirty, horrible and we are afraid of them for most of the time. It is because we have been told that insects carry lot of bacteria and they will only be harmful to people. Even though this is only part of the fact, people will consider it as the whole fact. They will neglect the fact that insects also bring us lots of benefits. They don’t even want to observe them as they have preconceived concepts of that. Through observing it for many times, Stanley Scudder found that thing can be very different from what he thought before.
The reason why the professor encourages the student to continue to examine the fish is because he wants the student to think beyond his preconceived ideas. He wants the student to experience how important observing is. Also, he wants him to know what people normally believe is not necessary to b the fact.
At his first examination, he is not in a good mood. He doesn’t like to observe the fish. Therefore, he may have some biased view over the fish. This will led to a incomprehensive observation and conclusion.
This connects to critical thinking as critical thinking require us to think beyond our selves. We should be open-minded. Sometimes, we need to think in two ways. In other words, we might have to think in another way round so that we can be fairer to both sides about the topic. More than that, we should not be affected by the appearance and the image of the object.
For me, Robert Fritx quote means that we always define things based on their experiences and their knowledge without thinking deeply and careful observation. And that make us miss some important things or go to the wrong direction. Stanley Scudder discovers the truth form examine and observe the fish continuously. After he observe the fish carefully, and think about the fish again and again, he found something new about the fish. After that, he started to discover new more and more. The professor encourages the student to continue to examine the fish is because Professor Agassiz wanted students to think carefully, and there is always new knowledge and differences. Professor was disappointed when Scudder reported his first observation, because Scudder reported something he already know without thinking deeply and careful observation. Therefore, the first examination was unacceptable. And after several observations, he found out the truth. This is connecting to critical thinking because we always need to think more, do more observation and then think beyond ourselves. Truth always goes differently. That’s why we need to think more, and find that truth.
I imediately think of the quote, “never judge a book by its cover.” too. We always think or make decisions base on what things look like or how do we feel about that without knowing and observing them. We will be biased as we are affected by the appearance of the object.
Thinking critically should be chanllenging every thought we have. We should not have any preconceived ideas if we think critically.
I totally agree with you. This is true that we always miss the important things and messages in our life without thinking more, and observe more. If we do more observations and thinking, we always discovery something is new and meaningful. We always make our opinions base on what we know, and forget to thing what behind the fact. As you said, we should think outside the box, because there is a lot of information to get. No one ever knows all the things, and we should try to learn from observations.
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