Bill Maher and "Cowardly Americans"

Television host Bill Maher stated that actions of American soldiers were cowardly compared to those of the terrorists that attacked the United States on September 11th. His statement is seen below.

Bill Maher went on to apologize for this comment but he apologized for the ill timing of the comment and not so much the comment itself. He also explained what his comment actually meant. These are grounds for a controversial apology, because at no point did he accept fault or recognize that his actions were incorrect. In addition to this he has continued to make extreme comments like that of the terrorists demonstrating that he hasn't changed much. This leads one to wonder if he should have apologized at all if from his point of view, his actions are correct.
Terror Attacks Spark Cowardly Debate

Critical Thinking in Engineering

Many see engineering as a practical major where you learn how to use formulas. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Engineers are constantly solving problems no one has ever seen with such effectiveness that the solutions seem obvious despite the countless hours that they require.

At USC, the engineering curriculum provides students with a fair amount of opportunities to develop their thinking skills. For instance, last semester in AME 101 I had 2 design projects where I was presented with a problem that needed solving and analysis. Outside of the set curriculum, USC fosters an environment that promotes clubs like Aerial Robotics and SC Racing to form. Generally run by students and with little guidance from professors, you learn a lot about how to think in these clubs.

While USC's current system is decent, there is certainly more that can be done. For instance, being given the chance to work on projects that students can pick in class would greatly help. During the course of the project, classes should not be held, only office hours so that all of the students' interest can be directed at research and the project at hand.

Defining Critical Thought

In the eyes of many, critical thinking is the highest form of intelligence we can reach. Theoretically with this skill one can tackle any subject and master it regardless of how much practical knowledge they had on the subject at the start. In an effort to improve society many institutions attempt to teach this skill. However, teaching critical thought is difficult because not many people agree on how to define this ability. 

There are 3 skills that I find key in having the power to think critically, and therefore I define critical thought with these. The first is the ability to take in information. One must be able to find, process, and understand what outside sources are telling them. This may include organizing information in a systematic manner or summarizing it, but regardless of the method you will know exactly what your subject deals with. The second skill involves making connections based on the information at hand. "Where else have you seen this, and how can you apply what you learned then?" be creative and make connections no one has ever though of. Finally is the ability to make a decision. Take a stand and defend it, know that after all your hard work, your conclusion is the best it can be and therefore don't be afraid to communicate your findings to others.

While it isn't a skill that I find as necessary as the other three, being objective is something to keep in mind. Be open to new ideas as they may be better than yours.