to analyze case studies. You then need to sustain a line of reasoning and support your claims with a central theme and purpose, or thesis.

To do so, you should build your position using not only your own ideas and intuitions but also input from established factual sources.

(1) identify the central topic area and specific problem; (2) express your viewpoint in writing, which will help you compose your thesis; (3) round out a position statement by using at least three separate arguments; and (4) write a summary of your position on the topic, including your specific arguments and evidence.

In an argument, you must sustain a line of reasoning; you must lead your listener from point A to point B, all the way to your conclusion.

thesis states the conclusion of your analysis and an idea about the premises that you use to support the conclusion.

Instead, look for similar, straightforward moral cases in which the outcome is fairly obvious.

reflective equilibrium, you attempt to arrive at a resolution that both adheres to the moral principles identified and results in an acceptable outcome.

In reflective thinking, you need to try on different principles and statements to see if they cohere with other beliefs.

However, in moral case studies, we don't have the governing cases provided. What we must do instead is try to take straightforward moral cases where the outcome is fairly obvious.

l reflective equilibrium

f reflective equilibrium requires us to test our intuitions by going back and forth among conclusions about the particular instances or cases, the moral principles that we think of as governing them, and the implications of application of those principles to our case.

The goal in a case study is to explore all the angles of a particular case and the issues that are related to it

Reflective thinking is a meta-cognitive process, or thinking about thinking

First, you should identify the facts of the case. Next, you should identify the legal question, and then formulate arguments for both sides of the question. Finally, you should explain, evaluate, or predict the potential impact of the court decision.

In critical thinking, a case study is an examination of a single instance or event —a case.

Analyzing case studies helps you recognize your own viewpoints by highlighting your background assumptions

you must look back and forth between the standards you seek to uphold and your current line of reasoning.

determine the purpose of the argument.

evaluate the reasonin

research ideas, values, beliefs, or theories that function as background assumptions.