At least eight ways exist to read and interpret texts. Below is a list of eight critical lenses with definitions, questions, and strategies used for each. As you read, consider shifting your perspective
or viewpoint, or the LENSES THROUGH WHICH YOU READ. What lenses might offer you more insight into the text?
• How is this problem represented or discussed in popular culture?
• What social implications does this problem have?
• How does it affect how society is organized or structured?
• Does this problem disproportionately affect a particular social or cultural group?
• What social or cultural changes could help solve this problem?
• How is this problem represented artistically?
• Could art (in all forms: fine art, music, literature, film, television) be part of a solution to this problem?
• What philosophical stances or beliefs does this problem involve?
• How are artists engaging with this problem?
• Are there design-based solutions to this problem (architecture, etc.)?
• What are the different political perspectives on this problem?
• If divided by party lines, what is the reasoning behind each party’s stance?
• What is the history of this problem?
• How have people attempted to address it in the past?
• What has prevented this problem from being solved already?
• What environmental consequences does this problem have?
• What environments will be affected by this problem?
• What environmental actions might solve this problem?
• Are there unintended consequences of possible environmental solutions?
• What environmental ripple effect exist due to this problem?
• What might happen to humans because of environmental changes resulting from this problem?
• Are there economic reasons this problem exists?
• Who profits because of this problem?
• Who loses money because of this problem?
• What economic solutions exist for this problem?
• What will a suggested solution cost?
• Who will pay for a solution to the problem?
• Will solving this problem be beneficial or detrimental to the economy?
• What is the science behind this problem?
• Are there scientific solutions to this problem? What innovations could address this problem?
• How effective are the scientific solutions? What limitations do they have?
• What medical effects could this problem have?
• Are there medical solutions to this problem? How effective are they?
• If this problem is not solved, what will be the consequences in the future?
• What are the possible future consequences of solving this problem?
• How will the future be changed by solving or not solving the problem?
• What precedents for the future might be set by solving or not solving this problem?
• What ethical issues exist around this problem?
• How do we know what the right or wrong thing to do in this case is?
• What ethical precedents might be set by solving or not solving this problem?
• What are the perspectives of different religions on this problem? Why does each religion hold this perspective?
• How might different religious perspectives affect work towards a solution?
• What laws or regulations exist around this problem?
• Are there court decisions related to this problem?
• How might legal precedent affect different solutions to the problem?
• Are there legislative solutions to this problem?
• What issues might exist in getting these legislative solutions passed?