An exercise in critical thinking: a pen

Describe

State what it is: A pen known as a ball point invented in the 20th century.

Analyse

The pen is made mainly from plastic, with ink and a small metal end.

Name the parts

An external sheath that is held in the fingers which has a name printed on it of the company that produced this pen, an inner tube that holds the ink that flows to the writing point which has a stopper at the other end which holds the inner tube in place.

Look at the relationships between the parts

The ink held within the inner tube is slowly being used up through writing with the pen. The pen therefore has a limited span of use. The stopper at the other end is extremely difficult to remove without destroying the outer plastic tube.

What are the possible problems/issues with these relationships

The relationship between the parts is such that it would be extremely difficult to refill the ink tube once it has been used up.

Evaluate

The structure of the pen is such that once the ink has gone it will be necessary to buy a new pen. This could be difficult if I have little money, or if getting to a shop is hard for me. Also where and how do I throw the pen away without it being detrimental to the environment? Is the constant production of plastic pens a good use of our resources? What environmental wastes are created when a plastic tube is made? Is my buying this pen contributing to children working in terrible factories in impoverished countries?

Imagine an alternative scenario

Could I buy a pen that is refillable, ‘environmentally friendly’, made by a skilled craftsperson, is affordable to a struggling student and that will possibly last a life time?

Continuing the process

What would a society be like if the answer to the above question was, yes?