Defining Critical Thinking
The Critical Thinker
Anatomy of an Argument
Toulmin Model
Types of reasoning
1

According to Scriven & Paul, this is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, and _____________ information.

Evaluating

1

This characteristic describes a thinker's desire to seek out new information and ask "why".

Curiosity

1

These are the statements offered in an argument to provide support, evidence, or reasons for a conclusion.

Premises

1

In the Toulmin model, this term refers to the main point or position being argued.

Claim

1

This type of argument is one where the conclusion necessarily and with certainty follows from the premises.

Deductive

2

This intellectual value involves analyzing information without being influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

Objectivity

2

Critical thinkers practice this habit of looking back at their own thoughts and being open to changing their opinions.

Self-reflection (or Introspection)

2

This is the specific statement or claim that an argument is attempting to prove or argue for.

Conclusion

2

These are the facts or evidence (also called Data) used to support the claim.

Grounds

2

This three-part logical argument combines two premises to arrive at a necessary conclusion.

Syllogism

3

Critical thinking is used as a guide to these two fundamental human outcomes. Give one.

Belief and Action

3

In the workplace, critical thinking helps improve this process by relying on objective reasoning rather than emotional impulses.

Decision-making

3

This term describes the process of reasoning from the truth of the premises to the truth of the conclusion.

Inference

3

This component explains the logical connection between the grounds and the claim.

Warrant

3

This type of reasoning moves from specific observations or patterns to general, probable conclusions.

Inductive

4

Give one of the three universal intellectual values mentioned in our discussion that transcend subject matter divisions.

clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, depth, breadth, or fairness

4

This specific skill involves drawing logical conclusions from evidence or premises.

Inference/Deduction

4

These are specific words like "hence" or "therefore" that signal a conclusion is following from the premises.

Markers/Indicators

4

This part of the model provides additional support specifically for the warrant.

Backing

4

In a syllogism, this is the name given to the more general premise.

Major premise

5

The statement "critical thinking is only for scholars and lacks utility in everyday life" is an example of what?

Misconception

5

Beyond just solving problems, critical thinking promotes this by encouraging individuals to think "outside the box" for innovative solutions.

Creativity

5

Hitchcock's definition views an argument not just as a structure, but as a "________ speech act" consisting of premising and concluding.

Complex

5

This element recognizes the limits of a claim using words like "likely" or "probably".

Qualifier

5

This type of argument solves problems by transferring knowledge from a familiar context to an unfamiliar but similar one.

Analogical

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