Foundations of Critical Thinking
How would you define critical thinking?
Critical Thinking requires learning how to think rather than what to think.
“Critical thinking is a habit of mind characterized by the logical and comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, and events before accepting a conclusion.” Association of American Colleges and Universities
True or false:
Emotions have no role in helping us to become better critical thinking.
False
Even though emotion is an important part of critical thinking, we can end up in trouble when our actions are governed solely by feelings.
Argument appears to be correct, but on further examination is found to be incorrect
This type of argument reveals that the conclusion probably follows the premise. Key words to look for concerning this type of argument include: probably, most likely, chances are, it is reasonable to suppose, we can expect that, and it seems probable that.
Inductive Argument
What role does curiosity play in critical thinking?
Curiosity boosts creative thinking which in turn works with critical thinking to lead to better problem solving.
Einstein once said “I have not special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
How would you define reason?
The process of supporting a claim or conclusion on the basis of evidence.
Drawing a general conclusion based on a sample that is too small is an example of this fallacy type
Hasty generalization
This argument type is based on the concept that the conclusion necessarily follows the premises. Key words for this argument type include: certainly, definitely, absolutely, conclusively, and must be
Deductive Argument
We discussed cognitive development during this particular week of the course. Additionally, we discussed three stages of cognitive development which include: dualism, relativism, commitment. How would you describe the dualism stage?
Dualism:Right and wrong answers. Black and white.
Authority figures know the right answers
Milgram Obedience Study
What discussed language types during this week of the course. Two of them that we discussed include Informative language and directive language. What is the difference between the two language types?
Informative Language: True or false. For example, Sacramento is the Capitol of California
Directive Language: Direct or influence actions. For example, shut the front door
Arguing if something is going to happen in one case, then it is going to happen in all cases is an example of this type of fallacy.
For instance, if we allow people to smoke marijuana, then everyone will do it.
Slippery slope
How would you define a premise?
A premise is a reason for accepting a conclusion.
If Matt comes from Germany, then he understands German
Premise: Man comes from Germany
Conclusion: Matt understands German
We discussed barriers to critical thinking during this week of the course. One barrier is group think. What is group think?
Hint: Asch Line Experiment
Refers to group-centered thinking and is when we tend to want to conform to what others think and as a result we suffer from group bias.
During this week, you took a self-questionnaire that helped determine your specific ____style.
Fill in the blank.
Communication Style.
Aggressive, passive/aggressive, passive, assertive
A politician is asked about his/her view on healthcare and changes the topic to national defense. This is an example of this fallacy type.
Red herring
Sidetrack argument by discussing something else and bringing up other topics
How would your differentiate between an argument and rhetoric?
Rhetoric- the art of persuasion. Goal is to win.
Argument-Purpose is to discover the truth. Need good reasons for a particular position
This term refers to the concept of holding two or more contradictory views simultaneously and believing both to be true.
Doublethink.
For instance, believe in equality between men and women, but also believe that women should be caretakers in the home.
Distinguishing between correct and incorrect reasoning is the task of _____
Fill in the blank
Logic
This fallacy type occurs when an individual attacks another individual who is making argument instead of presenting a counter-argument.
For instance, of course Chris wants affirmative action policies, he benefits from it.
Ad Hominem (personal attack)
There are two specific type of premises that we discussed in class. The two we discussed are descriptive premises and prescriptive premises. How would you define each type of premise?
Descriptive premises: Based on empirical facts or any of our five senses. For instance, Sacramento is the capital of California. Can be proven true or false.
Prescriptive premises:What should be done. For instance, it is wrong to cheat on homework. Cannot be proven true or false