Critical Thinking

Vocabulary flashcards for critical thinking concepts

Statement

Also known as a claim, assertion, or conclusion; a declaration of something.

Argument

Proposes a reason (premise) for a given conclusion.

Fact

Is factually correct and can be verified.

Opinion

A statement of belief that is not required to be factually correct.

Objective Claim

Factually true or false, independently of what people think to be true.

Subjective Claim

Factually true or false, depending on what people think to be true.

Absorption

Taking in a large amount of information for a wide variety of topics without evaluation.

Sifting

Choosing which information to retain, enhancing critical thinking skills.

Clarity

A gateway intellectual standard relevant to all others.

Accuracy

An intellectual standard that addresses the validity of the information at hand.

Precision

An intellectual standard that helps refine information.

Relevance

An intellectual standard that evaluates what's most related to the issue.

Depth

An intellectual standard that addresses the complexities of an issue.

Breadth

An intellectual standard that addresses various interpretations of an issue.

Logic

An intellectual standard where thoughts are mutually supporting and makes sense.

Significance

An intellectual standard that identifies the most important pieces of an argument or issue.

Fairness

A 'gut check' intellectual standard to avoid personal interests, ego, and unjustified assumptions.