Introduction to critical thinking

Definition of critical thinking

the clear, active process of carefully evaluating information, facts, and arguments before deciding what to believe or do.

It’s about making sure you have good reasons for your beliefs.

Essential skills for critical thinking

How to distinguish good reasons for believing something from bad reason for believing something

What is “good” and “bad” in critical thinking?

It doesn’t have anything to do with ethics.

What is it to say that a reason is good is closely tied to the notion of truth

A good reason for a belief is one that makes it probable

The best reasons for a belief make it certain, guaranteed

Why does critical thinking matter?

Since we’re rational, we want our beliefs to be true. Rational people want to have true beliefs and don’t want to have bad beliefs.

The best way to be rational is to form beliefs only when you find good reasons for it.

What is an argument?

Statements that together comprise a reason for a further statement

What are premises?

The statements that are the reason we call the arguments

What is the argument’s conclusion?

The statement that the premises give you reason to believe