Lesson 7 : Critical_Thinking_I

Critical Thinking I

Definition of Critical Thinking

• Critical thinking involves carefully and objectively analyzing a subject or idea by:

  • Setting aside personal feelings, biases, or opinions to receive data-driven answers.

  • Focusing on facts, logic, and evidence.

Methods for Evaluating Information

• Statement:

  • Presents information without trying to influence.

  • Simply claims something.

  • Can be either true or false.

• Argument:

  • Attempts to influence or persuade.

  • Offers a reason or justification.

Fact vs. Opinion

• Fact: Can be verified or proven true.

• Opinion: Personal belief or judgment; cannot be proven.

Objective vs. Subjective Claims

• Objective Claim: Truth is independent of personal belief.

  • Example: “That object is a cup.”

• Subjective Claim: Truth depends on personal perspective.

  • Example: “My favorite subject in school is science.”

Nine Intellectual Standards

1. Clarity

   • Elaborate on the information given

   • Memory Trick: “Clear like glass.” If someone can’t understand it, you need to clarify.

2. Accuracy

   • Assessing the validity of the information

   • Memory Trick: “Accurate = Actual.” Make sure the info is true and correct.

3. Precision

   • Get the specific details from the information

   • Memory Trick: “Precision = Pinpoint.” Don't settle for vague—get exact.

4. Relevance

   • What’s related to the information

   • Memory Trick: “Relevant = Related.” Stick to what matters for the topic.

5. Depth

   • Address the complexity of the information

   • Memory Trick: “Depth = Dig Deeper.” Don’t just scratch the surface—go into the layers

6. Breadth

   • Look at the information from a different perspective

   • Memory Trick: “Breadth = Broader View.” Consider other angles or viewpoints.

7. Logic

   • Does the information make sense?

   • Memory Trick: “Logic = Links that fit.” Make sure each point follows the next clearly.

8. Significance

   • What’s the most important detail from the information?

   • Memory Trick: “Significance = Spotlight.” Highlight what matters most.

9. Fairness

   • What justifies the way I’m thinking?

   • Memory Trick: “Fair = Free from Bias.” Keep it balanced and honest.

Cognitive Domain Operations and Disinformation

• Cognitive Domain

  • Focuses on intellectual skills and thought processes

  • Relates to how people think, reason, and make decisions

  • Memory Trick: “Cognitive = Thinking Zone” Think of the mind as a battlespace where thoughts are the targets.

• Cognitive Domain Operations

  • Target people’s will, beliefs, and psychology

  • Aim to influence decision-making and behavior

  • Consider thoughts and perception as combat objectives

  • Purpose: Change how someone thinks to change what they do

    • Example: The Boy Who Cried Wolf – repeated lies led to a change in trust and response.

  • Memory Trick: “Change the mind, change the mission.” These are tools of mental manipulation—not physical attacks.

• Disinformation

  • The intentional spread of false information

  • Created to mislead, confuse, or control beliefs

  • Targets your existing biases to make the lie seem true

  • Disrupts accurate understanding and trust in truth

  • Memory Trick: “Dis = Dishonest Info” Disinformation works because it feels true—not because it is.

• Confirmation Bias

  • The tendency to favor info that supports your current beliefs

  • Makes it harder to accept new or opposing information

  • Disinformation feeds confirmation bias to reinforce false beliefs

  • Memory Trick: “If I believe it, I receive it.” It’s like wearing belief-colored glasses—everything looks like what you already think.

• Lock-In Summary Phrase:

  • “Cognitive attacks change how you think; disinformation feeds what you already believe”