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Page 52.

Why do we need to think critically?

We need to think critically to be able to problem solve in the most efficient and beneficial way possible.

Critical thinking — “making reasoned judgements” — Barry Beyer pg 57

Critical thinking is active

Always be questioning

Interpretation — essentially listening

  • what is being said and what is not being said?

  • Are we adding our own implications into it rather than what is actually being said

Analysis — breaking it apart

  • separating out the claim of what someone is saying and the evidence that’s used to support it

Evaluation — assessing various claims and arguments for validity

  • correlation does not equal causation

  • Does it ring true?

  • Does the logic hold up?

  • Is the speaker credible?

  • What questions or objections are raised by claims?

Self-regulation — monitor our own thinking and our own biases

  • Can’t eliminate unconscious biases but monitor them

Inference — what is the speaker implying? What conclusions could we make by considering the overall message? Or what conclusions does the speaker lead us to make?

  • what conclusion does the speaker want us to make and are we making it ?

Explanation — consider the evidence and claims together and explain

Evaluation — how to spot fake news?

  • consider the source

  • Read beyond the headline

  • Check the author

  • Supporting sources

  • Check the date

  • Is it a joke?

  • Check your biases

  • Ask the experts

Habits of strong critical thinkers pg 61

  • Truth seeking ethos — exercise an ethical foundation in searching for the truth

  • Open minded — open and receptive to all ideas arguments — even those with which they disagree

  • Analytical — interested in understanding and unpacking what is happening in a message

  • Systematic — avoid jumping to conclusions. Take time to systematically examine a message

  • Confident in reasoning — have faith in the power of logic and sound reasoning. Value the power of letting others draw their own conclusions

  • Inquisitive — curious by nature. Ask questions, want to know more

  • Judicious — prudent in acting and making judgements. Sensible actions — dont jump on the bandwagon of common thought because everyone else is doing it or it looks good

Habits that hinder critical thinking

  • mine is better — egocentric — my idea is the best

  • Face-saving — protect/restore self-image

  • Resistance to change — rejecting idea due to fear, laziness, etc.

  • conformity — following social norms (jumping on the bandwagon)

  • Stereotyping — irrational generalizations

  • Self-deception — everyone else is wrong but not me!