Critical thinking

Critical thinking- systematic formulation and evaluation of beliefs according to rational standards ( judicial reasoning about what to believe and do). 

What Ct is not- ( Not to win arguments) more about what is true /acceptable. Fault finding= No 

has to do with claims. “ There are more people in Texas than NY” 

Why is CT important? 

Why might CT be rare? 

Deductive arguments- typically start with a general principal 

If it's snowing, class is cancelled. 

The conclusion must be true. IF Beginning Claim is true, second true conclusion true.  

Inductive arguments-begins with some particular observations toward a general claim. 

Why might critical thinking be important- Ct systematic formulation and evaluation of benefits according to rational standards. 

Protection against being convinced of things not really in over interest, trying to deceive. 

Who? Accepted norms, society itself, politicians, social media, corporations. 

Freedom/authenticity 

Figure out your life. 

Why is CT rare? Lack of education, depends on knowing stuff. 

Self-interest people believe what is in their interest even if it's wrong. Ego does not let them see otherwise. ( People rationalize their bad beliefs, face saving). 

Why does self interest make a person vulnerable- arrogance causes blindness, makes you predictable. 

Biased to how it’s always been done-CT is risky 

Emotion/hot takes more attention. 

Homophily- where others tend to accept has been passed along by friends and acquaintances. 

Technology- atrophy of skills ( thinking that does not require you to learn anything). 

Availability error-  tendency to give greater weight to evidence that is more emotionally striking or impactful. 

Power of the group- the “Bandwagon” 

Prejudice: a belief, based in insufficient evidence,

Bids- a tendency to be prejudiced. 

Confirmation biased- tendency to only notice things that confirm that are pre-existing. 

The dunning kruger effect: the claim of ignorants- overestimate their abilities. Thinking they know everything about a topic. 

Laziness- a critical factor. 

Exposure effect- plp take comfort in familiarity. Such as repeat meme or slogan that they’ve heard 

Anti intellectualism- 

Not aware of counter arguments (false consensus)- phenomenon of people being aware of information coming from their bubble. 

FACT                                                              OPINION 

Research                                                     moral judgment

Verified demonstrated                                  values judgment ( best/ worst) 

                                                                    Claims about the future

Lecture 02/11/2026 

Not a problem for CT.

Relativism- it’s all a matter of perspective. 

When do we analyze whether to believe or do? 

When we are faced with a claim being made. 

Claims statement beliefs)- can be accepted as true or false (Right or wrong) 

Not a claim- question: where is a library?                                          

Greetings/exclamation. 

Commands : shut the garage door.

                     Hand me the hammer. 

                    Stop telling me eyes. 

What is an argument? A defense of a claim in which one or more claims are supported by one or more claims.

Indicator words- presence words, therefore, it must be, hence. So ultimately, thus, ergo, accordingly, consequently, etc. 

Conclusion : is the main point supported by other claims 

Promise: support of a conclusion. 

Presence of promise: since, because, due to the fact,