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Critical Thinking

Topic 1(Lecture 1)
Introduction to Critical
Thinking
CRITICAL THINKING
What you would like to know about this course?
The basics of critical thinking e.g. definitions, concepts
Analyzing arguments premises, conclusions
Evaluating arguments valid / invalid
Writing argumentative essays
Practice in real world applications of critical thinking
examples taken from present day issues affecting the
young and old
Emphasis on collaborative learning
Method of Assessment

1. Coursework Presentation 50%



2. Final Examination 50%


GRAND TOTAL 100%
TEXT
Main Text:
Basham, G., Irwin, W., Nardone, H. &
Wallace, JM. (2008). Critical Thinking: A
Students Introduction. (4th ed.) New
York: McGraw-Hill.Epstein, RL.
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What is thinking?
Can thinking skills be acquired?

Is thinking an activity that is done
automatically or one that we can direct?
Is daydreaming a kind of thinking?


(Ruggeiro p
3)
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Thinking is any __________
that helps formulate or solve a
_________, make a _______,
or fulfill a desire to
__________. It is a searching
for __________, a reaching
for __________.

What is Thinking?
(Ruggeiro p.4)
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What mental activities are included in the
thinking process?
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
(Ruggeiro p.4)
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What is Critical Thinking?
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Critical Thinking
Critical here does not mean negative.
Critical thinking is the general term given to a wide range
of cognitive skillsneeded to effectively
________
________ arguments and claims
________
overcome personal prejudices
formulate and present convincing reasons in
support of conclusions
make reasonable, intelligent decisions about
what to believe and what to do
*
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WHY CRITICAL THINKING?
Why should students be taught critical thinking?
So that students learn _____to think and not
(told) _____to think
Higher order thinking skills which will help
understand arguments and beliefs of others
For active, intelligent evaluation of information,
opinions, beliefs, etc.
To be able to make valid __________
(Refer to (Bassham p9)
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Critical Thinking is _____________
governed by __________________.
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Critical Thinking Standards
_________ :That which is true should be
expressed clearly.

If you want others to understand what you
say, you must express yourself clearly. Many
people fail to express themselves clearly
perhaps out of laziness, carelessness, poor
understanding or lack of skill.

(Ref. Baasham p2)
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Examine the statements below and say in
what way they are unclear?
1. Raymond, you were late this week, and twice
the last month. I will be reporting you to the
office soon.
2. Papa, I would like a raise in my pocket money
because I need to buy some books soon.
3. Mr.Ang, Im sorry I am late in handing in my
assignment. I will hand it in when I finish it.
4. I want to become successful in future and make
a name for myself.
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Critical Thinking Standards
____________ :
Pay close attention to detail. Insist on specific definitions
and specific questions. Then there will be no confusion.

Q4:Which of the questions below is a good question.
Why?
Is abortion wrong?
Should abortion be made legal?,
Good question because it is specific and not vague
like wrong or moral.
Is having an abortion ever moral?

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Study the texts and rewrite in a
precise manner.
I am writing this complaint to you as a
consumer. I bought a toaster two weeks
ago at the Maju Store it has not worked
well. When I returned the toaster and
asked for a refund, the store manager told
me off. This is not right.
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Read the conversation. How could the
son have been more precise?
Son: Can I have RM100,please?
Mother: Why?
Son: Broke. Also am going out.
Mother: With whom?
Son: My friend.
Mother: Who?
Son: You dont know. Can I have the money, please?
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Critical Thinking Standards
_________: Make sure your
information and beliefs are true. You
cannot reason correctly with false
information.

_________:Stay focused on relevant
ideas and information. Avoid making
distracting statements.
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Study the text below and say why it is not
accurate. Identify the irrelevancies.
Son: Papa, I dont want to enter Form Six
because I hear it is difficult. Many teachers dont
even enter classes. There is more emphasis on
sports and club activities. Remember you
scolded me last year when I was concentrating
too much on football? Besides, I will be wasting
two years. So let me go to college and I will get
a job earlier than my Form Six friends. Then I
can help you financially.
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Critical Thinking Standards
__________ : Avoid contradiction. If a person
holds inconsistent beliefs, at least one of the
beliefs must be false.
Two kinds of inconsistency.
Practical inconsistency/hypocrisy: saying
one thing and doing another.
Logical inconsistency/irrationality: believing
two things that cannot be simultaneously true.
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Is Mr.Lees argument consistent? Why?
Mr. Lee: Son, tomorrow is your first day at your
job. Let me tell you that the most
important quality of an employee is
honesty and commitment to work. See,
I am always punctual and hardly take
sick leave!
Mrs. Lee: Dear, there is a call for you.
Mr. Lee : Oh, my goodness! If its my boss,
tell her I have already left for work.
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Critical Thinking Standards
______________: To think logically, you must draw well-
founded (justifiable/sound) conclusions from the beliefs
you hold. The conclusion must be justifiably derived from
statements/premises.

______________: Good critical thinking is never done
hastily(hurriedly); explore the issue.

______________: Be open-minded, impartial, non-
biased. Do not dismiss something just because it is new
or it is contrary to something you already believe in.
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Examine the text below from the viewpoint
of logical correctness and fairness.
Employer: I prefer to employ Michael
because he is a man. Shirley has better
qualifications, I know, but being a woman,
she will be reluctant to work late hours.
Besides, women are so sensitive and may
complain of sexual harassment at work. I
dont want all that trouble.
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The Benefits of Critical Thinking
In the college classroom, the workplace,
and life
Contrary to popular opinion, the main purpose of
college education is not to teach you how to make a
living but how to live. So you must:
evaluate your own beliefs and develop your set
of beliefs.
understand and evaluate the
beliefs/positions/arguments of others.
develop a belief system that corresponds not
only to the way the world is but leads to an ethical
and meaningful life. (Baasham p8)
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The Benefits of Critical Thinking
In college, you must learn to :
understand the material you are studying
evaluate the beliefs/arguments of others
develop your own arguments on topics or issues

In the workplace, you must be able to :
gather and analyze information
draw appropriate conclusions
solve problems
think creatively

Specificallyin lifecritical thinking helps us
avoid bad personal decisions.
make informed political decisions.
attain personal enrichment.
behave morally.

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Characteristics of a Critical Thinker
Strives for _______________________
____________ to the discussed thinking errors
Intellectually ________ (admits ignorance and limits)
Welcomes ________ of beliefs; open to revising basic
beliefs
Bases beliefs on _______, not on preference or
interest.
_________________ (doesnt let groups control their
beliefs).
Values having __________, not comfortable ones.
_____________________; will strive for truth even
when it is hard to do.