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Chapter Four Critical Thinking

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27 views3 pages

Chapter Four Critical Thinking

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semiramisbah055
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Chapter Four Critical thinking

Critical thinking can be defined as a wide range of cognitive skills and intellectual dispositions
needed to effectively identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments and truth claims.
critical thinking is the general term given to a wide range of cognitive skills and intellectual
dispositions needed to effectively identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments and truth claims.
Moreover, it helps to discover and overcome personal preconceptions and biases; to formulate
and present convincing reasons in support of conclusions; and to make reasonable, intelligent
decisions about what to believe and what to do.

John Dewey, has defined critical thinking as an active, persistent, and careful consideration of a
belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds, which support it and the further
conclusions to which it tends

Edward Glaser defined critical thinking as: (1) an attitude of being disposed to consider in a
thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one’s experience;
(2) knowledge of the methods of logical enquiry and reasoning; and (3) some skill in applying
those methods

Robert Ennis defined critical thinking as reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on
deciding what to believe or do.

Richard Paul: Critical thinking is that mode of thinking – about any subject, content or problem
in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the
structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them.

Michael Scriven has defined critical thinking as skilled and active interpretation and evaluation
of observations and communications, information and argumentation.

Standards of Critical Thinking


Clarity
Clarity refers to clear understanding of concepts and clearly expressing them in a language that is
free of obscurity and vagueness
Sometimes lack of clarity is due to laziness, carelessness, or a lack of skill. At other times, it
results from a misguided effort to appear clever, learned, or profound.
Precision
Accuracy
Relevance
Consistency
Logical Correctness
Completeness
Fairness

Codes of Intellectual Conduct for Effective Discussion

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Principles of Good Argument
The Structural Principle
The Relevance Principle
The Acceptability Principle
The Sufficiency Principle
The Rebuttal Principle

Principles of Critical Thinking


The Fallibility Principle
The Truth Seeking Principle
The Clarity Principle
The Principle of Charity
The Suspension of Judgment Principle
The Resolution Principle

Characteristics of Critical Thinking

Basic Traits of Critical Thinkers

Critical thinkers:
 Are honest with themselves, acknowledging what they don't know, recognizing their
limitations, and being watchful of their own errors.
 Regard problems and controversial issues as exciting challenges.
 Strive for understanding, keep curiosity alive, remain patient with complexity, and are
ready to invest time to overcome confusion.
 Base judgments on evidence rather than personal preferences, deferring judgment whenever
evidence is insufficient. They revise judgments when new evidence reveals error.
 Are interested in other people's ideas and so are willing to read and listen attentively,
even when they tend to disagree with the other person.
 Recognize that extreme views (whether conservative or liberal) are seldom correct, so
they avoid them, practice fair-mindedness, and seek a balance view.
 Practice restraint, controlling their feelings rather than being controlled by them, and
thinking before acting.

Basic Traits of Uncritical Thinkers

Uncritical thinkers:
 Pretend they know more than they do, ignore their limitations, and assume their views
are error-free.
 Regard problems and controversial issues as nuisances or threats to their ego.
 Are inpatient with complexity and thus would rather remain confused than make the
effort to understand.
 Base judgments on first impressions and gut reactions. They are unconcerned about the
amount or quality of evidence and cling to their views steadfastly.
 Are preoccupied with themselves and their own opinions, and so are unwilling to pay

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attention to others' views. At the first sign of disagreement, they tend to think, "How
can I refute this?"
 Ignore the need for balance and give preference to views that support their established
views.
 Tend to follow their feelings and act impulsively.

Barriers to Critical Thinking

Egocentrism
Sociocentrism
Unwarranted Assumptions and Stereotypes
Relativistic Thinking
Wishful Thinking

Benefits of Critical Thinking


Critical Thinking: Skills and Dispositions

Critical Thinking in the Classroom


Understanding the arguments and beliefs of others
Critically evaluating those arguments and beliefs
Developing and defending one’s own well-supported arguments and beliefs

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