Critical Thinking

1. Critical Thinking Implementing the hypothesis and supporting evidence

2. What is Critical Thinking? • Multiple definitions of critical thinking • It is: • Self-directed • Self-disciplined • Self-monitored • Self-corrective thinking

3. Two Components of Critical Thinking • Critical thinking can be seen as having two components: • A set of information-and-belief-generating and processing skills • The habit, based on intellectual commitment, of using those skills to guide behavior

4. Elements of Thought(Used with Sensitivity to Universal Intellectual Standards) • Purpose • Questions at issue • Information • Interpretation and Inference • Concepts • Assumptions • Implications and Consequences • Point of View

5. Universal Intellectual Standards • Clarity • Accuracy • Precision • Relevance • Depth • Breadth • Logic • Significance • Fairness

6. Intellectual Traits or Virtues • Intellectual integrity • Intellectual humility • Confidence in reason • Intellectual perseverance • Fair-mindedness • Intellectual courage • Intellectual empathy • Intellectual autonomy

7. How Critical Thinking Relates to the Scientific Method • Critical thinking can be described as the scientific method applied by ordinary people to the ordinary world. • Critical thinking involves the same elements as the scientific method.

8. References • Foundation for Critical Thinking. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. 2007. • Foundation for Critical Thinking. “Defining Critical Thinking”. http://www.criticalthinking.org. 2008. 19 June 2008. • Schafersman, Steven D. “An Introduction to Critical Thinking.” http://freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.html. 1991. 23 June 2008. • Houghton Mifflin College. “Critical Thinking.” http://college.hmco.com/instructors/ins_teachtech_foundations_module_critthink.html. 26 June 2008.