Critical Thinking

Topic 1 Introduction to Critical Thinking

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Ice-breaking
Introduce yourself: One min. 1. Say something about yourself: What you like to eat, see, dream of; ambition or what you dislike etc 2. Ask a question of either me or anyone else in the room or just make a comment on things that are going on around you etc.

What is thinking?
Is thinking an activity that is done

automatically or one that we can direct?

Is daydreaming a kind of thinking?

Can thinking skills be acquired?

(Ruggeiro p 3) 3

What is Thinking?

Thinking is any mental activity that helps formulate or solve a problem, make a decision, or fulfill a desire to understand. It is a searching for answers, a reaching for meaning.
(Ruggeiro p.4)

What mental activities are included in the thinking process? careful observation remembering wondering imagining (all work in inquiring combination) interpreting evaluating judging
(Ruggeiro p.4)
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A typical Malaysian classroom scenario?

What

is Critical Thinking?

Critical Thinking

Critical

here does not mean negative. Critical thinking is the general term given to a wide range of cognitive skillsneeded to effectively identify analyse arguments and claims evaluate overcome personal prejudices formulate and present convincing reasons in support of conclusions make reasonable, intelligent decisions about what to believe and what to do 8
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Why should students be taught critical thinking?

 Critical

Thinking is disciplined thinking governed by Clear Intellectual Standards

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Critical Thinking Standards

Clarity: 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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Q3: 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 passing up my assignment. I will pass it 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

Precision: 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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Q5: 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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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

Accuracy: Make sure your information and beliefs are true. You cannot reason correctly with false information.

Relevance: 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 then my Form Six friends. Then I can help you financially.

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Critical Thinking Standards

Consistency: 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

Logical Correctness: To think logically, you must draw well-founded conclusions from the beliefs you hold. The conclusion must be justifiably derived from statements/premises.

Completeness: Good critical thinking is never done hastily; explore the issue.
Fairness: 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) 22

The Benefits of Critical Thinking

In the college classroom, the workplace, and life 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.

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The Benefits of Critical Thinking

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

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The Benefits of Critical Thinking

In life

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 clarity and precision Sensitive to the discussed thinking errors Intellectually honest (admits ignorance and limits) Welcomes criticisms of beliefs; open to revising basic beliefs Bases beliefs on facts, not on preference or interest. Thinks independently (doesnt let groups control their beliefs). Values having true beliefs, not comfortable ones. Intellectual perseverance; will strive for truth even when it is hard to do. 26

Activity Drawing a personal logo

On a piece of paper draw a personal logo for yourself including a caption. It can be in the form of pictures, symbols which have associations with you. You can use colours if you wish to. In your tutorial class, get into groups of 4/5. Display your logo and describe it to others in about 2 mins. For example, you can say why you think the contents represents you. The other members can ask you questions for further clarification or even of re-interprete your logo.

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