Critical Thinking

What the resources cover

This unit page is mostly mind maps, with flashcard decks, quizzes, notes, slide sets and a couple of flowcharts alongside. The core idea running through them is the structure of an argument: reasons, a conclusion, indicators, counter arguments and evidence. The flashcard deck Unit 1 Keywords lists terms such as claim, assumption, hypothetical reasoning and the reverse test. Other decks cover credibility, hearsay, inconsistency and the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map C.T. Revision, which sets out argument, conclusion, reasons and key terms in one view. Then read the notes on the power of critical thinking, obstacles to it, and making sense of arguments. The slide set on the R.E.D model walks through recognising assumptions and evaluating information, which is a handy way to see the skills used in order.

Using quizzes and maps together

Study a map, close it, then try a quiz. Basics Quiz One checks ideas such as independent thinking and confident claims. The quiz on the structure of an argument tests whether you can spot reasons and conclusions. Wrong answers show which branch of a map to revisit. The mind maps titled Critical Thinking Unit 1 (F501) suit anyone working through the first unit of the OCR AS Critical Thinking course, which some resources mention.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Introduction to Philosophy and Reasoning within Philosophy. It gives a base in argument analysis that other reasoning topics in that strand can build on.

Next step

Choose one map, one deck and one quiz, work through them in turn, then try writing your own summary of an argument from a news article or a set text.