Critical thinking - intro

Critical thinking - intro

1. Ryle 1971:

   • knowledge is the idea that something is that a case consists of a kind of theory
   • Knowing is a skill
     • skills are not easily taught - they're acquired by doing and practicing
     • Critical thinking is a skill - although the basics can be taught, but real competence comes through actually doing it
     • Participation is a key component of this module

2. What is critical thinking?

   • = the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action

3. What's wrong with 'Folk psych'

   • Has very naive explanations that aren't very detailed or comprehensive
   • They're often incorrect
   • We often see patterns where none exist
   • We lack self-knowledge - we don't always have access to the reasons behind our behaviour
     • E.G., When you're frustrated it's good to let off steam
     • E.G., Job interviews allow an excellent opportunity to judge applicants

4. Why do you need to think critically?

   • Practical
     • The 'Jerk Avoidance' function - wise consumers, more careful judges, or more cautious interpreters or info and behaviour
   • Theoretical
     • developing scientific explanations - develop an appreciation for scientific explanations of behaviour
   • Methodological
     • Testing scientific ideas - applying understanding of scientific methods
   • There was a survey o corporate execs done whick revealed the top 3 characteristics they were looking for in graduates, which were: 'teamwork skills', 'critical thinking and analytic reasoning', and 'oral/written communication' skills (Vance, 2007, p.30)

5. CRITICAL THINKING PROCESS:

   • 1. Identifying other people's positions
   • 2. Evaluating the evidence for alternative point of views
   • 3. Weighing up opposing arguments and evidence fairly
   • 4. Being able to read between the lines, seeing behind surfaces, and identifying false/unfair assumptions
   • 5. Recognising techniques to make certain positions more appealing, such as false logic and persuasive devices
   • 6. Reflecting on issues in a structured way, bringing logic and insight to bear
   • 7. Drawing conclusions about whether arguments are valid & justifiable, based on good evidence & sensible assumptions
   • 8. Synthesising info: drawing together your judgements of the evidence, synthesising these to form your new position
   • 9. Presenting a pov in a structured, clear, well-reasoned way that convinces others