A practical guide to critical thinking.docVIP

A PRACTICAL GUIDE?TO CRITICAL THINKING By Greg R. Haskins haskins02@ ? ? Acknowledgment:? Much of this paper was based on two sources, both by Robert Todd Carroll, Ph. D:? 1)?Becoming a Critical Thinker - A Guide for the New Millennium, Pearson Custom Publishing, 2000; and 2) The Skeptic’s Dictionary,?John Wiley Sons, Inc., 2003.? Please refer to these excellent references, especially the first one mentioned, for a more in-depth introduction to critical thinking. ? ? This paper presents a concise introduction to critical thinking.? It is intended as a handy tool to help anyone evaluate or develop sound reasoning and arguments. ? ? Introduction ? What Critical Thinking is Not ? Step 1:? Adopt the Attitude of a Critical Thinker ? Step 2:? Recognize Avoid Critical Thinking Hindrances ? Step 3:? Identify Characterize Arguments ? Step 4:? Evaluate Information Sources ? Step 5:? Evaluate Arguments ? Argument Checklist ? Tables of Critical Thinking Hindrances ? Introduction ? There have been many definitions of critical thinking.? From a practical perspective, it may be defined as: ? A process by which we use our knowledge and intelligence to effectively arrive at the most reasonable and justifiable positions on issues, and which endeavors to identify and overcome the numerous hindrances to rational thinking.? ? Not everyone values the need for critical thinking.? Often, being methodically objective is viewed as cold, sterile, and worst of all, boring.? To those who say “Have faith and let your feelings guide you to the truth,” or “Don’t let facts get in the way of an inspiring or interesting story,” these words will probably not resonate.? But for those who truly understand and appreciate the importance of critical thinking, this paper, including the attached tables, can become a useful reference for daily life.? ? Just because you are intelligent or have great knowledge does not mean you can think critically.? A profound genius may have the most irrational of beliefs