Critical Thinking

COURSE OUTLINE:

By learning the critical thinking strategies outlined within this book, you will make effective decisions based on careful evaluation, develop the best solutions to problems, identify key issues without getting sidetracked, and use critical thinking to write and speak with impact. It's easy to fall into "thinking traps" such as emotional manipulation, deceptive reasoning and lazy thinking. This book will teach you how to identify and avoid these traps, and how to deal with them when you encounter them within yourself or your organization. You will also be introduced to different styles of critical thinking, and how each works to deepen your understanding of the facts and information you have.For more information, please see the complete class outline. Course Length 1.0 DayDescription By learning the critical thinking strategies outlined within this book, you will make effective decisions based on careful evaluation, develop the best solutions to problems, identify key issues without getting sidetracked, and use critical thinking to write and speak with impact. It's easy to fall into "thinking traps" such as emotional manipulation, deceptive reasoning and lazy thinking. This book will teach you how to identify and avoid these traps, and how to deal with them when you encounter them within yourself or your organization. You will also be introduced to different styles of critical thinking, and how each works to deepen your understanding of the facts and information you have.Course Content

UNDERSTANDING CRITICAL VS. NON-CRITICAL THINKING

The Case for Critical Thinking Recognizing Deceptive Reasoning Detecting Emotional Manipulation Styles of Non-Critical Thinking Critical Thinking Styles Becoming a Critical Thinker

RECOGNIZING AND EVALUATING ARGUMENTS

Defining Arguments Step 1: Pinpointing Issues Step 2: Identifying Arguments Step 3: Seeking Clarity Step 4: Understanding Context Step 5: Finding Credibility Step 6: Looking for Consistency Step 7: Judging Arguments Presenting Ideas Powerfully

DEVELOPING AND EVALUATING EXPLANATIONS

Explanations vs. Arguments Formulating Explanations Element 1: Gathering Information Element 2: Processing Information Element 3: Developing Hypotheses Element 4: Testing Hypotheses Asking Discovery Questions Challenging Assumptions

APPENDIX

Reviewing What You've Learned Author's Suggested Responses to the Exercises Author's Suggested Responses to the Case Studies Additional Reading

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