critical thinking - topic 1

8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1

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Critical Thinking

Topic 1Introduction 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 whatyou dislike etc

2. Ask a question of either me or anyone

else in the room or just make a commenton things that are going on around youetc.


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What is thinking?

Can thinking skills be acquired?

Is thinking an activity that is done

automatically or one that we can direct?

Is daydreaming a kind of thinking?

(Ruggeiro p3)


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Thinking is any mental activity

that helps formulate or solve a

problem, make a decision, orfulfill a desire to understand. It

is a searching for answers, a

reaching for meaning.

What is Thinking?

(Ruggeiro p.4)


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A typical Malaysian classroom scenario?


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What isCritical Thinking?


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Critical Thinking

Critical here does not mean negative.

Critical thinking is the general term given to a widerange of cognitive skillsneeded to effectively

identify

analyse arguments and claimsevaluate

overcome personal prejudices

formulate and present convincing reasons insupport of conclusions

make reasonable, intelligent decisions about

what to believe and what to do*


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Why should students be taught

critical thinking?


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Critical Thinking is disciplined thinkinggoverned byClear Intellectual

Standards


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Critical Thinking Standards

Clarity:That which is true should be expressedclearly.

If you want others to understand what you say, you

must express yourself clearly. Many people fail toexpress themselves clearly perhaps out oflaziness, carelessness, poor understanding or lackof 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 theoffice soon.

2. Papa, I would like a raise in my pocketmoney 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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Precision:

Pay close attention to detail. Insist on specific definitionsand 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 vaguelike 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 workedwell. 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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Accuracy:Make sure your information andbeliefs 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 Sixbecause I hear it is difficult. Many teachers donteven enter classes. There is more emphasis onsports and club activities. Remember youscolded me last year when I was concentratingtoo much on football? Besides, I will be wastingtwo years. So let me go to college and I will get

a job earlier then my Form Six friends. Then Ican help you financially.


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Consistency:Avoid contradiction. If a person holdsinconsistent beliefs, at least one of the beliefs mustbe 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 andcommitment 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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Logical Correctness: To think logically, you mustdraw well-founded conclusions from the beliefs youhold. The conclusion must be justifiably derivedfrom statements/premises.

Completeness:Good critical thinking is never donehastily; explore the issue.

Fairness:Be open-minded, impartial, non-biased.Do not dismiss something just because it is new orit 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. Idont want all that trouble.


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The Benefits of Critical Thinking

In the college classroom, the workplace, andlife

Contrary to popular opinion, the main purposeof college education is not to teach you how to

make a living but how to l ive.So you must:evaluate your own beliefs and develop your

set of beliefs.

understand and evaluate thebeliefs/positions/arguments of others.

develop a belief system that corresponds notonly to the way the world is but leads to an

ethical and meaningful life.Baasham p8)


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In the college classroom, the workplace, and life

In co l lege, you must learn to :

understand the materialyou are studying

evaluate the beliefs/argumentsof others

develop your own argumentson topics or issues.


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In the workplace, youmust be able to :

gather and analyzeinformation

draw appropriate conclusions

solveproblems

think creatively


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In life

Specificallyin lifecritical thinking helps us

avoid bad personal decisions.

makeinformed political decisions. attain personal enrichment.

behave morally.


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Characteristics of a Critical Thinker

Strives for clarity and precision Sensitiveto the discussed thinking errors

Intellectually honest (admits ignorance and limits)

Welcomes criticismsof 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.


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ActivityDrawing a personal logo

On a piece of paper draw a personal logo foryourself including a caption. It can be in the formof 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 inabout 2 mins. For example, you can say whyyou think the contents represents you. The othermembers can ask you questions for furtherclarification or even of re-interprete your logo.

critical thinking - topic 1

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