2. Critical Thinking
• What is means to think critically
• Why it matters (now and in the
future)
• How skills in this area can be
developed
3. What does it mean
to think critically?
• Critical thinkers question
the world around them and
know the difference
between opinion and fact.
• They consider opposing
viewpoints and the basis of
them.
• They make decisions
supported by evidence
and not assumptions.
• Critical thinkers are not
simply persuaded by short
term benefits but consider
long term outcomes.
• Critical thinkers reason and
analyze before deciding.
4. Uses of critical
thinking
• Critical thinking informs
reading, writing, speaking and
listening
• Critical thinking uncovers bias
and prejudice
• Critical thinking reveals non-
sense (crap detector!), half-
truths and deception
• Critical thinking leads to better
decisions
Acquiring this skill is one of the
major goals of education
Being educated means being a
critical thinker!
6. How do you
become a critical
thinker?
Steps:
1. Why am I considering
this issue?
2. What are the various
points of view?
3. How well is each
viewpoint supported?
4. Can I combine
various POV’s and
create a new one?
8. Critical thinking leaves you
open to new ideas
This is the number one reason employers like
critical thinkers!
Critical thinkers are idea people…non-critical
thinkers are stuck.
Brainstormers
Open to serendipity
Change their minds often—refine ideas!
Analyze data to come up with new
thoughts/intereptations
9. Barriers to Critical
Thinking
• Jumping to conclusions
• Personal attacks
• Appeals to authority
• False causation
• Scorched earth/all or nothing
thinking
• Emotional appeals
• Straw dogs
• Tradition
• Slippery slope
• Red herrings