Critical Thinking Flashcards
What should you regularly challenge in your thinking?
Underlying assumptions
This involves questioning the beliefs and arguments you encounter.
What is essential for ensuring clear understanding of concepts?
Clarity in definitions
Avoid vague generalisations.
What type of sources should you gather information from?
Variety of credible sources
This includes academic journals, books, and trusted websites.
What must you critically evaluate when discussing evidence?
Quality, relevance, and reliability
This applies to any evidence presented in discussions.
What should you identify in your views and those of your sources?
Potential biases
Recognising bias helps in understanding perspectives better.
What type of reasoning should you apply when assessing arguments?
Logical reasoning
This includes deductive and inductive logic.
What practice involves reviewing your thought processes?
Reflective thinking
This helps identify areas for improvement in decision-making.
What type of questioning helps delve deeper into issues?
Socratic questioning
Asking probing ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions.
What is crucial to distinguish in your reasoning?
Facts from opinions
This helps in evaluating arguments more effectively.
What should you do to assess the validity of arguments?
Dissect arguments
Break them into premises and conclusions.
What can you create to test theories or beliefs?
Thought experiments
These are hypothetical scenarios.
What should you formulate and seek evidence for?
Hypotheses
This involves validating or refuting them through research.
What attitude should you cultivate regarding knowledge?
Intellectual humility
Recognising that no one has all the answers.
What should you actively seek to challenge your understanding?
Diverse perspectives
This helps refine and broaden your insights.
What type of discussions should you engage in?
Civil discourse
Thoughtful debates that refine your arguments.
What relationships should you examine to understand processes?
Cause and effect
This helps in understanding how actions lead to outcomes.
What skill involves focusing closely on what others say?
Active listening
Ensures full understanding before responding.
What should you create to visualise complex ideas?
Visual organisers
Diagrams, flowcharts, or mind maps can be used.
What should you keep to track your reflections?
Thought journal
This helps in noting patterns in your thinking.
What should you study to avoid reasoning errors?
Logical fallacies
Familiarising with common errors like straw man or ad hominem.
What can philosophical texts provide?
Frameworks for analysis
They help in understanding ethical and metaphysical arguments.
What should you regularly do regarding current events?
Stay informed
Critically analyse news from trusted sources.
What models can help in decision-making?
Decision-making models
Examples include SWOT analysis.
What analysis helps prepare for different outcomes?
Scenario analysis
Considering multiple potential outcomes.