Critical Thinking Terms R - S

Question 1

A problem or matter open to discussion or inquiry, something that is asked, as in seeking to learn or to gain knowledge.

Answer 1

QUESTION

Question 2

That which conforms to principles of good reasoning, is sensible, shows good judgment, is consistent, logical, complete, and relevant.

Answer 2

RATIONAL/RATIONALITY

Question 3

To devise socially plausible explanations or excuses for one’s actions, desires, and beliefs, when these are not one’s actual motives.

Answer 3

RATIONALIZE

Question 4

Human character and nature to the extent that we seek to base our beliefs and actions on good reasoning and evidence.

Answer 4

RATIONAL SELF

Question 5

Any belief or conclusion reached on the basis of careful thought and reflection, distinguished from mere or unreasoned opinion on the one hand and from sheer fact on the other.

Answer 5

REASONED JUDGMENT

Question 6

The mental processes of those who reason; especially the drawing of conclusions or inferences from observations, facts, or hypotheses; the evidence or arguments used in this procedure.

Answer 6

REASONING

Question 7

Entering empathically into the point of view or line of reasoning of others; learning to think as others do and that means sympathetically assessing that thinking.

Answer 7

RECIPROCITY

Question 8

Bearing upon or relating to the matter at hand.

Answer 8

RELEVANT

Question 9

Deceiving oneself about one’s true motivations, character, or identity.

Answer 9

SELF-DECEPTION

Question 10

What is perceived to be useful to oneself without regard for the rights and needs of others.

Answer 10

SELFISH INTEREST

Question 11

An inconsistency between what a society preaches and what it practices.

Answer 11

SOCIAL CONTRADICTION

Question 12

The assumption that one’s own social group is inherently and self-evidently superior to all others.

Answer 12

SOCIOCENTRICITY

Question 13

A mode of questioning that deeply probes the meaning, justification, or logical strength of a claim, position, or line of reasoning.

Answer 13

SOCRATIC QUESTIONING

Question 14

To mention, describe, or define in detail; limiting or limited; specifying or specified; precise; definite.

Answer 14

SPECIFY/SPECIFIC

Question 15

(1) an ability to question deeply one’s own framework of thought;
(2) an ability to reconstruct sympathetically and imaginatively the strongest versions of points of view and frameworks of thought opposed to one’s own; and (3) an ability to reason dialectically (multilogically) in such a way as to determine when one’s own point of view is at its weakest and when an opposing point of view is at its strongest.

Answer 15

STRONG-SENSE CRITICAL THINKERS

Question 16

The irrational tendency of the mind to psychologically join and serve people it deems as more powerful, to get what it wants.

Answer 16

SUBMISSIVE EGO