INTRO TO CRITICAL THINKING & CLAIMS Flashcards
Characteristics of Critical Thinkers
- self aware
- curious
- independent
self aware
know own biases, strengths, weaknesses, strategies used for critical thinking
curious
engage in active challenge, open to new perspectives
independent
learn from others & use knowledge to make your own opinions & actions
how critical thinkers approach arguments
- follower
- cynic
- healthy skeptic
follower
blindly accept all arguments; ignore reasoning/assume evidence presented is reliable
cynic
reject all arguments; assume all reasoning is flawed/all evidence presented is biased/false
healthy skeptic
actively assess arguments based on reasoning & evidence based on reliability
system 1 of thinking
- Generates Quick Impressions
- automatic
ex: When an experienced driver is driving on a familiar route, they operate largely on autopilot. They react quickly to traffic signals, stop signs, and other drivers without much conscious effort. Their brain processes information automatically, using intuition and past experience.
system 2 of thinking
- Evaluates and Analyzes
- deliberate, self-controlled
ex: When the same driver encounters an unfamiliar city with complex intersections, heavy traffic, and unexpected detours, they have to focus more. They read signs carefully, analyze GPS directions, and make deliberate decisions about where to turn. This requires conscious effort and slows down the thinking process.
Identify how System 1 and System 2 thinking work together and apply to critical thinking
System 1 provides fast, intuitive responses, but System 2 refines them, preventing errors.
ex: If someone gives a persuasive argument that “sounds right” (System 1), System 2 can assess logical consistency before accepting it as true.
ex: Imagine you read a shocking news headline on social media.
System 1: Instantly reacts with surprise or outrage.
System 2: Slows down, checks the source, reads multiple perspectives, and determines if the information is credible.
Why is critical thinking important
- manage information overload
- improve understanding of the business world
- improve performance in the business world
- evaluate implications of business values/strategies
- Manage the ‘age of the expert’ → everyone claiming to be an expert; many disagree
- manage increase disinformation
- retain unique abilities of being human
- Act as responsible, active & effective community members and global citizens
How do you learn/improve critical thinking?
- Accept that its hard and takes time to develop
- practice it explicitly in its own right
- practice for transfer
- learn a balanced, practical amount of theory
- map it out
Argument map
Claim, because evidence/reason(x3), but objection, however rebuttal
And why (again) are argument maps effective?
- Make reasoning more understandable
- Allow important issues/components to be more easily identified
- Easier to follow multi-layered arguments
- Allows peers/teachers to give
more rapid and targeted feedback
