Standards Of Critical Thinking Flashcards
Explanation
Our thinking is clear when it is easily understood.
We must be clear in our own mind about what we mean
We must express what we mean clearly so others understand us
Clarity of thought enables us to see where our thinking is leading us
We can’t determine either the accuracy or relevance of a statement if it is unclear
(Questions it implies)
Could you elaborate on that point?
Could you give me an example?
Clarity
Explanation
To be accurate is to represent something as it actually is
We think accurately when our reasoning expresses how things actually are
Common barriers to accurate reasoning:
presuming one’s own thoughts are automatically accurate
presuming others’ thoughts are inaccurate when they disagree with us
failing to question statements that validate what we already believe
(Questions it implies)
How can we determine if that is true?
How can we verify the accuracy of that?
Accuracy
Explanation
Reasoning is precise when it is specific, exact, and sufficiently detailed
Precision is related to clarity but distinct from it. Something may be clear but not precise. For example:
I am going to the party soon (clear but imprecise)
I am going to the party at eight o’clock (clear and precise)
(Questions it implies)
Could you provide more details?
Could you be more specific?
Precision
Explanation
Something is relevant when it pertains to the problem we seek to solve
Thinking is relevant when it focuses on what is important—on what matters—in understanding or deciding the issue at hand
Irrelevant thinking dwells on what properly should be set aside or disregarded
How does this idea relate to the issue?
How does your claim bear on the question?
Relevance
Explanation
Our reasoning is deep when it:
plumbs beneath the surface of an issue or problem to identify the underlying complexities; and
addresses those complexities in an intellectually responsible way
Depth directs us to delve deeper into an issue
(Questions it implies)
What are some of the complexities of the question?
How do you take into account the problems in the question?
Depth
Explanation
Our reasoning is broad when it considers the issue at hand from every relevant viewpoint
Breadth directs us to look around us, at alternative or opposing perspectives
Failure to duly consider points of view pertinent to an issue is to think narrow-mindedly
(Questions it implies)
Do we need to consider another point of view?
Do we need to look at this in other ways?
Breadth
Explanation
Thinking is logical when thoughts and the order in which they are organized are mutually supportive and make sense in combination
Thinking that is internally contradictory or includes conflicting ideas is not logical
(Questions it implies)
Does all this make sense together?
How does that follow from the evidence?
Logic
Explanation Questions it implies
Our reasoning should concentrate on the most important information relevant to the issue at hand
Our thinking falters when we fail to recognize that not all information which happens to be pertinent to an issue is equally important
Which of these ideas is most important?
Is this the central idea to focus on?
Significance
Explanation Questions it implies
Our thinking is fair when it is justified
To be justified is to think fairly in context
Thinking that satisfies all other fundamental intellectual standards satisfies the standard of justifiability
Examples of unfairness in reasoning:
refusing to consider relevant information that would lead us to change our view
using concepts unjustifiably to manipulate people
making unjustified assumptions (unsupported by facts) that lead to flawed inferences
Are my assumptions justified?
Am I taking full account of the thinking of others?
Fairness
