Topic 1 Glossary Terms

Question 1

Critical Thinking

Answer 1

the analysis and evaluation of thinking with the aim of improving it

Question 2

Purpose (elements of thinking)

Answer 2

goal or objective of your thinking

Question 3

Question (elements of thinking)

Answer 3

Questions you set out to answer set out the problem or issue and further guide your thinking

Question 4

Information (elements of thinking)

Answer 4

data, facts, evidence, experiences required to answer questions

Question 5

Concepts (elements of thinking)

Answer 5

ideas, theories, laws and principles that underpin our thinking

Question 6

Inferences (elements of thinking)

Answer 6

Interpretations or conclusions you make when you try to figure something out or make a judgement

Question 7

Assumptions (elements of thinking)

Answer 7

beliefs you take for granted

Question 8

Points of View (elements of thinking)

Answer 8

the perspective from which you consider something or your frame of reference

Question 9

Implications (elements of thinking)

Answer 9

outcomes that logically follow from thoughts

Question 10

intellectual standards of critical thinking

Answer 10

standard and questions that might be asked to help you assess a person’s quality of analytical thinking

Question 11

Clarity (intellectual standard)

Answer 11

Certainty of meaning, No ambiguity or vagueness

Question 12

Accuracy (intellectual standard)

Answer 12

Free from errors, mistakes or distortions

Question 13

Precision (intellectual standard)

Answer 13

Exact to the appropriate level of detail, specific

Question 14

Relevance (intellectual standard)

Answer 14

Logical relationship with the matter under consideration

Question 15

Depth (intellectual standard)

Answer 15

Extent of complexity (e.g. number of factors and interrelationships) recognised and addressed in an issue, problem or topic

Question 16

Breadth (intellectual standard)

Answer 16

Encompassing multiple viewpoints

Question 17

Logical (intellectual standard)

Answer 17

The parts of the thinking/analysis make sense together, no contradictions.

Question 18

Significance (intellectual standard)

Answer 18

Importance to the matter under consideration

Question 19

Fairness (intellectual standard)

Answer 19

Free from bias, dishonesty, favouritism, self-interest, deception, injustice

Question 20

Egocentrism

Answer 20

is the tendency to pursuit one’s own desires and needs without regard to the rights and needs of others.

Question 21

Sociocentrism

Answer 21

is focussed on pursuit of group goals without regard to the rights and needs of those outside the group.

Question 22

Intellectual Virtues

Answer 22

the traits of mind and character necessary for fair minded, open, truth seeking critical thinking. Intellectual virtues are the ultimate goal of applying the intellectual standards to the elements of thinking.

Question 23

fair-mindedness (intellectual virtues)

Answer 23

Having the disposition to treat all perspectives or viewpoints alike (e.g. against the intellectual standards), without bias to one’s own interests

Question 24

Intellectual humility (intellectual virtues)

Answer 24

Having awareness of the limits of one’s knowledge and awareness of the risk of bias and limitations of one’s viewpoint

Question 25

Intellectual Courage (intellectual virtues)

Answer 25

The willingness to consider and fairly evaluate ideas, beliefs or viewpoints to which we disagree and haven’t given a fair hearing.

Question 26

Intellectual Autonomy (intellectual virtues)

Answer 26

Having rational control of one’s belief, values and inferences.

Question 27

Intellectual Empathy (intellectual virtues)

Answer 27

Putting yourself in the place of others to fully understand their perspective

Question 28

Intellectual perseverance (intellectual virtues)

Answer 28

Willingness to pursue intellectual standards of thinking and truth despite difficulties, obstacles and frustrations (e.g. complexity of issue, opposition of others).

Question 29

Intellectual Integrity (intellectual virtues)

Answer 29

Being consistent in the intellectual standards you apply, holding yourself to the same rigorous standards of evidence and proof you hold others to.

Question 30

Confidence in reason

Answer 30

Belief in the value and importance of reason (to yourself and to society) over unquestioning acceptance of explanations, points of view, solutions, etc