Topic 1 Glossary Terms Flashcards
Critical Thinking
the analysis and evaluation of thinking with the aim of improving it
Purpose (elements of thinking)
goal or objective of your thinking
Question (elements of thinking)
Questions you set out to answer set out the problem or issue and further guide your thinking
Information (elements of thinking)
data, facts, evidence, experiences required to answer questions
Concepts (elements of thinking)
ideas, theories, laws and principles that underpin our thinking
Inferences (elements of thinking)
Interpretations or conclusions you make when you try to figure something out or make a judgement
Assumptions (elements of thinking)
beliefs you take for granted
Points of View (elements of thinking)
the perspective from which you consider something or your frame of reference
Implications (elements of thinking)
outcomes that logically follow from thoughts
intellectual standards of critical thinking
standard and questions that might be asked to help you assess a person’s quality of analytical thinking
Clarity (intellectual standard)
Certainty of meaning, No ambiguity or vagueness
Accuracy (intellectual standard)
Free from errors, mistakes or distortions
Precision (intellectual standard)
Exact to the appropriate level of detail, specific
Relevance (intellectual standard)
Logical relationship with the matter under consideration
Depth (intellectual standard)
Extent of complexity (e.g. number of factors and interrelationships) recognised and addressed in an issue, problem or topic
Breadth (intellectual standard)
Encompassing multiple viewpoints
Logical (intellectual standard)
The parts of the thinking/analysis make sense together, no contradictions.
Significance (intellectual standard)
Importance to the matter under consideration
Fairness (intellectual standard)
Free from bias, dishonesty, favouritism, self-interest, deception, injustice
Egocentrism
is the tendency to pursuit one’s own desires and needs without regard to the rights and needs of others.
Sociocentrism
is focussed on pursuit of group goals without regard to the rights and needs of those outside the group.
Intellectual Virtues
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.
fair-mindedness (intellectual virtues)
Having the disposition to treat all perspectives or viewpoints alike (e.g. against the intellectual standards), without bias to one’s own interests
Intellectual humility (intellectual virtues)
Having awareness of the limits of one’s knowledge and awareness of the risk of bias and limitations of one’s viewpoint
Intellectual Courage (intellectual virtues)
The willingness to consider and fairly evaluate ideas, beliefs or viewpoints to which we disagree and haven’t given a fair hearing.
Intellectual Autonomy (intellectual virtues)
Having rational control of one’s belief, values and inferences.
Intellectual Empathy (intellectual virtues)
Putting yourself in the place of others to fully understand their perspective
Intellectual perseverance (intellectual virtues)
Willingness to pursue intellectual standards of thinking and truth despite difficulties, obstacles and frustrations (e.g. complexity of issue, opposition of others).
Intellectual Integrity (intellectual virtues)
Being consistent in the intellectual standards you apply, holding yourself to the same rigorous standards of evidence and proof you hold others to.
Confidence in reason
Belief in the value and importance of reason (to yourself and to society) over unquestioning acceptance of explanations, points of view, solutions, etc
