critical thinking - topic 1
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
1/27
1
Critical Thinking
Topic 1Introduction to Critical
Thinking
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
2/27
2
Ice-breaking
Introduce yourself: One min.
1. Say something about yourself: What you
like to eat, see, dream of; ambition or whatyou dislike etc
2. Ask a question of either me or anyone
else in the room or just make a commenton things that are going on around youetc.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
3/27
3
What is thinking?
Can thinking skills be acquired?
Is thinking an activity that is done
automatically or one that we can direct?
Is daydreaming a kind of thinking?
(Ruggeiro p3)
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
4/27
4
Thinking is any mental activity
that helps formulate or solve a
problem, make a decision, orfulfill a desire to understand. It
is a searching for answers, a
reaching for meaning.
What is Thinking?
(Ruggeiro p.4)
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
5/27
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
6/27
6
A typical Malaysian classroom scenario?
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
7/27
7
What isCritical Thinking?
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
8/27
8
Critical Thinking
Critical here does not mean negative.
Critical thinking is the general term given to a widerange of cognitive skillsneeded to effectively
identify
analyse arguments and claimsevaluate
overcome personal prejudices
formulate and present convincing reasons insupport of conclusions
make reasonable, intelligent decisions about
what to believe and what to do*
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
9/27
9
Why should students be taught
critical thinking?
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
10/27
10
Critical Thinking is disciplined thinkinggoverned byClear Intellectual
Standards
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
11/27
11
Critical Thinking Standards
Clarity:That which is true should be expressedclearly.
If you want others to understand what you say, you
must express yourself clearly. Many people fail toexpress themselves clearly perhaps out oflaziness, carelessness, poor understanding or lackof skill.
(Ref. Baasham p2)
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
12/27
12
Q3: Examine the statements below and
say in what way they are unclear? 1. Raymond, you were late this week, and twice
the last month. I will be reporting you to theoffice soon.
2. Papa, I would like a raise in my pocketmoney because I need to buy some books soon.
3. Mr.Ang, Im sorry I am late in passing up my
assignment. I will pass it when I finish it. 4. I want to become successful in future and
make a name for myself.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
13/27
13
Critical Thinking Standards
Precision:
Pay close attention to detail. Insist on specific definitionsand specific questions. Then there will be no confusion.
Q4:Which of the questions below is a good question.Why?
Is abortion wrong?
Should abortion be made legal?,
Good question because it is specific and not vaguelike wrong or moral.
Is having an abortion ever moral?
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
14/27
14
Q5: Study the texts and rewrite in a
precise manner.I am writing this complaint to you as a
consumer. I bought a toaster two weeks
ago at the Maju Store it has not workedwell. When I returned the toaster and
asked for a refund, the store manager told
me off. This is not right.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
15/27
15
Son: Can I have RM100,please?
Mother: Why?
Son: Broke. Also am going out. Mother: With whom?
Son: My friend.
Mother: Who?
Son: You dont know. Can I have the money,please?
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
16/27
16
Critical Thinking Standards
Accuracy:Make sure your information andbeliefs are true. You cannot reason correctly
with false information.
Relevance: Stay focused on relevant ideas
and information. Avoid making distracting
statements.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
17/27
17
Study the text below and say why it is not
accurate. Identify the irrelevancies.
Son: Papa, I dont want to enter Form Sixbecause I hear it is difficult. Many teachers donteven enter classes. There is more emphasis onsports and club activities. Remember youscolded me last year when I was concentratingtoo much on football? Besides, I will be wastingtwo years. So let me go to college and I will get
a job earlier then my Form Six friends. Then Ican help you financially.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
18/27
18
Critical Thinking Standards
Consistency:Avoid contradiction. If a person holdsinconsistent beliefs, at least one of the beliefs mustbe false.
Two kinds of inconsistency.Practical inconsistency/hypocrisy: saying one
thing and doing another.
Logical inconsistency/irrationality: believing two
things that cannot be simultaneously true.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
19/27
19
Is Mr.Lees argument consistent? Why?
Mr;Lee: Son, tomorrow is your first day at your
job. Let me tell you that the most important
quality of an employee is honesty andcommitment to work. See, I am always punctual
and hardly take sick leave!
Mrs Lee: Dear, there is a call for you.
Mr Lee: Oh, my goodness! If its my boss, tell
her I have already left for work.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
20/27
20
Critical Thinking Standards
Logical Correctness: To think logically, you mustdraw well-founded conclusions from the beliefs youhold. The conclusion must be justifiably derivedfrom statements/premises.
Completeness:Good critical thinking is never donehastily; explore the issue.
Fairness:Be open-minded, impartial, non-biased.Do not dismiss something just because it is new orit is contrary to something you already believe in.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
21/27
21
Examine the text below from the viewpoint
of logical correctness and fairness.
Employer: I prefer to employ Michael
because he is a man. Shirley has better
qualifications, I know, but being a woman,she will be reluctant to work late hours.
Besides, women are so sensitive and may
complain of sexual harassment at work. Idont want all that trouble.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
22/27
22
The Benefits of Critical Thinking
In the college classroom, the workplace, andlife
Contrary to popular opinion, the main purposeof college education is not to teach you how to
make a living but how to l ive.So you must:evaluate your own beliefs and develop your
set of beliefs.
understand and evaluate thebeliefs/positions/arguments of others.
develop a belief system that corresponds notonly to the way the world is but leads to an
ethical and meaningful life.Baasham p8)
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
23/27
23
The Benefits of Critical Thinking
In the college classroom, the workplace, and life
In co l lege, you must learn to :
understand the materialyou are studying
evaluate the beliefs/argumentsof others
develop your own argumentson topics or issues.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
24/27
24
The Benefits of Critical Thinking
In the workplace, youmust be able to :
gather and analyzeinformation
draw appropriate conclusions
solveproblems
think creatively
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
25/27
25
The Benefits of Critical Thinking
In life
Specificallyin lifecritical thinking helps us
avoid bad personal decisions.
makeinformed political decisions. attain personal enrichment.
behave morally.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
26/27
26
Characteristics of a Critical Thinker
Strives for clarity and precision Sensitiveto the discussed thinking errors
Intellectually honest (admits ignorance and limits)
Welcomes criticismsof beliefs; open to revising
basic beliefs
Bases beliefs on facts, not on preference or interest.
Thinks independently(doesnt let groups control
their beliefs). Values having true beliefs, not comfortable ones.
Intellectual perseverance; will strive for truth even
when it is hard to do.
-
8/13/2019 Critical Thinking - Topic 1
27/27
27
ActivityDrawing a personal logo
On a piece of paper draw a personal logo foryourself including a caption. It can be in the formof pictures, symbols which have associations
with you. You can use colours if you wish to. In your tutorial class, get into groups of 4/5.
Display your logo and describe it to others inabout 2 mins. For example, you can say whyyou think the contents represents you. The othermembers can ask you questions for furtherclarification or even of re-interprete your logo.