Critical Thinking Concepts and Skills

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Questions and Answers

Which step in critical thinking involves assessing the merit of various perspectives?

Recognizing persuasive devices

Weighing up opposing arguments

Identifying other people's positions

Evaluating the evidence for alternative points of view (correct)

What is the purpose of recognizing techniques used in persuasive arguments?

To identify and counteract unfair assumptions (correct)

To support one's own biases

To accept all arguments at face value

To improve logical reasoning and insight

Which of the following is a fundamental aspect of reflecting on issues in a structured way?

Ignoring opposing evidence

Reaffirming preconceived notions

Following one’s intuitions to reach conclusions

Applying logic and insight on the validity of arguments (correct)

What does 'reading between the lines' in critical thinking entail?

Identifying underlying assumptions and biases Signup and view all the answers

In critical thinking, what is the significance of drawing conclusions based on solid evidence?

It ensures conclusions are justified and rational Signup and view all the answers

Which skill is primarily concerned with assessing the fairness of arguments presented against one another?

Weighing up opposing arguments and evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a false logic commonly encountered in arguments?

Basing conclusions on emotional appeals rather than facts Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of recognizing other people's positions in the critical thinking process?

To understand the diversity of viewpoints Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for evaluating other people's reasoning?

Analyzing how arguments are structured Signup and view all the answers

Which skill is NOT directly mentioned as part of developing professional reasoning?

Presentation skills Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge when faced with evidence that contradicts one's beliefs?

The need to remain emotionally stable Signup and view all the answers

What practice encourages the critical evaluation of one's own beliefs?

Questioning self-perspectives based on evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which option best embodies a holistic approach to analysis?

Considering various theories and perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about reasoning does the content address?

All arguments can be proven right or wrong definitively. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is NOT associated with effective judgment making?

Ignoring alternative explanations Signup and view all the answers

Which skill set supports enhanced problem solving?

Judgment and decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which attitude should be adopted when giving constructive criticism?

Deliver feedback that is tactful and empathetic Signup and view all the answers

What does non-dualistic thinking entail in the context of reasoning?

Recognizing nuances and complexities in arguments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course title: Med102 Critical Thinking
Instructor: Dr. Noor Alsalemi, PhD, PharmD, BSc, RPEBC, Assistant Professor
Department: Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice
College: College of Pharmacy
Date: 10/17/24

Learning Objectives

Define critical thinking and identify its benefits
Explain reasonability and how it relates to skepticism and trust
Recognize the significance of argument in critical thinking
Explain the difference between self's and other's reasoning
Explain skills required for critical thinking
Describe barriers to critical thinking

What Will Be Covered Today

What is critical thinking
Why is critical thinking important?
Where is critical thinking used?

Defining Terms

Critical thinking: A cognitive activity associated with using the mind to think in critical, analytical, and evaluative ways using mental processes such as attention, categorization, selection, and judgment
Reasoning: The process of forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences based on logic, evidence, or premises. It involves evaluating information and applying logic to solve problems or answer questions.
Arguments: A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory. It is a message conveyed through speech, writing, or display.

Critical Thinking Process

Identifying other people's positions, arguments, and conclusions
Evaluating the evidence for alternative points of view
Weighing up opposing arguments and evidence fairly
Reading between the lines and identifying false or unfair assumptions
Recognizing techniques used to make certain positions more appealing than others, such as false logic and persuasive devices
Reflecting on issues in a structured way, applying logic and insight
Drawing conclusions on the validity and justifiability of arguments, based on solid evidence and reasonable assumptions
Presenting a point of view in a structured, clear, well-reasoned manner to convince others

Example Critical Thinking Questions

Should I buy a conventional new car or a luxurious second-hand car?
Is COVID-19 vaccination a fraud to sterilize and control populations globally?
What is my stance on abortion in cases of identified birth defects?
Is levetiracetam a better option compared to valproate in treating epilepsy in older adults?

Benefits of Critical Thinking

Enhanced skills and abilities: Enhanced accuracy in noting what is relevant and what is not, improved problem-solving and project management skills, enhanced precision in performing tasks, improved efficiency in reasoning;
Development of ancillary skills: Observation, analysis, reasoning, judgment, decision-making, persuasion

Skepticism and Trust

Critical thinking requires ability to reflect skeptically and ability to think in a reasoned way.
Skepticism involves bringing an element of polite doubt, holding open the possibility that only part of the picture is known, making more informed decisions, applying certain methods for exploring evidence, and not about personal traits or personality.
Trust involves accepting the probability that at least some things are as they seem.

Reasonability

Critical thinking requires discernment when it is reasonable to be trusting and when to be skeptical by analyzing the basis of what we take as true.
Reason ability is not about natural traits but about applying methods to explore evidence in a particular way.
Skeptical people may require approaches to trust the probability of an outcome, while trusting people may require methods to use doubt constructively.

Critical Thinking and Argument

Argument is a reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory.
A message can be conveyed through speech, writing, performance, or other media.
Critical thinking helps identify obvious and hidden messages in arguments and understand how an argument is constructed (inductive versus deductive reasoning).

Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning generalizes conclusions based on specific scenarios.
Deductive reasoning uses specific scenarios to support a generalized statement.

Perspectives of Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning involves understanding one's own beliefs, actions, and the reasoning of others; evaluating arguments, understanding how conclusions are drawn (inductive vs deductive reasoning), identifying flaws in reasoning, and critically evaluating one's own beliefs & actions.

Constructing and Presenting Reasons

Evidence can be basic examples or formal structures (essays, reports).
Select and structure reasons consistently.
Use logical order and effective language.

Skills and Attitudes for Critical Thinking

Underlying thinking skills: categorizing, analysis, selection, differentiation, comparing, contrasting, curiosity, knowledge, and research.
Emotional self-management: being able to remain calm and argue your point convincingly in spite of challenging evidence, and not taking critique personally.
Becoming more self-aware: courage to question one's perspective, and the courage to argue an alternative point of view even if it is wrong.
Skills and attitudes require comprehensive analysis which excludes no aspect of the topic.

Barriers to Critical Thinking

Lack of critical thinking abilities, methods, or practice.
Overestimating one's own reasoning abilities: Getting by with poor reasoning, were never told of the reasoning being poor, or winning arguments due to opponents yielding.
Reluctance to critique experts, and perceived rudeness or nonsensicality of criticism of practitioners.

Affective Reasons for Barriers to Critical Thinking

Lack of emotional self-management: Issues like emotional reactions (anger, frustration, anxiety) when presented with challenging evidence and inability to consider multiple perspectives or acknowledge good reasoning from other perspectives
Students preferring facts and answers rather than skills to make judgements or struggling insufficient focus for learning complex skills to make well-reasoned judgements

Reflection Questions

Do you use critical thinking in your life?
Give examples of instances when you used critical thinking in the last week?
Which critical reasoning do you use to make your arguments?
What are the steps you should use to perform critical thinking?

References

Dr. Banan Mukhalalati's lecture on critical thinking in 2023
Cottrell, 2005, Critical Thinking Skills Developing Effective Analysis and Argument text book

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Description

Test your understanding of the key concepts and skills involved in critical thinking. This quiz covers various perspectives, evaluating arguments, and the importance of evidence-based conclusions. Enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful analysis and reflection.