36 Questions
What is a key aspect of critical thinking in regards to problem-solving?
Overcoming native egocentrism and sociocentrism
A critical thinker gathers and assesses relevant information by:
Using abstract ideas to interpret the information
What is a key characteristic of a well-cultivated critical thinker?
The ability to communicate effectively with others
A critical thinker comes to conclusions and solutions by:
Testing them against relevant criteria and standards
Why is it important for critical thinkers to be mindful of their native egocentrism and sociocentrism?
To recognize and challenge their own biases and assumptions
What is a key goal of critical thinking in regards to intellectual virtues?
To cultivate ethical sensitivities and character
What is the primary reason why ethical reasoning must be disconnected from other modes of thought?
To ensure that ethical principles are not influenced by other modes of thought
How do religious questions differ from ethical questions?
Religious questions are divergent, while ethical questions are convergent
What is a characteristic of social questions?
They vary enormously from group to group
Why may a given religious, social, or legal edict or practice not be ethical in orientation?
Because it may not have an ethical basis
What is a key aspect of ethical questions?
They deal with what is helpful or harmful behavior
What is a characteristic of legal questions?
They concern what has been codified into law in particular societies
Why is it important to internalize principles proper for use in reasoning through ethical questions or problems?
To improve critical thinking and ethical reasoning
What is a key difference between ethical questions and other modes of thought?
Ethical questions converge across cultures and groups
What is the primary source of intellectual standards?
The nature of thought itself
What is the purpose of the intellectual standard of clarity?
To convey a specific meaning to others
Why is accuracy important in critical thinking?
To understand or communicate things as they actually are
What is the purpose of the intellectual standard of precision?
To provide details and specifics to accomplish our purpose
Why is relevance important in critical thinking?
To avoid information that does not bear on a question
What is the purpose of the intellectual standard of depth?
To recognize and deal with complexities and nuances
What is the primary reason humans tend to ignore relevant facts and insights?
Because they are not in line with one's interest or agenda
What is the intellectual standard of sufficiency derived from?
The fact that it is possible to gather detailed and vast information that is still not sufficient to answer the question
Why is breadth important in critical thinking?
To consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints
Why is logic important in critical thinking?
To ensure that our reasoning is consistent and free from contradictions
What is a characteristic of fairminded thinkers?
They pursue their own needs, desires, and goals while also considering the rights and needs of others
What is the consequence of using one's skills of mind in a narrow, self-serving way?
It leads to the misuse of critical thinking skills
What is the relationship between reasoning well and the intellectual standards?
Reasoning well requires consideration of the intellectual standards
What is the primary goal of critical thinking, according to the passage?
To develop intellectual virtues
What is the primary purpose of categorizing questions in critical thinking?
To facilitate analysis and understanding
What type of question requires consideration of multiple, often conflicting, systems?
One that requires evidence and reasoning within multiple systems
Which of the following is a characteristic of a question with a definitive answer?
It can be answered with a correct answer based on evidence and reasoning
What is the main difference between a question with a definitive answer and one that requires consideration of multiple systems?
One requires reasoning within a single system and the other requires reasoning within multiple systems
What type of question is based on personal preference or opinion?
One that calls for a subjective choice
What is the primary role of evidence in critical thinking?
To support reasoning and answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a question that requires consideration of multiple systems?
It has a definitive answer
What is the ultimate goal of categorizing questions in critical thinking?
To understand the type of question and the approach required
Study Notes
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A critical thinker raises vital questions, formulates them clearly, and interprets information effectively. They gather and assess relevant data, test conclusions, and communicate solutions. Critical thinkers think open-mindedly, recognizing assumptions and practical consequences, and are cautious to avoid misrepresenting information. They apply six intellectual standards: Clarity, Accuracy, Precision, Relevance, Depth, and Breadth, as well as Logic and Fairness. Finally, they ensure Sufficiency by gathering accurate and relevant information to solve problems.
Intellectual Virtues
- Fairminded thinkers pursue their own needs, desires, and goals while also considering the rights and needs of others
Types of Questions
- One-system questions: require evidence and reasoning within a single system, with a definitive answer
- No-system questions: require a subjective choice, with no definitive answer
- Multi-system questions: require evidence and reasoning within multiple systems, with better and worse answers
Modes of Thought
- Religious questions: deal with the nature of spirituality and are subject to unlimited theological debate
- Social questions: deal with the customs, traditions, and taboos of groups, which vary greatly between groups
- Legal questions: deal with what has been codified into law in particular societies, which vary between countries and may or may not have an ethical basis
- Ethical questions: deal with helpful or harmful behavior toward people or other creatures, and converge across cultures and groups
Quiz on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. It fosters intellectual virtues and helps to overcome personal biases.
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