Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning

Lesson 1: Understanding Critical vs. Noncritical Thinking

• The Case for Critical Thinking
• Recognize Deceptive Reasoning
• Detect Emotional Manipulation
• Styles of Noncritical Thinking
• Critical Thinking Styles
• Become a Critical Thinker
• Part Summary

Lesson 2: Recognizing and Evaluating Arguments

• Define Arguments
• Step 1: Pinpoint Issues
• Step 2: Identify Arguments
• Step 3: Seek Clarity
• Step 4: Understand Context
• Step 5: Find Credibility
• Step 6: Look for Consistency
• Step 7: Judge Arguments
• Present Ideas Powerfully
• Part Summary

Lesson 3: Developing and Evaluating Explanations

• Explanations vs. Arguments
• Formulate Explanations
• Element 1: Gather Information
• Element 2: Process Information
• Element 3: Develop Hypotheses
• Element 4: Test Hypotheses
• Ask Discovery Questions
• Challenge Assumptions