Critical thinking - a must read

[0121stockpicker]

A good start ...

What is critical thinking?

​Basically, it’s the ability to construct, and to understand, a reasoned argument and--especially important--to recognize a fallacious or fraudulent argument. The question is not whether we like the conclusion of a train of reasoning, but whether the conclusion follows from the premise or starting. point.

Among the few simple rules:

• Propositions that are not testable are worthless--you have to be able to check assertions out.
• There must be substantive debate--it isn’t enough simply to attack your opponent’s character.
• If there is a chain of argument, every link in the chain must work, including the premise--not just most of them.
• Arguments from authority carry little weight--“authorities” have made mistakes in the past and will do so again.

 

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[austin]

Ok, my dog's better looking than your dog. Wait, I don't have a dog. Better change that to a cat. Oh golly, I already flunked the checking it out part. Never mind...

 

[worldtalker]

Is that anything like Critical Mass?? GodBless Chris

 

[0121stockpicker]

World - isn't this a good practice no matter what your political affiliation is?

 

[worldtalker]

World - isn't this a good practice no matter what your political affiliation is?

We all have a mind in which to think,it's not what you think,it's HOW you think it. I look at a pretty lady like a flower,but,I don't want to pluck it!

 

[0121stockpicker]

You hit the nail on the head. Thinking is a process and critical thinking provides that process to help people look at a piece of information and determine its validity. Just as someone doing an experiment uses the scientific process.

Not sure why anyone would see this as a bad thing?

 

[0121stockpicker]

That's right. I think critical thinking is something that is taught (how to do it well). And something that is best practiced and honed.

 

[0121stockpicker]

What in this is a "bad thing" regardless of you political stance? I guess I don't get the opposition?

A good start ...

What is critical thinking?

​Basically, it’s the ability to construct, and to understand, a reasoned argument and--especially important--to recognize a fallacious or fraudulent argument. The question is not whether we like the conclusion of a train of reasoning, but whether the conclusion follows from the premise or starting. point.

Among the few simple rules:

• Propositions that are not testable are worthless--you have to be able to check assertions out.
• There must be substantive debate--it isn’t enough simply to attack your opponent’s character.
• If there is a chain of argument, every link in the chain must work, including the premise--not just most of them.
• Arguments from authority carry little weight--“authorities” have made mistakes in the past and will do so again.

 

[worldtalker]

That's right. I think critical thinking is something that is taught (how to do it well). And something that is best practiced and honed.

Does a bird need to be taught how to build a nest? I don't need to be taught how to think either,how much more is a Human Being than a bird. Maybe that went over your head.

 

[0121stockpicker]

Does a bird need to be taught how to build a nest? I don't need to be taught how to think either,how much more is a Human Being than a bird. Maybe that went over your head.

Whoa, no need to insult because someone disagrees with you.

 

[worldtalker]

Whoa, no need to insult because someone disagrees with you.

I can't help if you took it personally,no malice intended. That's what presumption does.

 

[0121stockpicker]

I can't help if you took it personally,no malice intended. That's what presumption does.

Maybe it went over your head? Tell me how I'm suppose to take that. When discussing an issue is there a reason to make any sort of personal comment. Do you believe that it helps to make your point?

 

[worldtalker]

Maybe it went over your head? Tell me how I'm suppose to take that. When discussing an issue is there a reason to make any sort of personal comment. Do you believe that it helps to make your point?

Well, did it go over your head?

 

[sprinter]

Be careful what you think because your thoughts will become words !!!

 

[worldtalker]

Be careful what you think because your thoughts will become words !!!

Ne'er a truer statment!

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Is that anything like Critical Mass?? GodBless Chris

I thought you were referring to "grey matter".

What were we talking about?

 

[jerseyben]

Picker - you are missed!

 

[GMD52]

Thinking, especially critical thinking is a personal matter, only to be compromised when those thought's are shared. We all are critical thinkers, but not always critical communicaters.......Gary

 

[Bejamble]

Critical thinking is just a fancy label for an opinion. There is no more truth to critical thinking than one's ability to conform to the norm. If someone's thoughts are not aligned to the masses, then they are the ones being criticized. Interesting concept if you ask me.


Cory

 

[hvacker]

When I took logic in college we learned there were over 150 argumental fallacies or what was referred to as illegal arguments. In logic the term argument means a connected series of statements to establish a definite proposition.. Not like arguing with the wife. Fortunately we only had to recognize 30 or 40. Sometimes they are hard to find when an argument is long and verbose. What one learns on the internet is most people can't form a legal argument without committing a fallacy.
It can be proven that people's brain is logical by nature as long as emotions are not encountered. Emotions change the way the brain processes information. Remember the character Spock. That's the normal way our brain can work, w/o emotions being in the drivers seat.

Critical thinking isn't simply an opinion. It's a study in how our brains work. As in inductive and deductive thinking. An example of how our minds can follow an argument,
Socrates is a man
All men die
Therefore Socrates will.............Our mind will fill in the blanks.
Another interesting fact is an argument can be legal and still not be true.
Ford's pardon of Nixon was packed full of argumental fallacies. Strange as becoming a lawyer one has to study logic.