Elements of Critical Thinking

Why do we employ elements of reasoning? Enable us to: Examine others’ ideas critically and objectively; prevents habitual and enculturated autopilot non-critical thinking patterns Identify barriers, filters, impediments, biases, predispositions that affect our POV and others’ Think mindfully and to demonstrate fair-mindedness (vs. the above)

Nosich focuses not on the writing that comes out but on the thinking that leads to it Purpose: p. 50 Question at Issue (Q @ I): p. 51 Assumptions: p. 52 Implications, Consequences, Outcomes: p. 53 Information: p. 55 Concepts: p. 56 Conclusions, Interpretations, Decisions: p. 57 Point of View (POV): p. 59 Alternatives: p. 61 Context: p. 62

Whenever we think, we think for a purpose within a point of view based on assumptions leading to implications and consequences. We use concepts, ideas, and theories to interpret data, facts, and experiences in order to answer questions, solve problems, and resolve issues.

Two ways to see the elements from Paul & Elder, Foundation for CT: Alternatives Context

or from your point of view: Alternatives Context

Additional Terms You May Use Reasons/Reasoning—describes the process of thinking Claims (theses based on your assumptions that you try to “prove”) Arguments (assertions made with theses and support) Hypotheses (assumptions based on evidence and testing that you prove or disprove) Most of these terms are involved with what we call a deductive or thesis-driven way of thinking—one that attempts to eliminate possibilities. Initially, we’re going to avoid deductive organization.

Thinking critically is messy, non-linear, and recursive Purpose Conclusions, Interpretations, Decisions POV Assumptions Information Alternatives Concepts Q at I Implications, Consequences, Outcomes Barriers, Filters Biases, Pre-dispositions

Going around the circle Can start on any slice Gets easier as you repeat it Often shows you which areas will be most productive to work with (not always the ones where the answers come most easily . . .) Generates lots of raw material to draft from—gives you luxury of selecting the best Use Nosich p. 68 for a list of questions to ask

Prewriting for Paper 1

Mastering these concepts Practice, practice, practice until this starts to feel comfortable. Trust the process. Refer to the text often when an element gives you difficulty. Look at Nosich p. 68 as a self-test: what you should be able to understand and do.