What’s this thing called “Critical Thinking?” UNIV 1212 Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University

Are you a critical thinker? Do you ever make decisions about things in your life?

According to the text…. If you: --consider points about the topic --think about the pros & cons of these points --take a position about the topic --make an informed decision based on what you have considered --take appropriate action (see p.10)

You are a critical thinker!

What is the process? Many decisions you make involve the process used in critical thinking. To illustrate, let’s take an example from everyday life: Buying a new car

Think about what you do….. What points do you consider? --style --the make --the image --what you will use it for --comfort --cost

Look at the good and the bad… Point Pro (+) Con (-) style make image usage comfort cost Look at the positive and negative points about the car you want to buy.

Ways to look at the situation… 3. What position do you take on buying a car at this particular time? ---I must have it because…. ---I can wait to buy it because… ---The car is not necessary…

Your informed decision…. What do you decide to do? ---buy the car right away… ---buy the car some other time ---decide you do not need the car at all

What action do you take? Wait to buy it. Forget about buying it. Buy the car now! Wait to buy it. Forget about buying it.

Congrats! You have just used a simplified critical thinking process to look at a decision you often make. If critical thinking can help you make sound decisions in your daily life, imagine what it can do for you in other areas?

NOTE: Critical thinking is essential for successful academic and professional careers. Why?

So, welcome to UNIV 1212… This course teaches you formal techniques which develop skills that will help you critically read, discuss and make decisions in all aspects of your life. Therefore, put on your thinking cap, work hard and become a great critical thinker!