Strengthening Critical Thinking Skills by Elizabeth A. Johnson College Board Consultant

How do these three ideas fit together? Everyone has a right to an opinion. Some opinions are better than others. Some opinions are wrong.

What is a fact? A fact is a statement that can be verified by an independent observer. A fact cannot be shown to be false.

Inference and assertion An inference is a statement about the unknown that is based on known facts. An assertion is a statement about the unknown. Supported by evidence, it is less certain than a fact.

Fact, inference, assertion Fact Inference Assertion Degree of Uncertainty

Comparing degrees of certainty The certainty of a fact may be cast in doubt if new information appears. Inference? Assertions give meaning to facts. Does the table represent a true fact?

Dichotomies A dichotomy is a statement offering two mutually exclusive alternatives. It takes the form A v ~A, where v means or Is gender a true dichotomy?

Literal vs. Figurative Truth A fact is literally true: = 2 Proverbs are examples of figurative truth: “Slow and steady wins the race.” “He who hesitates is lost.” “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” An assertion is half as true as a fact.

Varieties of Truth Scientific, empirical truth Social sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Economics) Historical truth: Power corrupts. Literary truth: A theme of a novel “Be true! Be true!” – The Scarlet Letter Religious/Philosophical truth: “An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.” -- Gandhi

Qualities of Truth ScienceSocial SciencesHumanities Universal May vary according to time, place Finds answers to answerable questions Offers answers to unanswerable questions ReplicableMay be replicableTruth of human experience. Math, logic, physics, chemistry, biology Psychology, sociology, Anthropology, econ. History, philosophy, literature, religion A v ~ AA v ~ A is idealA ^ ~ A

Answerable vs. ‘Unanswerable’ Questions What day is today? Where were you born? What is the capital of France? Can Mars sustain life? Are electrons particles or waves, or both? Should the Celtics hire a new coach? Is democracy the best form of government? Why do good people suffer? Who am I? Why are we here?

Two Types of Opinions Personal opinions are neither true nor false unique to each individual All equally valid Personal opinions reflect one’s taste. A reasoned opinion may be supported by facts, reasons, and other evidence. Are all equally valid?

Personal vs. Reasoned Opinions “The Beatles are the best rock group ever!” Face jewelry is stylish. JFK was a great president. “I know what I like, and I don’t like Picasso.” The earth was formed 4 billion years ago. Humans are the only tool-making animal. The Civil War was caused by Northern industrial expansion. Shakespeare is the greatest writer who ever lived.

Aesthetics Classical philosophy considers three main questions: What is Truth? Epistemology What is Justice? Politics What is Beauty? Aesthetics Aesthetics asserts the existence of objective knowledge regarding the nature of beauty. Modern aesthetics tends to blend truth and beauty

Uneducated vs. Educated Opinion A: “The Celtics should hire a new coach.” Segregated schools preserve the natural order of society. A: “Sonic Youth music sounds like a rusty washing machine.” B: “The Celtics should hire a new coach.” Gilligan’s research supports the value of single-sex education. B: “Sonic Youth is an original, seminal band.”

Educated opinions Rebecca Nurse was a witch. Disease is caused by mal-aria (‘bad air’) or demons. Humans and chimps are nearly identical, owing to similar genetics. The education of women is the key to solving most social and economic problems of the poor.

How do these three ideas fit together ? Everyone has a right to an opinion. Some opinions are better than others. Some opinions are wrong.