1. Science and Technology of Consciousness
Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking Skills

2. We create our reality
How can we make intelligently informed decisions about who we are, what we choose to believe, and how we live our life?

3. What is Critical Thinking?
Being “critical”?
No!
Question-asking attitude
We will use a systematic 3-step procedure

4. 1. Being a Sponge Reporter: SUMMARY Seeks to understand
Simply describes with an open mind
Summarizes the thesis, reasons/claims, and conclusion
Delays evaluation
Is objective

5. 2. Panning For Gold Investigative Journalist: ANALYSIS
Interacts with the knowledge
“Walks in the author’s shoes”
Follows the logic within its context
Delays evaluation
Is objective

6. 3. Panning for Gold Columnist: EVALUATION Interprets the knowledge
Evaluates its truth & implications
Seeks alternate explanations
Takes a personal stand, backed by solid reasoning
Is subjective & deep

7. Reporter
SUMMARY:
• Who
• What

8. Reporter’s Questions Who is the author?
What are the author’s credentials, date & location?
What is the author’s main question or issue?
What is the author’s thesis or wholeness statement?

9. Investigative Journalist
ANALYSIS: • How • Why • To Whom

10. Investigative Journalist’s Questions
What are the author’s reasons that support the thesis (write out the logic)?
Who is the author’s intended audience?
What are the author’s personal and cultural background, unspoken assumptions, values, world view?
What are the author’s intentions for writing this text (to educate, sell, inflame or entertain; financed by whom)?

11. • Individual Perspective • Cosmic Perspective • Subjective Reflection
Columnist
EVALUATION
• Individual Perspective
• Cosmic Perspective
• Subjective Reflection
• Objective Reflection

12. Columnist’s Questions
Is the reasoning based in sound logic? Give examples.
Are any terms ambiguous? Which ones?
Are all alternate explanations for the conclusions being considered? (examples)
Where do I personally stand on this issue?
What is my own logic and evidence?
What is my own underlying world view?
How can this issue be viewed in light of the Science of Consciousness?

13. Creative Individual
CREATIVE APPLICATION • Synthesis • Solutions • Applications • Action Steps

14. In Pairs
Discuss how Summary is different from Analysis. Look at the sample questions.
Discuss how Analysis is different from Evaluation. Look at the sample questions.

15. Small Group Exercise (3-4 people)
Science of Being: “Speaking Harmoniously”
Summarize: What issue is being addressed?
Analyze: What are the values, assumptions, or world view embedded in the reading?

16. Grading: Summary, Analysis, Evaluation of Written Assignments
In this class, an “A”-level paper:
starts with a clear summary of the main idea
develops that idea logically with supporting details and evidence
concludes by relating the supporting material back to the main idea

17. Grading: Summary, Analysis, Evaluation of Your Critical Thinking Skills
In this class, an “A”-level paper:
gives a clear, open-minded summary of the thesis, main points, conclusion
pinpoints the chains of reasoning; describes the author’s context, audience, intentions, and underlying world view
articulates your personal point of view, backed by solid reasoning

18. Review of Steps in Critical Thinking
1. Summary
2. Analysis
3. Evaluation
Reporter:
Seeks to understand
Simply describes with an open mind
Summarizes thesis, main points, conclusion
Delays evaluation
Is objective
Investig. Journalist:
Interacts with the knowledge
Follows the logic
Reflects on the author’s context, intentions, audience, implied world view
Delays evaluation
Is objective
Columnist:
Interprets the knowledge
Evaluates truth & implications
Seeks alternate explanations
Takes a personal stand, backed by solid reasoning
Is subjective

19. 4. CREATIVE APPLICATION • Synthesis • Solutions • Applications • Action Steps

20. We create our reality.