1. A Checklist for Reasoning & Questions Using the Elements of Thought
The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking
by Drs. Richard Paul & Linda Elder

2. 8 Items to Consider about Reasoning: All reasoning…
...has a PURPOSE
...is an attempt to figure something out, to settle some QUESTION, to solve some PROBLEM
...is based on ASSUMPTIONS
...is done from some POINT OF VIEW
...is based on DATA, INFORMATION, & EVIDENCE
...is expressed through, shaped by, CONCEPTS & THEORIES
...contains INFERENCES or INTERPRETATIONS by which we draw CONCLUTIONS & make data meaningful
...leads somewhere or has IMPLICATIONS & CONSEQUENCES

3. All reasoning… ...has a PURPOSE Can you state your purpose clearly?
What is the objective of your reasoning?
Does your reasoning focus throughout on your goal?
Is your goal realistic?

4. All reasoning…
...is an attempt to figure something out, to settle some QUESTION, to solve some PROBLEM
What questions are your trying to answer?
Are there other ways to think about the question?
Can you divide the question into parts?
Is there one or possibly multiple “right” answers?
Does it require judgment rather than facts alone?

5. All reasoning… ...is based on ASSUMPTIONS
What assumptions are made; are they justified?
How are they shaping your point of view?
Which assumptions might reasonably be questioned?

6. All reasoning… ...is done from some POINT OF VIEW
What is your p.o.v.? What are basic insights; possible weaknesses?
What are other p’s.o.v. to be considered in reasoning through the problem; their strengths/weaknesses; are you being fair-minded in your consideration of the insights underlying these alternatives?

7. All reasoning… ...is based on DATA, INFORMATION, & EVIDENCE
Extent to which your reasoning is supported by relevant data?
Do these data suggest alternative explanations from those currently held?
How clear, accurate, relevant are these data given the question/problem under consideration?
Have you gathered sufficient data to reach a reasonable conclusion?

8. All reasoning… ...is expressed through, shaped by, CONCEPTS &THEORIES
What key concepts/theories guide reasoning
What alternative explanations might be possible given these concepts/theories?
Are you clear & precise in using these concepts/theories?
Are you distorting ideas to fit your p.o.v.?

9. All reasoning…
...contains INFERENCES or INTERPRETATIONS by which we draw CONCLUTIONS & make data meaningful
To what extent do the data support your conclusions?
Are your inferences consistent with each other?
Other reasonable inferences to be made?

10. All reasoning… ...leads somewhere or has IMPLICATIONS & CONSEQUENCE
What implications & consequences follow from your reasoning?
If accepted, your line of reasoning leads to which implications or consequences?

11. Questions Using the Elements of Thought
Purpose
What am I trying to accomplish?
What is my central aim; my purpose?
Questions
What am I raising?
What am I addressing?
Am I considering the complexities?

12. Questions Using the Elements of Thought
Information
What am I using in coming to my conclusion/s?
What experiences have I had to support claims?
What do I need to settle the question?
Inferences/Conclusions
How did I reach this conclusion?
Are there other ways to interpret the information?

13. Questions Using the Elements of Thought
Concepts
What’s the main idea here?
Can I explain this idea?
Assumptions
What am I taking for granted?
What has led me to this conclusion?

14. Questions Using the Elements of Thought
Implications/Consequences
If my position is accepted, what would be the implications?
What am I implying?
Point/s of View
From what p.o.v. am I looking at the issue/s?
Other p’s.o.v. that should be considered?