Becoming A Critical Thinker

by Ruggiero, Vincent Ryan

• ISBN13: 9780618969609
• ISBN10: 0618969608
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-06-09
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

Success depends on the ability to think critically. Training and practice turn this ability into a powerful skill. Becoming a Critical Thinker gives students the opportunity to develop this skill in a classroom environment while stressing its application to daily life. Students learn to solve everyday problems, maintain successful relationships, make career choices, and interpret the messages of advertising in a variety of media. Exercises throughout the text encourage them to practice what they read and to apply it to their own lives. Becoming a Critical Thinker breaks up critical thinking into a series of cumulative activities, a unique approach that has made this text a staple of many critical thinking courses.

Table of Contents

Strategies for Effective Learning Planning your days Dealing with frustrations Handling unpleasant or complex tasks Take charge of your mind Studying efficiently Understanding what you read Keeping a journal Building good habits

Fundamentals of Thinking What is intelligence

What is thinking

Key principles of thinking Identifying facts and opinions Checking facts and testing opinions Evaluating evidence Dare to change your mind A comprehensive thinking strategy

Persuasive Communication What is persuasion

How is persuasion achieved

Strategy for persuasive writing Overcoming errors in grammar Overcoming errors in usage Strategy for persuasive speaking Strategy for group discussion

Becoming an Individual What is individuality

Understanding attitudes Four empowering attitudes Recognizing manipulation Resisting manipulation Habits for individuality

Evaluating Arguments What is an argument

Conducting library research Conducting Internet research Conducting an interview Avoiding plagiarism Revisiting evidence Evaluating complex arguments A caution about bias

Recognizing Errors in Thinking Three kinds of errors Errors of perception Errors of judgment Errors can multiply

Applying Your Thinking Skills

Thinking critically about everyday problems

Thinking critically about relationships

Thinking critically about careers

Thinking critically about ethical judgments

Thinking critically about commercials

Thinking critically about print advertising

Thinking critically about the Internet

Thinking critically about television programming

Thinking critically about movies

Thinking critically about music

Thinking critically about magazines

Thinking critically about newspapers

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