Critical Thinking

by Fisher, Alex

• ISBN13: 9781107401983
• ISBN10: 1107401984
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-10-30
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

This second edition has been extensively revised with updated examples and a brand new chapter on how to obtain reliable information from the internet. Studying critical thinking involves trying to change the ways in which most of us think. In this second edition of the popular 'Critical Thinking: An Introduction', Alec Fisher concentrates on developing critical thinking skills explicitly and directly. His aim is to teach the ability to interpret, analyse and evaluate ideas and arguments and to show how these skills can be transferred to other studies and everyday life. A new chapter covers getting reliable information from the internet and examples and passages have been replaced by completely new material. The book is also suitable for the independent learner.

Author Biography

Dr Alec Fisher is an experienced author and a distinguished researcher and lecturer in critical thinking. He designed the AS level examination in Critical Thinking for the OCR Examinations Board and was its chief examiner for some years.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. v
Critical thinking: what it is and how it can be improved	p. 1
Identifying reasons and conclusions: the language of reasoning	p. 16
Understanding reasoning: different patterns of reasoning	p. 35
Understanding reasoning: assumptions, context and a thinking map	p. 50
Clarifying and interpreting expressions and ideas	p. 64
The acceptability of reasons, including their credibility	p. 83
Judging the credibility of sources skilfully	p. 98
Evaluating inferences: deductive validity and other grounds	p. 114
Evaluating inferences: assumptions and other relevant arguments	p. 133
Reasoning about causal explanations	p. 149
Decision-making: options, consequences, values and risks	p. 167
How to get reliable information from the internet (Critical thinking about the internet)	p. 184
Questions appendix	p. 212
Answers to questions	p. 239
Glossary	p. 276
Bibliography	p. 285
Index	p. 287
Acknowledgements	p. 293
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