Thinking for Yourself Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading and Writing

by Mayfield, Marlys

• ISBN13: 9780838407356
• ISBN10: 0838407358
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-27
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

Focusing on the teaching of thinking through writing, the sixth edition provides new high-interest readings, cartoons, and Internet research exercises.

Table of Contents

Preface	xvii
Introduction Introduction to Critical Thinking	1	(11)
Learning How You Think	1	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Experiencing How We Actually Think: An Exercise for the Whole Class To Complete Together	2	(1)
Learning from Sharing How We Think	3	(1)
What Is Critical Thinking?	4	(2)
Comparisons to Creative Thinking	6	(2)
Why Learn Critical Thinking?	8	(1)
The Habits of Critical Thinking	9	(1)
Box: Habits of a Critical Thinker	10	(2)
PART I BASICS OF CRITICAL THINKING
Chapter 1 Observation Skills: What's Out There?	12	(32)
Discovery Exercises
Comparing Our Perceptions	13	(1)
What Is Observing?	13	(1)
Observing a Cube	14	(1)
Observation and Insight	15	(1)
Using Observation Skills to Develop New Knowledge	16	(1)
Reading
Look at Your Fish, by Samuel H. Scudder	17	(3)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Observing the Familiar: Vegetables or Fruit	20	(5)
Evaluating Your Work by Using the Scoring Boxes	25	(1)
Alternate Core Discovery Writing Application	26	(9)
Observing the Unfamiliar: A Tool	26	(9)
The Observation Process: Sensing, Perceiving, Thinking	29	(3)
Barriers to Observation	32	(1)
How Discomfort Leads Us to Think	33	(1)
Diagram: A Choice for Thinking	33	(1)
Building Arguments
Observation Skills	34	(1)
The Rewards of Skilled Observation	35	(1)
Reading
The Innocent Eye,
by Dorr Bothwell	35	(1)
Chapter Summary	38	(1)
Chapter Quiz	38	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Survival as a Result of Observing: A Descriptive Narrative Essay	39	(1)
Reading
Desert Solitaire,
by Edward Abbey (1925-89)	40	(3)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	43	(1)
Chapter 2 Word Precision: How Do I Describe It?	44	(30)
On Finding the Right Word	45	(1)
Discovery Exercises
Taking an Interest in Dictionaries	46	(2)
How Well Do You Use Your Dictionary?	48	(1)
Clear Thinking Depends on Clear Word Definitions	49	(1)
What Makes a Definition?	50	(1)
Diagram: Definition Boundaries	51	(1)
Exercise
Word Boundaries	51	(1)
Kinds of Definitions	52	(2)
The Connotations of Words	54	(1)
The Importance of Defining Key Ideas	55	(1)
Word Concepts	56	(1)
Defining Reality	57	(1)
Defining Truth	58	(1)
What Is Critical Reading?	58	(3)
Building Arguments
Word Choices	60	(1)
Chapter Summary	61	(1)
Chapter Quiz	62	(1)
Composition Writing Application
A Short Essay of Definition	63	(3)
Box: Clustering	66	(1)
Readings
Modern Slavery,
by Kevin Bales	67	(2)
Fighting for Our Lives,
by Deborah Tannen	69	(1)
Saved,
by Malcolm X	70	(3)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	73	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	73	(1)
Chapter 3 Facts: What's Real?	74	(34)
Discovery Exercises
Beginning with the Word Fact	75	(1)
Learning To Recognize Facts	75	(1)
Verifying Facts	76	(1)
Facts and Reality	77	(1)
Facts Are Not Absolutes	78	(2)
Discerning Facts from Fiction	80	(1)
Feelings Can Be Facts	81	(3)
Facts and Social Pressure	84	(1)
Diagram: Standard and Comparison Lines in the Asch Experiment	85	(1)
Facts and Our Limited Senses	86	(1)
Reading
The Blind Men and The Elephant	87	(4)
Statements of Fact	87	(4)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Using a List of Facts to Describe a Photograph	91	(3)
Standard We Use to Determine Facts	92	(1)
Chapter Summary	93	(1)
Chapter Quiz	94	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Writing a Short Fact-Finding Report	94	(2)
Reading
The Accident and Aftermath,
by Hayden Herrera	96	(3)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	99	(1)
Readings
Lies My Teacher Told Me,
by James W. Loewen	99	(4)
Fast Food Nation,
by Eric Schlosser	103	(1)
Building Arguments
Facts	106	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	107	(1)
Chapter 4 Inferences: What Follows?	108	(40)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Inferential Thinking	108	(2)
Understanding the Words Infer and Inference	110	(1)
Discovery Exercises
Drawing Inferences from Evidence	111	(1)
Drawing Inferences from Facts	112	(1)
Distinguishing Inferences from Facts	112	(4)
How Inferences Can Go Right and Wrong	116	(1)
Reading
A Study in Scarlet,
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle	116	(1)
Drawing Inferences from Careful Observation	120	(3)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Using Facts and Inferences to Describe a Photograph	123	(3)
Generalizations Are Inferences	125	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Writing a Paragraph from Facts, Inferences, and Generalizations	126	(2)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Analyzing the Use of Facts and Inferences in a Newspaper Article	128	(1)
Reading
Tougher Grading Better for Students	129	(4)
Building Arguments
Inferences	131	(1)
Chapter Summary	131	(2)
Chapter Quiz	133	(1)
Readings
The Three Perceptives,
by Idries Shah	133	(2)
Stone Boy,
by Gina Berriault	135	(13)
Objectives Review of Part I
PART II PROBLEMS OF CRITICAL THINKING
Chapter 5 Assumptions: What's Taken for Granted?	148	(30)
Discovery Exercises
What Is an Assumption?	149	(2)
Understanding Assumptions	151	(1)
Types of Assumptions	152	(2)
Identifying Hidden Assumptions in Reasoning	154	(3)
Diagram: Argument with Rug of Assumptions	157
Hidden Assumptions in Arguments	156	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Articulating Hidden Assumptions Underlying Arguments	157	(1)
Value or Belief Assumptions	158	(2)
Assumption Layers in Arguments	160	(2)
Diagram: Pyramid of Value Assumptions	162	(1)
Assumptions, Incongruities, and Thinking	163	(2)
Chapter Summary	165	(1)
Building Arguments
Assumptions: Building an Argument	166	(1)
Chapter Quiz	166	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Expository Essay: Solving a Problem by Uncovering Assumptions	167	(4)
Diagram: Thesis as a Frame	168	(3)
Readings
Lateral and Vertical Thinking,
by Edward de Bono	171	(3)
Winterblossom Garden,
by David Low	174	(2)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	176	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	177	(1)
Chapter 6 Opinions: What's Believed?	178	(17)
Discovery Exercises
Comparing a Sample of Opinions	179	(1)
Why Do We Get Confused by the Word Opinion?	179	(1)
An Exercise in Evaluating Opinions	180	(1)
Types of Opinions	181	(1)
Distinguishing Between Responsible and Irresponsible Opinions	182	(1)
Looking at Public Opinion Polls	183	(2)
Opinions as Claims in Arguments	185	(1)
Diagram: Argument Structure	186	(1)
Composition Writing Application
First Option: A Short Argument Supporting an Opinion	187	(1)
Second Option: A Short Expository Essay About an Opinion	187	(1)
Third Option: A Short Essay Analyzing Three Opinions 188
Peer Review	188	(2)
Chapter Summary	189	(1)
Building Arguments
Opinions	189	(1)
Chapter Quiz	190	(1)
Readings
A Nation of Victims,
by Charles J. Sykes	190	(2)
Loss of Innocence,
by James P. Steyer	192	(2)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment
Opinion on Sykes' or Steyer's Essay	194	(1)
Chapter 7 Evaluations: What's Judged?	195	(24)
Discovery Exercises
Defining Evaluate	196	(1)
Recognizing Evaluative Words	196	(1)
On Evaluations	197	(1)
Premature Evaluations	198	(1)
Evaluations Are Not Facts	199	(1)
Expectations Influence Evaluations	200	(1)
Recognizing Evaluations in Word Connotations	201	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Evaluative Words' Persuasive Powers	202	(1)
Skilled Use of Evaluations	203	(1)
Readings
The Maltese Falcon	204	(1)
Discarding the Concept o f Man as "Killer Ape,"
by Richard Leakey	204	(1)
Propaganda and Hidden Evaluations	205	(1)
Building Arguments
Evaluations	207	(1)
Chapter Summary	208	(1)
Chapter Quiz	209	(1)
Composition Writing Application
First Option: Observing and Analyzing Evaluations in Advertisements	209	(1)
Second Option: Writing a Critical Review	210	(1)
Readings
Evaluation,
by Barbara Ehrenreich	211	(4)
Porn, Pervasive Presence: The Creepy Wallpaper of Our Lives,
by William E Buckley Jr.	215	(2)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	217	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	217	(2)
Chapter 8 Viewpoints: What's the Filter?	219	(27)
Discovery Exercises
Understanding the Term Viewpoint	220	(1)
What Types of Viewpoints Are There?	220	(1)
Viewpoints in Literature	221	(1)
On Unconscious Viewpoints	222	(2)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Political and Social Points of View	224	(1)
Recognizing Viewpoints Left and Right	225	(1)
Diagram: The Left-to-Right Political Spectrum	225	(1)
Diagram: The Two-Axis Model of Political Views	226	(1)
Reading
Beyond the Myth of Objectivity,
by Jay Davis	227	(3)
Composition Writing Application
A Survey of Two Alternative Viewpoints in Two Publications	230	(6)
Hidden Viewpoints: The Use of News Framing	233	(1)
Discovery Assignment
Observing How a Newspaper Frames Its Information	234	(1)
Chapter Summary	235	(1)
Building Arguments
Viewpoints	235	(1)
Chapter Quiz	236	(1)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment
Essay: Comparing and Contrasting the Reading Audience of Two Magazines	236	(2)
Readings
The Loyalty Questionnaire from To The Stars,
by George Takei	238	(3)
The Real Story Versus the Official Story,
by Junôt Diaz	241	(2)
Objectives Review of Part II	243	(3)
PART III FORMS AND STANDARDS OF CRITICAL THINKING
Chapter 9 Argument: What's a Good Argument?	246	(29)
Discovery Exercise
Reading and Judging Arguments	247	(1)
Critical Reading of Arguments	248	(1)
What Viewpoint Is the Source of This Argument?	249	(1)
What Is the Issue of Controversy?	250	(2)
Box: Arguments and Reports: Different Purposes, Structures, and Standards	252	(1)
Is It an Argument or a Report?	252	(3)
How Is the Argument Structured in Terms of Reasons and Conclusions?	255	(8)
Identifying the Conclusion of an Argument	256	(7)
Exercise
Identifying Reasons and Conclusions	259	(1)
More on Distinguishing Reasons from Conclusions 260
Implied Conclusions	260	(1)
Conclusions in a Series	260	(1)
Conclusion at the Beginning	261	(1)
Conclusion in the Middle	261	(1)
Exercise
More Practice in Identifying Reasons and Conclusions	261	(1)
Exercise
More Practice with Longer Arguments	262	(1)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Writing a Short Persuasive Argument: A Letter of Complaint	263	(5)
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of This Argument?	266	(1)
Detecting Missing Information	266	(1)
Detecting False or Contradictory Information	268	(1)
Reading
The Junkman's Answer to Terrorism: Use More Asbestos	268	(3)
Chapter Summary	270	(1)
Readings
Striking a Balance: Civil Liberties Versus National Securitiy	271	(1)
Arguments
by John Ashcroft and Anthony D. Romero	272	(3)
Chapter 10 Fallacies: What's a Faulty Argument?	275	(27)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Fallacies	276	(1)
Fallacies of Trickery	276	(1)
Box: Fallacies of Trickery Covered in This Chapter	277	(1)
Trickery with Language	277	(1)
Trickery with Emotions	277	(1)
Trickery with Distraction	277	(1)
Fallacies That Use Language Trickery	278	(6)
Word Ambiguity	278	(2)
Misleading Use of Euphemisms	280	(1)
Prejudicial Language	281	(3)
Fallacies Involving Trickery with Emotions	284	(8)
Emotional Appeals to Fear and Pity	285	(1)
Appeal to False Authority	286	(3)
Appeal to Prejudice: Personal Attack and Poisoning the Well	289	(3)
Fallacies Using the Trickery of Distraction	292	(6)
Red Herring	292	(2)
Pointing to Another Wrong	294	(1)
Straw Man	295	(1)
Circular Reasoning	296	(2)
Chapter Summary	298	(1)
Chapter Quiz	299	(3)
Chapter 11 Inductive Reasoning and Inductive Fallacies: How Do I Reason from Evidence?	302	(45)
Discovery Exercises
Defining Key Terms	303	(1)
Answering a Survey on Test Performance	303	(1)
Looking at Inductive Reasoning	303	(2)
Reasoning from Sensory Observation	305	(1)
Reasoning from Enumeration	306	(1)
Analogical Reasoning	307	(1)
Discovering Patterns	308	(1)
Reasoning from and About Causes	309	(2)
Reasoning with Hypotheses	311	(3)
Reasoning Through Statistics and Probability	314	(3)
Composition Writing Application
Working from Facts to Inferences to Hypotheses	317	(5)
Chapter Summary	319	(1)
Chapter Quiz	320	(1)
Building Arguments
Induction	321	(1)
Reading
The Global 2000 Study of 1975: An Interagency Forecast Prepared Under President Jimmy Carter	322	(24)
Fallacies of Inductive Reasoning	326	(1)
Box: Fallacies of Inductive Reasoning Covered in This Chapter	327	(1)
The Hasty Generalization	327	(1)
The Either-or Fallacy, or False Dilemma	329	(1)
The Questionable Statistic	330	(1)
Contradictions and Inconsistencies	333	(1)
The Loaded Question	336	(1)
The False Analogy	337	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Evaluating Analogies	338	(1)
False Cause	339	(1)
The Slippery Slope	342	(1)
Chapter Summary	343	(1)
Chapter Quiz	344	(2)
Advanced Optional Short Research Assignment
Detecting Fallacies in an Argument	346	(1)
Chapter 12 Deductive Reasoning: How Do I Reason from Premises?	347	(24)
Discovery Exercises
What Is Deductive Reasoning?	348	(1)
Evaluating Deductive Arguments	348	(1)
About Deductive Reasoning	349	(2)
The Basic Vocabulary of Logic	351	(4)
Argument	351	(1)
Reasoning	351	(1)
Syllogism	352	(1)
Premises and Conclusion	352	(1)
Validity	353	(1)
Soundness	353	(2)
Standardized Forms in Syllogisms	355	(2)
Discovery Exercise
Practice in Constructing Syllogisms	356	(1)
What Syllogisms Do	357	(4)
What Is Said and Is It True?	357	(2)
Is There a Hidden Premise?	359	(1)
Is the Reasoning Correct?	359	(4)
Exercise
Reviewing the Vocabulary of Logic	361	(1)
The Interplay of Inductive and Deductive Reasoning	361	(1)
Box: Chart Comparing Inductive and Deductive Reasoning	362	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Writing a Deductive Argument	363	(4)
Building Arguments
Deduction	364	(1)
Chapter Summary	365	(1)
Chapter Quiz	366	(1)
Readings
The Declaration of Independence (excerpt),
by Thomas Jefferson	367	(2)
Letter from a Birmingham Jail (excerpt),
by Martin Luther King, Jr.	369	(1)
Objectives Review of Part III	370	(1)
Appendix The Research Paper	371	(13)
Research Paper Assignments in This Text	371	(1)
Two Research Writing Applications:
First Research Option: Analysis of Two Arguments Pro and Con on a Recent Controversial Issue	371	(5)
Instructions for the Argument Analysis Assignment	372	(1)
Outline Form Used in This Assignment	372	(1)
Total Format	373	(1)
Research Preparation	373	(2)
Arguments, Not Reports	375	(1)
Length and Viewpoints of Arguments Selected	375	(1)
Second Research Writing Option: An Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Research Essay	376	(3)
Preparation Instructions	376	(1)
Writing the First Draft	377	(1)
Final Touches	377	(1)
Suggested Handbooks for Guidance in Research Writing	377	(2)
Student Model Paper: Analysis of Two Arguments on the Issue
Can Civil Liberties be Maintained Given the New National Security Policies?	379	(5)
Index	384