Thinking for Yourself Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading and Writing

by Mayfield, Marlys

• ISBN13: 9781413017724
• ISBN10: 141301772X
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-02-24
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

THINKING FOR YOURSELF: DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS THROUGH READING AND WRITING offers a unique integration of composition, reading, and critical thinking. As you complete the book's writing assignments, you'll see how your writing reflects your thinking and how self-directed improvement in thinking also improves writing. The book offers step-by-step nstruction, humor, cartoons, Internet research exercises, and up-to-date social and political examples.

Table of Contents

Preface	xvii
Introduction Introduction to Critical Thinking	1	(1)
Learning How You Think	1	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Experiencing How We Actually Think: A Whole Class Exercise	2	(1)
Learning from Sharing How We Think	3	(1)
What Is Critical Thinking?	4	(2)
Relationship to Creative Thinking	6	(2)
Why Learn Critical Thinking?	8	(4)
Box: Habits of a Critical Thinker	9	(3)
PART I Basics of Critical Thinking
Observation Skills: What's Out There?	12	(32)
Discovery Exercises
Comparing Our Perceptions	13	(1)
What Is Observing?	14	(1)
Observing a Cube	14	(1)
Observation and Insight	15	(1)
Using Observation Skills to Develop New Knowledge	16	(5)
Reading: Look at Your Fish	17	(4)
Samuel H. Scudder
Core Discovery Writing Application
Observing the Familiar: Vegetable or Fruit	21	(4)
Evaluating Your Work by Using the Scoring Boxes	25	(1)
Alternate Core Discovery Writing Application
Observing the Unfamiliar: A Tool	26	(3)
The Observation Process: Sensing, Perceiving, Thinking	29	(3)
Barriers to Observation	32	(1)
How Discomfort Leads Us to Think	32	(2)
Building Arguments: Observation Skills	34	(1)
The Rewards of Skilled Observation	35	(3)
Reading: The Innocent Eye	35	(3)
Dorr Bothwell
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	40	(3)
Edward Abbey
Optional Internet Research Assignment	43	(1)
Word Precision: How Do I Describe It?	44	(31)
On Finding the Right Word	45	(1)
Discovery Exercise
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	(2)
What Is Critical Reading?	58	(2)
Building Arguments: Word Choices	60	(1)
Chapter Summary	61	(1)
Chapter Quiz	62	(1)
Composition Writing Application
A Short Essay of Definition	63	(1)
Box: Clustering	64	(2)
Reading: The Professor and the Madman	66	(2)
Simon Winchester
Reading: Saved	68	(3)
Malcolm X
Reading: What Privacy Is---and What It Is Not	71	(3)
Charles J. Sykes
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	74	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	74	(1)
Facts: What's Real?	75	(30)
Discovery Exercises
Beginning with the Word Fact	76	(1)
Learning to Recognize Facts	76	(1)
Verifying Facts	77	(1)
Facts and Reality	78	(1)
Facts Are Not Absolutes	79	(2)
Distinguishing Facts from Fiction	81	(1)
Feelings Can Be Facts	82	(2)
Facts and Social Pressure	84	(3)
Facts and Our Limited Senses	87	(1)
Reading: The Blind Men and the Elephant	87	(1)
Statements of Fact	88	(3)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Using a List of Facts to Describe a Photograph	91	(1)
Standards We Use to Determine Facts	92	(1)
Chapter Summary	93	(1)
Chapter Quiz	94	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Writing a Short Fact-Finding Report	95	(2)
Reading: The Debt Explosion Elizabeth Warren and Amelia	97	(2)
Warren Tyagi
Reading: Fast Food Nation	99	(3)
Eric Schlosser
Building Arguments: Facts	102	(1)
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	103	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	103	(2)
Inferences: What Follows?	105	(39)
Discovery Exercises
Recognizing Inferential Thinking	107	(1)
Defining Infer	107	(1)
Understanding the Words Infer and Inference	107	(1)
Discovery Exercises
Drawing Inferences from Evidence	108	(1)
Drawing Inferences from Facts	109	(1)
Distinguishing Inferences from Facts	109	(3)
How Inferences Can Go Right and Wrong	112	(4)
Reading: The Adventure of the Speckled Band	113	(3)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Drawing Inferences from Careful Observation	116	(3)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Using Facts and Inferences to Describe a Photograph	119	(1)
Generalizations Are Inferences	120	(2)
Composition Writing Application
Writing a Paragraph from Facts, Inferences, and Generalizations	122	(2)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Analyzing the Use of Facts and Inferences in a Newspaper Article	124	(1)
Reading: Tougher Grading Better for Students	125	(2)
Building Arguments: Inferences	127	(1)
Chapter Summary	128	(1)
Chapter Quiz	129	(13)
Reading: The Three Perceptives	130	(2)
Idries Shah
Reading: The Stone Boy	132	(10)
Gina Berriault
Objectives Review of Part I	142	(2)
PART II Problems of Critical Thinking
Assumptions: What's Taken for Granted?	144	(31)
Discovery Exercises
Defining Assumption	145	(1)
Finding Assumptions in Cartoons	145	(1)
Finding Assumptions in Stories	145	(2)
Understanding Assumptions	147	(2)
Types of Assumptions	149	(2)
Identifying Hidden Assumptions in Reasoning	151	(2)
Hidden Assumptions in Arguments	153	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Articulating Hidden Assumptions Underlying Arguments	154	(1)
Value or Belief Assumptions	155	(1)
Assumption Layers in Arguments	156	(3)
Assumptions, Incongruities, and Thinking	159	(3)
Chapter Summary	162	(1)
Building Arguments: Assumptions	163	(1)
Chapter Quiz	163	(1)
Composition Writing Application
Expository Essay: Solving a Problem by Uncovering Assumptions	164	(4)
Reading: Lateral and Vertical Thinking Edward de Bono	168	(3)
Reading: Winterblossom Garden	171	(2)
David Low
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	173	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	174	(1)
Opinions: What's Believed?	175	(20)
Discovery Exercises
Comparing a Sample of Opinions	176	(1)
Why Do We Get Confused by the Word Opinion?	176	(1)
An Exercise in Evaluating Opinions	177	(1)
Types of Opinions	178	(1)
Distinguishing between Responsible and Irresponsible Opinions	179	(2)
Looking at Public Opinion Polls	181	(1)
Opinions as Claims in Arguments	182	(2)
Composition Writing Application
First Option: A Short Argument Supporting an Opinion	184	(1)
Second Option: A Short Expository Essay About an Opinion	184	(1)
Third Option: A Short Essay Analyzing Three Opinions	185	(1)
Chapter Summary	186	(1)
Building Arguments: Opinions	186	(1)
Chapter Quiz	187	(7)
Reading: The Loss of Innocence	187	(2)
James P. Steyer
Reading: A Modest Proposal	189	(5)
Jonathan Swift
Optional Internet Research Assignment	194	(1)
Evaluations: What's Judged?	195	(22)
Discovery Exercises
Defining Evaluate	196	(1)
Recognizing Evaluative Words	196	(1)
On Evaluations	197	(1)
Premature Evaluations	198	(1)
Evaluations Are Not Facts	199	(2)
Expectations Influence Evaluations	201	(1)
Recognizing Evaluations in Word Connotations	201	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Evaluative Words' Persuasive Powers	202	(2)
Skilled Use of Evaluations	204	(2)
Reading: Million Dollar Brutality	205	(1)
Vicki Haddock
Propaganda and Hidden Evaluations	206	(2)
Building Arguments: Evaluations	208	(1)
Chapter Summary	209	(1)
Chapter Quiz	209	(1)
Composition Writing Application
First Option: Observing and Analyzing Evaluations in Advertisements	210	(1)
Second Option: Writing a Critical Review	211	(1)
Reading: Prices Without Values	211	(2)
Frank Ackerman
Lisa Heinzerling
Reading: Porn, Pervasive Presence	213	(2)
William F. Buckley, Jr.
Advanced Optional Writing Assignment	215	(1)
Optional Internet Research Assignment	216	(1)
Viewpoints: What's the Filter?	217	(23)
Discovery Exercises
Understanding the Term Viewpoint	218	(1)
What Types of Viewpoints Are There?	218	(1)
Viewpoints in Literature	219	(1)
On Unconscious Viewpoints	220	(2)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Political and Social Points of View	222	(1)
Recognizing Viewpoints Left and Right	223	(6)
Reading: Beyond the Myth of Objectivity	227	(2)
Jay Davis
Core Discovery Exercise
Learning to Recognize Political Viewpoints	229	(1)
Composition Writing Application
A Survey of Some Alternative Viewpoints	229	(3)
Hidden Viewpoints: The Use of News Framing	232	(1)
Discovery Assignment
Observing How a Newspaper Frames Its Information	233	(1)
Building Arguments: Viewpoints	234	(1)
Chapter Summary	234	(1)
Chapter Quiz	235	(3)
Reading: Why Can't We Talk About Religion and Politics?	235	(3)
Jim Wallis
Objectives Review of Part II	238	(2)
PART III Forms and Standards of Critical Thinking
Argument: What's a Good Argument?	240	(34)
Discovery Exercise
Reading and Judging Arguments	241	(1)
Critical Reading of Arguments	242	(2)
What Viewpoint Is the Source of This Argument?	244	(1)
What Is the Issue of Controversy?	244	(2)
Is It an Argument or a Report?	246	(3)
How Is the Argument Structured in Terms of Reasons and Conclusions?	249	(3)
Identifying the Conclusion of an Argument	250	(1)
Identifying Reasons	251	(1)
Exercise
Identifying Reasons and Conclusions	252	(1)
More on Distinguishing Reasons from Conclusions	253	(2)
Implied Conclusions	253	(1)
Conclusions in a Series	254	(1)
Conclusion at the Beginning	254	(1)
Conclusion in the Middle	255	(1)
Exercises
More Practice in Identifying Reasons and Conclusions	255	(1)
More Practice with Longer Arguments	256	(1)
Core Discovery Writing Application
Writing a Short Persuasive Argument: A Letter of Complaint	257	(3)
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of This Argument?	260	(1)
Is Any Important Information Missing?	260	(2)
Following Up on Missing Information	262	(2)
Reading: Eczema Drugs Carry Cancer Risk US FDA Says	262	(2)
Is Any Information False, Contradictory or Irreconcilable?	264	(2)
Chapter Summary	266	(8)
Reading: Job Outsourcing Good for America	267	(2)
Michael Hussey
Reading: 30 Little Turtles by Thomas L. Friedman	269	(1)
Reading: What's Wrong with Outsourcing?	270	(4)
Rory L. Terry
Fallacies: What's a Faulty Argument?	274	(27)
Discovery Exercise
Recognizing Fallacies	275	(1)
The Fallacies	275	(2)
Fallacies That Manipulate Through Language	277	(6)
Word Ambiguity	277	(2)
Misleading Euphemisms	279	(2)
Prejudicial Language	281	(2)
Fallacies That Manipulate Emotions	283	(8)
Emotional Appeals to Fear and Pity	284	(1)
Appeal to False Authority	285	(3)
Appeal to Prejudice: Personal Attack and Poisoning the Well	288	(3)
Fallacies That Manipulate Through Distraction	291	(6)
Red Herring	291	(3)
Pointing to Another Wrong	294	(1)
Straw Man	294	(2)
Circular Reasoning	296	(1)
Chapter Summary	297	(1)
Chapter Quiz	298	(3)
Inductive Reasoning and Inductive Fallacies: How Do I Reason from Evidence?	301	(46)
Discovery Exercises
Defining Key Terms	302	(1)
Answering a Survey on Test Performance	302	(1)
Looking at Inductive Reasoning	302	(2)
Reasoning from Sensory Observation	304	(1)
Reasoning from Enumeration	305	(1)
Analogical Reasoning	306	(1)
Discovering Patterns	307	(1)
Reasoning From and About Causes	307	(3)
Reasoning with Hypotheses	310	(2)
Reasoning Through Statistics and Probability	312	(3)
Composition Writing Application
Working from Facts to Inferences to Hypotheses	315	(3)
Chapter Summary	318	(1)
Chapter Quiz	318	(1)
Building Arguments: Induction	319	(6)
Reading: The Global 2000 Study of 1975: An Interagency Forecast	320	(5)
Fallacies of Inductive Reasoning	325	(1)
The Hasty Generalization	326	(2)
The Either-Or Fallacy, or False Dilemma	328	(1)
The Questionable Statistic	329	(3)
Contradictions and Inconsistencies	332	(3)
The Loaded Question	335	(1)
The False Analogy	336	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Evaluating Analogies	337	(2)
False Cause	339	(3)
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)
Deductive Reasoning: How Do I Reason from Premises?	347	(25)
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	354	(1)
Standardized Forms in Syllogisms	355	(1)
Discovery Exercise
Practice in Constructing Syllogisms	356	(1)
What Syllogisms Do	357	(4)
What Is Said and Is It True?	358	(1)
Is There a Hidden Premise?	359	(1)
Is the Reasoning Correct?	360	(1)
Exercise
Reviewing the Vocabulary of Logic	361	(1)
The Interplay of Inductive and Deductive Reasoning	362	(2)
Composition Writing Application
Writing a Deductive Argument	364	(1)
Chapter Summary	364	(2)
Building Arguments: Deduction	366	(1)
Chapter Quiz	367	(4)
Reading: The Declaration of Independence	368	(1)
Thomas Jefferson
Reading: Letter from a Birmingham Jail	369	(2)
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Objectives Review of Part III	371	(1)
APPENDIX ONE: The Research Paper	372	(13)
Research Paper Assignments in This Text	372	(1)
First Option: Analysis of Two Arguments Pro and Con on a Recent Controversial Issue	372	(5)
Overall Format	373	(1)
Research Preparation	373	(1)
Instructions for the Argument Analysis Assignment	373	(1)
Outline Form Used in This Assignment	373	(3)
Arguments, Not Reports	376	(1)
Length and Viewpoints of Arguments Selected	376	(1)
Second Option: An Argumentative Research Essay
Preparation Instructions	377	(1)
Writing the First Draft	378	(1)
Final Touches	378	(2)
Student Model Paper
Analysis of Two Arguments on the Issue: Is Job Outsourcing Good for America?	380	(5)
Claire Frey
APPENDIX TWO: Media Literacy	385	(11)
On Being Well-Informed	385	(2)
Media Literacy Skills for Assessing News Reliability	386	(1)
Some Guiding Principles	387	(1)
Journalism in the Role of the Fourth Estate	388	(3)
Suggestions for Further Study	391	(1)
Some Recent Books on the Media	391	(1)
Steps for Assessing Information Reliability	392	(1)
Sample Websites for Studying the News	393	(3)
Directories for News from International Sources	393	(1)
Samples of Online Foreign News Sources in English	393	(1)
Some U.S. Newspaper Sites	393	(1)
Some U.S. Think Tanks	394	(1)
Media Critique Sites	395	(1)
Independent Voter Information Sites	395	(1)
Some Political Activism Sites	395	(1)
Index	396	(10)
Credits	406