CRITICAL THINKING 101 : The Basic Things to Think Critically
Taken from Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008. Critical Thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-monitored, and self corrective thinking.
The brain works by system 1 which are; Think instantly, emotional, and shallow. To increase that we need to level up our system first. On system 2 our brain works deeper, and more systematics. It might take times at first, but slowly your brain will be adapted to receive all information, and you will know how to separate the real and fake information.
So the question is, how to think critically?
- Definition
The first thing we need to do when we receive an information, do ask a question if you have a question. The meaning of someone’s tweet or information may be different with what we think. The definition from someone’s information has to be clear, if not, go ask for a question!
2. Context
The same sentence can cause different meaning if the background of the context is different. It’s important to understand the context first, to reduce misunderstood between someone’s information.
3. Ability to Arrange an Argument
Argument is a few sentences intend to change someone’s perspective. Argument is different with fact. Argument is debatable, while fact isn’t. Make sure when you share your argument, the opinion must include the premise and a summary!
The process of the premise and a summary are called logic.
There are two kinds of logic to arrange an argument.
A. Deductive Logic
If the premises are correct then the summary must be correct.
B. Inductive Logic
If the premises are correct, the summary not always correct.
Why that thing can happen?
Basically, in Inductive logic there are generalization and analogic, which can makes the summary of your argument not always correct.
The last thing you need to do to make your argument stronger is put a researchers on your summary. It will make people believe you, because researchers give a fact based on the research that they already did.
It might hard at first, and makes your brain work slower to reach the system 2, but to think critically (so you will not tricked by the information) it all worth the time!
Happy learning all! Sincerely, vir.
Sources : Latih Logika
