Foundations of Critical Thinking
Description
Introduction to critical thinking concepts, historical development, and fundamental principles.
Learning Objectives
Learners will understand the definition, importance, and historical evolution of critical thinking, distinguish between different types of thinking, and identify the basic elements and standards of effective reasoning.
Topics (6)
Comparison of various thinking styles including analytical, creative, reflective, and practical thinking patterns and their applications.
Paul-Elder model elements including purpose, question, information, concepts, assumptions, interpretations, implications, and point of view.
Standards including clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness for assessing reasoning quality.
Characteristics of critical thinking versus egocentric, sociocentric, and weak-sense critical thinking patterns.
Comprehensive introduction to critical thinking definitions, its role in education and workplace, and benefits for decision-making and problem-solving.
Historical progression from Socratic questioning to John Dewey's reflective thinking, Richard Paul's elements model, and contemporary approaches.