Learn how to argue points effectively, analyze information, and make sound judgments
The ability to think clearly and critically is a lifelong benefit that you can apply in any situation that calls for reflection, analysis, and planning. Being able to think systematically and solve problems is also a great career asset. Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies helps you hone your thinking abilities and become a better communicator. You'll find hands-on, active instruction and exercises that you can put to work today as you navigate social media and news websites, chat with AI, fact-check your own and others' views, and more. Become a thinking machine, with this Dummies guide.
Identify other people's arguments and conclusions-and spot holes in them
Evaluate evidence and produce more effective arguments in any situation
Read between the lines of what people say and form your own judgments
Apply critical thinking to school or college assignments to improve your academic performance
This is the perfect Dummies title for students, researchers, and everyone who seeks to improve their reasoning and analysis ability.
Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Critical Thinking Skills 7
CHAPTER 1: Entering the Exciting World of Critical Thinking 9
CHAPTER 2: Peering into the Mind: How People Think 23
CHAPTER 3: Planting Ideas in Your Head: The Sociology of Thinking 43
CHAPTER 4: Assessing Your Thinking Skills 69
Part 2: Developing Your Critical Thinking Skills 97
CHAPTER 5: Critical Thinking Is Like . . . Solving Puzzles: Reasoning by Analogy 99
CHAPTER 6: Thinking in Circles: The Power of Recursion 119
CHAPTER 7: Drawing on Graphics for Thinking 139
CHAPTER 8: Constructing Knowledge: Information Hierarchies 163
Part 3: Applying Critical Thinking in Practice 181
CHAPTER 9: Getting to the Heart of the (Reading) Matter 183
CHAPTER 10: Cultivating Your Critical Writing Skills 205
CHAPTER 11: Speaking and Listening Critically 225
Part 4: Reason and Argument 243
CHAPTER 12: Unlocking the Logic of Real Arguments 245
CHAPTER 13: Behaving Like a Rational Animal 265
CHAPTER 14: Using Words to Persuade 281
CHAPTER 15: Presenting Evidence and Justifying Opinions 299
Part 5: Part of Tens 323
CHAPTER 16: Ten Logical Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 325
CHAPTER 17: Ten Arguments that Changed the World 333
Index 345
