Critical Thinking: The Basics

The Basics

by Stuart Hanscomb

Critical The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the field of critical thinking, drawing on philosophy, communication, and psychology. Emphasising its relevance both to academic literacy and to decision-making in a range of contexts, this book introduces and explains the knowledge, methods, and skills needed to identify and avoid poor reasoning, reconstruct and evaluate arguments, and engage constructively in dialogues. Topics covered This second edition has been revised and updated throughout, and includes an additional chapter on the relationship between critical thinking and emotions. There are also new sections on concepts such as the ‘experiential mind’ and ‘need for cognitive closure’, and contemporary examples drawn from issues including conspiracy theories, the pandemic, and misuses of social media. With updated and expanded discussion questions/exercises and suggestions for further reading at the end of each main chapter, this book is an essential read for students approaching the field of critical thinking for the first time, and for the general reader wanting to improving their thinking skills and decision-making abilities.

Genres: Philosophy, Psychology, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2016

Reviews

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good reference and overview for ideas in critical thinking, with a focus on self-reflective practices/personal growth, and salient examples (mostly..), as well as recommendations for additional reading. Destroyed this library copy with dog-ears and may need to get my own. Also watched 12 Angry Men (the original) with @Lu and @AK because of the author's reference to it throughout this book, and it was really good.

[Peter Gelfan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks like and often reads like a textbook, complete with exercises at the end of chapters. But like its subject matter, it has some twists and paradoxes. To begin with, the topic itself has a paradoxical definition: critical thinking is the science of getting to the most likely truth about or solution to the matter at hand, but is also the art of convincing your listeners to believe what you say even if you’re deliberately misleading them for your own benefit. That’s because we so-called Homo sapiens have built-in systems of illogical thinking, which may have worked as handy shortcuts in caveman days but now are more likely to trip us up. This book will show you how to spot and avoid getting suckered by these fallacies, and/or how to play on them in others. One of the most interesting points the book makes is that in learning this material, you can’t help but come to know yourself better. Hanscomb as a writer is businesslike rather than charismatic or hand-holding, but the book is still a very worthwhile read.

[jackie o'toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

great intro to subject w/ key further reading suggestions.

i will definetly employ many of the concepts i learnt in this book, not only in my college essays, but throughout my daily life.

the most important thing i received from this book was the importance of the three critical thinking dispositions:
* modesty
* open-mindedness
* courage

these emotional tendencies
* encourage you to ask the right questions during arguments/discussions
* help you stay honest towards yourself and charitable towards others
* save yourself from embarrassment due to unwarranted confidence
* prevent you from being a rude ass.

[Walkeo]

Not rated because I skimmed it. This and many other books on the subject address how to make a compelling case for [insert topic here]. What I am seeking is a way to teach someone how to assess a situation, determine appropriate steps, and, as needs be, adapt the steps to incorporate emerging information. Other than OTJ training (often, allowing people to fail forward), I have yet to find a good process for teaching this kind of critical thinking.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 Amazing. Everyone needs to understand the concepts in this book, and Hanscomb does an excellent job in explaining them.