The Art of Thinking: A Guide to Critical and Creative Thought

by Vincent Ruggiero

The Art of Thinking is a comprehensive guide to critical and creative thinking that emphasizes what to do rather than what to avoid doing. This text introduces students to the principles and techniques of creative thinking; teaches them how to evaluate their own ideas, as well as the ideas of others; and shows them how to persuade. Organized into four parts - "Be Aware, " "Be Creative, " "Be Critical, " and "Communicate Your Ideas" - The Art of Thinking presents students with a step-by-step process for problem solving that involves searching for issues, expressing the problem, investigating the issue, production ideas, and evaluating and refining the solution. Special features in the fifth edition include new sections on the importance on thinking, testing ideas, and conducting one's own research; and expanded discussions of the problem of remembering and of the distinction between language and reality. These new features, in addition to those retained from previous editions, continue to make The Art of Thinking a valuable and effective tool for promoting excellent critical thinking and writing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Writing, Self Help, Education, Teaching

281 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1987

Reviews

[Mark Isaak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly decent textbook on thinking. I like how it does not restrict its focus to just creativity or critical thinking, but also has sections on "Be aware" and "Communicate your ideas." This edition is significantly out of date, most noticeably in the scenarios that make up the exercises and applications, but also in not including very much about how biases can lead one astray. The most important lack, however, was in communicating how thinking in all the ways suggested could be *fun*. Directions are given as clear, step-by-step procedures, which is great for communication but lousy for motivation. I worry that the exercises in the book, while helping to build useful skills, might also make people think of those skills as chores.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book. Ruggiero recognized that, I think, and that's why he advised to read it incrementally rather than all at once. Reading it straight through--even over a period of several days--was a bit overwhelming. Not only is it jam-packed with information, the scope of the information is far-reaching. It was often intimidating to read profound thoughts on diverse subjects within a span of a few pages. I think this is a good reference/guidebook for many disciplines and activities, but it should be read as needed, not all at once.
Highlights: how to use the library/perform research, calls for self-examination (I had a very introspective reading experience)

[Jay Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to teach a course called Critical Reading and Writing, and this was the textbook I used. It's a great book, and my students did very well expanding their abilities to be both critical and creative.

The course was really about being constructively critical in an articulate way, but it was a big help to take them through the creative part of the book first; that experience gave them insight into the process of creation.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of us think. Rather we think that we think. We think we are doing it well. But maybe we aren't. This book helps us to organize our thought life for clarity and rationality. And we learn how to express our thoughts in writing and/or speaking. It' a useful book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable tool for teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The text provides many activities and suggestions for further research.

[jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young adult I read this and was AMAZED that there is a system of thinking! Who knew? I brought it home and absorbed it: lots of highlights, underlines, marginalia, and then separate notes. I felt like Helen Keller when the world opened up to her. Fast forward 10 years later and I was teaching in a local college using the same book.

[Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chose this book based on recommendation of Chapter 5, "Be Creative". Was expecting some novel insight into the creative process. Instead, gave a process of framing, then brute force creativity —have lots of ideas. Still looking for a writer that explains skillful creativity.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent text

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for anyone who wants to argue/debate properly.

[Cory · Rating 1 out of 5]

Makes me feel like the author thinks the reader is an idiot. I personally feel that it emphasizes the idea of being overly critical and analytical about the way that people talk and perceive things.

I don't want to over analyze what someone means when they tell me their opinion on something... I might have skipped the part where it says to have an open mind, but the author seems to insinuate that their methods are the best way.

While being analytical of a viewpoint or opinion on something can give you greater understanding on a topic, it makes me feel that I'm a bit over zealous on finding ways to refute people's claims.

I personally don't like the way this book is written. If I'm taking it the wrong way, my bad, but that's what I got out of the book.

[Laura]

This book is an awesome tool for writers and even for readers. It makes you take anything written and analyze it. The great part is it even helps with any piece you are writing, to give you the ability to step back and take a good look at it without feeling like you're about to savage your baby.

[Judy]

A little long and tedious, but I think a good effort to present important concepts for thinking.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A textbook for life. Maybe critical thinking is intuitive or should be, but for whatever reason it is not and this book can help train your mind to better interpret and judge our nearly insane world.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook, so it is academically focused. I found it well organized and concise, and to be a useful teaching guide.

[Andrew Abwoga · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a lovely book if you really want to think about thinking!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very inciteful

[Nicole Zou · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is good to read if you are a teacher and want to help your students build up their thinking skills. But to me, it is not systematic enough.

[Jerrod]

This is an excellent primer. Giving many skills for anyone interested in being both creative and a sound thinker. I would suggest this to nearly anyone interested in their own reasoning.

[bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

don't fit with my think habit,too complicated

[Kaitlin Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the 2015, 11th edition

[Chaltu]

about persuading others