A Practical Guide to Critical Thinking: Deciding What to Do and Believe

by David A. Hunter

A practical introduction to critical thinking across various disciplines Knowing how to think critically about what to believe and what to do is essential for success in both academic and professional environments. A Practical Guide to Critical Thinking introduces readers to the concepts, methods, and standards for thinking critically about reasons and arguments in virtually any area of practice. While most literature on critical thinking focuses on its formal applications within philosophy, this book offers a broad conception of critical thinking and explores its practical relevance to conducting research across a wide variety of disciplines, including business, education, and the biological sciences. While the book pursues an interdisciplinary approach to critical thinking, providing examples and illustrations from diverse subjects and fields of research, it also provides strategies to help readers identify the methods and standards that are characteristic of critical thinking in their chosen branches of learning, in their workplace, and in their own lives. The concept of an argument is extended beyond its philosophical roots to include experimentation, testing, measurement, policy development and assessment, and aesthetic appreciation as activities that require critical thinking. The logical, core concepts of critical thinking are presented in a rigorous yet informal way, with creative and practical strategies for defining, analyzing, and evaluating reasons and arguments wherever they are found. Each chapter ends with a "Mistakes to Avoid" section as well as a variety of exercises designed to help readers integrate and extend the chapter's lessons. A Practical Guide to Critical Thinking is an excellent book for courses on critical thinking and logic at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also an appropriate reference for anyone with a general interest in critical thinking skills.

Genres: Philosophy, Criticism, Reference

280 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I'll start by saying that I still find it a little hard to believe that this is actually a full course in University. I do appreciate the fact that it is a very dry and logic-based topic, so it would be difficult to make this overly interesting. That being said, my little picky complaints: every chapter except 1 started with EXACTLY the same sentence. That and many other things were overly repeated (in my opinion) which got a little annoying. I didn't hate this book, but it's not something that I'm interested in.

For the record: My professor was actually the author of this text. In person, he is way more entertaining/interesting than this book is. He's a fun guy.

Note: I didn't read the last chapter - but it was short, so I'm still saying I read this.

[paiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

incredibly redundant but that ensures the readers understand the content really clearly which i appreciated. this is a great introduction into academic research - i find myself coming back to this content across almost all of my courses