Clear Thinking: A Practical Introduction

by Hy Ruchlis

This lively introduction to the basis of critical analysis shows how to evaluate evidence, isolate facts, and use sound reasoning skills in everyday situations. Chapters focus on: The Importance of Clear Thinking; The Nature of Facts; The Reasoning Process; Language and Reasoning; Common Errors in Reasoning; Conflicting Opinions; Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination; How Opinions Are Influenced; and much more.

Genres: Philosophy, Psychology

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1962

Reviews

[Miranda Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a little dated, but it would make a good introductory text for educators or for anyone looking for an entrance to critical thinking. It covers a wide range of topics and doesn't bombard the reader with potentially confusing philosophy shop talk.

[Tracy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably intended for high school students, but I still enjoyed it.

[Ahmed Louaar · Rating 2 out of 5]

أتى هذا الكتاب على شكل قصصي ، حيث يقوم الكاتب بشرح فصوله عن طريق تقديم امثلة ، ثم يطرح في نهاية كل فصل ،إختباراتلخص الفصل ، الكتاب لم يعجبني و لم يأت بجديد في طرق التفكير بل كرر ما معلوم مسبقا ، من الكتب التي يخدعك عنوانها لا أنصح به

[Will Hambric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better suited to younger readers, I think.

[Farhan Khalid · Rating 3 out of 5]

3rd world war may be broken due to some human mistake in using nuclear technology

In 1960's, people were disappointed from science because Gov. was using it by making deadly weapons

Science is an engine not driver

An expert is one who knows 'causes and effects' of his field

We find facts from inductive logic and deduces new results from deductive logic

Intuition: there was to find the structure of benzene and orientation of carbon in it. The scientist was unable to find it then he saw a snake in a dream which was seizing his tale from mouth. After that he reached the fact that benzene structure might circular instead of linear structure

Names influenced on the decision ability of people

Name of 'War' Department is replaced with 'Defense' Department. War shows offense such that defense depicts concept of self-security

There needs to have command on language in order to be excellent in reasoning

The meaning of an abstract word changes person to person according to his experience e.g. democracy

The confusion creates in a debate when people extract different meaning from abstract words

So, it is a good practice to prior define those kind of words and agree upon the definition

Many great writers do not write in sequence but use abrupt sentences, initially, they must write in simple manner in order to communicate well and after getting experience in efficient communication they should perform experiments

Attitude: Our minds are trained in our social, political, educational and cultural background hence become very specific in their observations

Changes disappoint us when we become fundamental

We cannot judge with biased mind

Emotions are helpful in running away from danger place

Emotions are harmful when they denominates over logic

Love is in the most powerful emotion

Over-conscious parents' attitude do not let their children grow

Gov. exploits their masses by stirring up their emotions especially in order to start a war

Logical powers oppose us to be the prey of emotions

Broad thinking:
Collecting sufficient facts
Avoiding circular reasoning
Avoiding partiality
Not rushing to the result
[Where circular reasoning is an attempt to support a statement by simply repeating the statement in different or stronger terms]

People who think broadly often supposed to lack in decision making. This is the case of those who have no will power

People who think broadly:
Decide after collecting sufficient facts
Has capacity to receive more information, learning and revision

People who think narrowly do not reckon about opposites facts

Do not close your eyes when climates is against you. Open your eyes and do something to change the climate

Opinion: an estimation based upon insufficient and uncertain statement

Opinions are always different. It is inevitable. There must be opinion because we often have to make decision in insufficient facts

Express every opinion and do not express at all, both attitudes spread miscommunication

Objective opinion: opinion made after listening from all sides with open mind

When we become fundamental and do not care about others opinion then we find no space for harmony

Sometimes we cannot come upon a single opinion then we have to negotiate and agree upon on minimum points

A dialogue is fruitful when there is capacity of mutual understanding

Open mind is always dynamic

One way to remove the difference in opinion is to refer third party. E.g. courts, U.N. etc.

Prejudices do not let us observe objectively

Stereotype is one who disallows modernity

Reality is more complex than we perceive it

We categorize the reality in order to perceive it

Facts magic: to represent only those facts which advocate a person or thing

Press and electronic media is owned by very powerful people so they have control on facts and events

Many people get their information from headlines

Good newspaper is one which presents many kinds of opinions. They might be opposite. they make it objective

Facts fades in the world of abstractions

Abstract thinking is the basis for critical thinking

We should be tolerated for opposite outlooks and find common points to live peacefully

Understand other, respect other's opinion and ready to settle the dispute are mandatory to live in the modern world facing problems regarding law and order and environment. Before that, we have to clear our thinking

[rØß · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want clear thinking? This book is a critical thinking guide in simple explanations. The chapters detail real life applications in which clear thinking is crucial for human beings to maintain if we want to solve complex problems by avoiding pitfalls of narrow thinking.