14 Jul 2022

66

The Basics of Critical Thinking

Format: APA

Academic level: College

Paper type: Assignment

Words: 924

Pages: 3

Downloads: 0

Introduction 

Critical thinking refers to the process of actively and skillfully conceptualization, application and synthesis of information collected as a guide to acting in a more intellectually and well-mannered way. It involves honesty and fairness in the process of gathering information and presenting it towards improving your ability to present ideas after critically thinking them out. An individual is said to have carried out critical thinking before presenting an idea when he/she examines and carries out an evaluation of what is already known and finally arrive at a conclusion about the merit (McPeck, 2016). The primary aim of carrying out critical thinking is to maintain a position that is more objective by weighing up arguments strength and weaknesses and keeping an open mind so as to be able to question the authors claim (McPeck, 2016). Although few many individuals do not embrace the process of critical thinking in their daily life it is crucial to realize the kind of benefits it will add to their lives such as self-reflection where he/she is able to analyze personal shortcomings, decision making, and time utilization so everyone should study critical thinking.

Basics of Critical Thinking 

The basics of critical thinking revolve around four major steps each of which include sub-topics to break down the analysis. First, an individual ought to recognize the argument facing him/her. Second, analyze the argument and break it down into parts to understand how it works (McPeck 2016). Third, evaluate the arguments analyzed and finally come up with his/her arguments.

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Recognizing Arguments 

An argument is defined as a component of the reason that tries to show that a given idea exists by providing evidence by using other suggestions. Fairly trying to convince its audience of something acts as its main feature, so if an individual is faced with a component that attempts to make them believe by drawing evidence of its truth rather than giving it an assertion , he/she ought to understand that is dealing with an argument.

Analyzing Argument 

There are three steps involved to carry out the analysis. First is to identify the ultimate conclusion of the argument. Second, comprehend some of the important ideas in the argument and finally be able to determine how important ideas can support the final conclusion.

Understanding the ultimate conclusion is usually the point the argument attempts an individual to believe. The ultimate conclusion is often found predominantly in the argument. Therefore, it important for an individual should come up with his/her own conclusion. Second is to determine some of the important ideas in the argument so as to ascertain the truth in the final conclusion. The reason is that people only focus only on the rhetoric effect of what is written, an individual should be keen for some statements don’t convey important ideas (McPeck, 2016). Finally, is to figure out how the important ideas corporate to support of the eventual conclusion. To make sure this is a success people should employ the four main patterns that determine how ideas work together, include: ultimate conclusion, sub-conclusions, dependent reasons, and independent reasons.

Evaluating Arguments 

In order to evaluate an argument, an individual ought to acknowledge its structure in general by noting it if or not it has independent issues. He/she should also evaluate its premises, inferences, and asses it as a whole (McPeck, 2016). Appreciating the structure of the argument involve identifying ideas that show support to the final conclusion since a good argument must have better supporting lines with good premises and inferences.

Evaluating the premises of an argument one should ask himself/herself three questions. First, whether the premise is true since it is the one that determines if the final conclusion is true and it it will be obvious the ultimate is wrong if the premise is not true. Second, people should ask themselves if the audience, including those who already disagree, would finally agree with the premise (McPeck, 2016). Because it is important to know that the arguments audience do not agree with the final conclusion sine if they did, then there could be no point of trying to make them believe it.

Evaluating inferences involve establishing a connection that exists between the reason and conclusion at the end of it. It is always perfect to have true inferences since to conclude that the reasons presented are true then the conclusion is true and vice versa. One should understand that analyzing the inference between the reason and the conclusion is totally different from evaluating the reason itself.

Construction good arguments 

An individual should be able to come up with a better argument using the most creative process. There are three main steps one should follow to realize a good argument. First, he/she should decide upon the ultimate conclusion. This involves asking questions, giving answers and formulating the best answer (McPeck, 2016). Second, involves constructing the chain of reasoning to make sure that the ultimate conclusion is well supported. Finally, one should communicate the argument to the people to here. Involves, writing a paragraph containing the argument to them for easy analysis.

Critical thinking is very important to enable the reader to evaluate the evidence and identify illogical reasoning. In addition, critical thinking enables people to come up strong arguments since they are able to give justification of the claims made and also understand the content of what one is reading (McPeck, 2016). One is able to compare and contrast read content. Developing critical thinking allows people to formulate reasoned arguments during assignments, examinations, and projects.

Conclusion 

Critical thinking is a very important skill that requires mastering and practice from time to time. The main reason for embracing critical is not all about identifying problems rather is to get to know the truth and comprehend how people reason out. Critical thinking is very important to enable the reader to evaluate the evidence and identify illogical reasoning. In addition, critical thinking enables people to come up strong arguments since they are able to give justification of the claims made and also understand the content of what one is reading. One is able to compare and contrast read content. Developing critical thinking allows people to formulate reasoned arguments during assignments, examinations, and projects.

References

McPeck, J. E. (2016).  Critical thinking and education . Routledge. 

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StudyBounty. (2023, September 17). The Basics of Critical Thinking.
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