The Elements of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is an important skill, which allows people to make informed and logical arguments and decisions. Critical thinkers must identify the argument they want to make. After identifying an argument, critical thinkers then clarify the argument’s basis by examining their logic and validity. The next element involves deductive reasoning, then followed by inductive reasoning. Once one is specific with the reasoning, the final evaluation is made whereby one determines if an argument is sound.  

The video,  Fake News: Part I , explains how fake news is used for personal gains, and how we can identify fake news. The speaker depicts high levels of critical thinking by applying all the skills required to make a compelling argument. The speaker identifies the problem by showing how news outlets and websites use fake news to reach huge customers. After identifying the issue, the speaker then researched to understand examples of fake news, for instance, the use of fake news by Nazis. Being of American origin, the speaker does not show bias to other cultures. Based on her research, the speaker establishes ways of understanding fake news. The speaker’s argument is also relevant, with support from various editors and librarians. The speaker’s argument also invokes curiosity; hence she shows a high application of critical thinking. 

Aljazeera’s reporting on Israel’s annexation of West Bank shows how Israel occupies a disputed land in the Middle East. The speaker does not apply critical thinking. She identifies the problem and shows a significant level of research on the topic. However, the speaker is heavily biased by failing to consider the cultural significance of the location to the disputing parties (Al Jazeera English, 2020). The speaker’s message shows a low application of critical thinking because of the lack of relevance. 

Reference 

Al Jazeera English. (July 12 th , 2020). Why does Israel want to Annex the West Bank? Start Here. [Video file]. https://youtu.be/6uuD0cGKu1Y