How to Think Critically: A Concise Guide - Second Edition

How to Think Critically begins with the premise that we are all, every day, engaged in critical thinking. But just as we may develop bad habits in daily life if we don’t scrutinize our practices, so are we apt to develop bad habits in critical thinking if we are careless in our reasoning. Readers are presented with a traditional step-by-step method for analysis that can be applied to all argument forms. Hundreds of exercises (with solutions) are included, as are several random statement generators that can be used to create thousands of additional examples. Truth tables, Venn diagrams, and other essential concepts are introduced not merely as objects for academic study but also as tools for better thinking and living. At a time when the value of critical thinking is recognized to be greater than ever, this book is an important resource both inside and outside the classroom.

Table of Contents:
Preface Identifying Arguments and Non-Arguments Introduction 1.1 Arguments, Not Fights 1.2 Critical Thinking and Reasoning 1.3 Arguments vs. Unsupported Claims 1.4 Premises and Conclusions: The Building Blocks of Arguments 1.5 Identifying Statements and Arguments 1.6 Postscript 1.7 Chapter Exercises The Use and Abuse of Language Introduction 2.1 Meaning, Denotation, and Connotation 2.2 Defining Words 2.3 Vagueness and Ambiguity 2.4 Emotional Language and Prejudicial Language 2.5 Scope and Conviction 2.6 Postscript 2.7 Chapter Exercises Argument Structure and Assessment Introduction 3.1 Standardizing Arguments 3.2 Editing Arguments 3.3 Complex Arguments 3.4 Postscript 3.5 Chapter Exercises Argument Evaluation Introduction 4.1 The S-Test 4.2 Step 1: Satisfactory Premises 4.3 Step 2: Supporting Premises 4.4 Step 3: Sufficient Support 4.5 Passing the S-Test 4.6 Failing the S-Test 4.7 Postscript 4.8 Chapter Exercises Argument Types Introduction 5.1 Deductive Arguments 5.2 Inductive Arguments 5.3 Arguments from Analogy 5.4 Postscript 5.5 Chapter Exercises Fallacies Introduction 6.1 List of Fallacies 6.2 Fallacies in Advertising 6.3 Postscript 6.4 Chapter Exercises Categorical Logic Introduction 7.1 Categorical Logic and Categorical Statements 7.2 The Square of Opposition 7.3 Rules of Inference 7.4 Depicting Categorical Statements Using Venn Diagrams 7.5 Depicting Categorical Syllogisms Using Venn Diagrams 7.6 Using Rules to Evaluate Categorical Syllogisms 7.7 Missing/Implicit Statements in Categorical Syllogisms 7.8 Postscript 7.9 Chapter Exercises Propositional Logic Using Truth Tables Introduction 8.1 Translating Propositions 8.2 Basic Truth Tables for “And,” “Or,” “Not,” and “If, Then” 8.3 Creating Long Truth Tables 8.4 Creating Short Truth Tables 8.5 Postscript 8.6 Chapter Exercises Critical Thinking Online Introduction 9.1 Misinformation and Disinformation 9.2 Finding the Right Sources 9.3 Tools and Tips 9.4 When and Where to Argue Online 9.5 Postscript 9.6 Chapter Exercises Glossary of Key Terms Index

About the Author :
Jeff McLaughlin is Professor of Philosophy at Thompson Rivers University.

Review :
“How to Think Critically is an ideal book for introductory critical thinking courses. Jeff McLaughlin recognizes that the academic study of reasoning is new to most students and that it can prove to be daunting and difficult. He embraces the challenge of presenting philosophical concepts and methods to beginner audiences and succeeds in making the material accessible without compromising rigor and detail.” — Glen Baier, University of the Fraser Valley Comments on the 1st Edition “Jeff McLaughlin’s How to Think Critically covers all of the topics important for introductory courses in Critical Thinking, and it does so without bogging down the reader or instructor with extraneous material. The examples and illustrations will, I believe, resonate well with students, and, in particular, with students at Canadian universities. I look forward to using this text the next time I offer Critical Thinking.” — G.K.D. Crozier, Laurentian University “How to Think Critically is a very good text. It is clear and comprehensive and includes an abundance of examples. It provides a plausible and sensible take on arguments as they really do occur.” — Michael Stack, University of Manitoba “McLaughlin’s book is clearly written and infused with an engaging sense of humour that sustains interest in a subject area that too often is presented in a dry and uninteresting fashion. McLaughlin uses pedagogically sound techniques and strategies to build competency and confidence in thinking critically.” — Jill Hunter, Athabasca University