FAS1220 Spring 2023

Chapter 1: What Is Critical Thinking?

Quote of the Day

People everywhere enjoy believing things that they know are not true. It spares them the ordeal of
thinking for themselves and taking responsibility for what they know. Brooks Atkinson—American Theatric
Critic

Objectives

This lesson will help you to:

 Define critical thinking

 Become aware of the benefits of critical thinking
 Become aware of the obstacles to critical thinking
 Evaluate your present understanding of critical thinking

Study Questions

1. Are people born critical thinkers or do they learn how to think critically? Explain.

2. What is the relationship between critical thinking and skepticism?

3. Identify three benefits associated with critical thinking in one’s personal life? Provide examples.

4. Identify three benefits associated with critical thinking in one’s professional life? Provide
examples.

5. Discuss how attention to detail, repetition, and objectivity can lead to better critical thinking skills?

6. Why is critical thinking especially important in academic contexts?

7. Are there any disciplines or theories that are excluded from critical thinking? Why or why not?

8. What is the difference between dualistic and non-dualistic thinking? Give examples.

9. Summarize in your own words the obstacles to critical thinking.

Activities

1. Discuss the following questions in your groups: Has your high school education prepared you to
think critically? Did exams and class assignments integrate elements of critical thinking as
discussed in this chapter? Have any of your teachers prepared you to think critically? If so,
explain.

2. Which critical thinking skills, if any, should be applied in the following situations?
a. Finding information in the internet?
b. Deciding whether to accept a job offer?
 c. Applying to a university overseas to pursue MA?
d. Choosing a spouse?

3. Think of 3 examples of people (could be from your acquaintances or famous people) who
possess superior critical thinking skills. Why do you regard them as such? Then, think of 3
examples of people who lack critical thinking skills. Be ready to state your reasons.

4. Now that you’ve learnt how to define critical thinking, take a pen and free-write for 10 minutes
about what you desire to learn from this course. Think about the short-term and long-term
benefits that this course will have on your academic and personal life.