Critical Thinking: An Introduction

to Military Officers

INFANTRY OFFICER ADVANCE COURSE

 Objectives
 Define critical thinking
 Determine principles of critical thinking
 Determine steps in critical thinking
 Apply the critical thinking in problem solving
Scope
o Definition of Critical Thinking (CT)
o Characteristics of Critical Thinkers
o Steps in Critical Thinking
o CT for Battle Command
 DEFINITION OF CRITICAL THINKING
Definition of CT Source Theme(s)
Purposeful, self-regulatory judgment which results American Judgment, Logic and
in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and Philosophical Reasoning
inference, as well as explanation of the evidential, Association, 1990 Metacognitive Control
conceptual, methodological, criteriological, or Purposeful
contextual considerations upon which that
judgment is based
To be moved by reasons; a willingness, desire, and Siegel, 1988 Logic and Reasoning
disposition to base one’s actions and beliefs on Questioning/Reflective
reasons State of Mind
The testing and evaluation of proposed solutions Moore, McCann, & Judgment
provided by creative thinking McCann, 1985
To question definitions, evidence, actions, and Moss & Koziol, 1991 Questioning/Reflective
beliefs; to consider what is, what was, or might State of Mind
have been, and what may yet be
Use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase Halpern, 1997 Logic and Reasoning
the probability of a desired outcome. Describes Purposeful
thinking that is purposeful, reasoned, and goal-
directed
Sound reasoning, judgment that entails analysis, Dymek, 1999 Logic and Reasoning
synthesis, evaluation, and imagination Judgment
Characteristics of Critical
Thinkers
Characteristics I
Critical thinkers:
Care that their beliefs be true and that their decisions
be justified; that is, care to "get it right“ to the extent
possible.  This includes the dispositions to

Seek alternative hypotheses, explanations, conclusions,

plans, sources, etc., and be open to them
Endorse a position to the extent that, but only to the extent
that, it is justified by the information that is available
Be well informed
Consider seriously points of view other than their own
Characteristics II
Critical thinkers:
Care to present a position honestly and clearly, theirs
as well as others'.  This includes the dispositions to

Be clear about the intended meaning of what is said,

written, or otherwise communicated,seeking as much
information and precision as the situation requires
Determine, and maintain focus on, the conclusion or
question
Seek and offer reasons for their opinions/conclusions
Take into account the total situation
Be reflectively aware of their own basic beliefs
 Characteristics III
Critical thinkers:
Care about others’ point of view and treat it with respect. They:
Discover and listen to others' views and reasons
Avoid intimidating or confusing others, taking into
account others' feelings and level of understanding
Are concerned about others' welfare
Are concerned about educating others on the issues
Principles of Critical Thinking
 Principles of Critical Thinking

1.     Gather complete information.

2.     Understand and define all terms.
3.     Question the methods by which the facts are derived.
4.     Question the conclusions.
5.     Look for hidden assumptions and biases.
6.     Question the source of facts.
7.     Don’t expect all of the answers.
8.     Examine the big picture.
9.     Examine multiple cause and effect.
10.  Watch for thought stoppers.
11.  Understand your own biases and values.
Steps in Critical Thinking:
Formulating your argument

Focus on a question
◦ Identify and formulate the question
◦ Develop criteria for judging possible answers
◦ Develop a plan for collecting data
Develop an argument
◦ Generate premises and conclusions (the
“whereas” and “therefore”)
◦ Develop reasoning steps/support for
conclusions (the “why”)
Steps in Critical Thinking:
Deconstructing your Argument

Analyze arguments
1.  Identify conclusions
2.  Identify unstated reasons (assumptions)
3. Identify stated reasons
4.  Identify and handle irrelevance
5.  See the structure of an argument
6.  Summarize
 Steps in Critical Thinking:
Clarifying Arguments
Ask and answer questions of clarification and/or challenge, such as:
1. Why?
2. What is your main point?
3. What do you mean by…?
4. What would be an example?
5. What would be an exception?
6. How does that apply to this case (describe a case, which might well appear to be
a counter example)?
7. What difference does it make?
8. What are the facts?
9. Is this what you are saying: ____________?
10. Would you say some more about that?
Steps in Critical Thinking:
Knowing/Analyzing Sources
 Judge the credibility of a source. Major criteria (but
not necessary conditions):
1. Expertise
2. Lack of conflict of interest
3. Agreement among sources
4. Reputation or risk to reputation
5. Use of established procedures
6. Ability to give reasons
 Steps in Critical Thinking:
Knowing the Basis for Decisions
 Doctrines
 Research
 Principles
 Literatires
 Manuals
HIGH-PAYOFF CT SKILLS
FOR BATTLE COMMAND
• Framing the problem
• Inductive reasoning
• Mental simulation
• Avoiding reasoning fallacies
• Meta-reasoning
• Extracting meaning.
HIGH-PAYOFF CT SKILLS
FOR BATTLE COMMAND
• Framing the problem
• Inductive reasoning
• Mental simulation
• Avoiding reasoning fallacies
• Meta-reasoning
• Extracting meaning.
 HIGH-PAYOFF CT SKILLS FOR BATTLE COMMAND
Associated Battle Command Tasks CT Skill CT Skill Class

Clarify intent of commanders 1 and 2 levels up Frame the Message Frame the
• Review a mission statement Problem/Extract
• Determine own unit’s area of responsibility from OPORD Meaning from
• Determine constraints/restraints placed on mission by higher HQ from Material
OPORD

Review a mission statement Recognize Gist In Extract Meaning

• Clarify commanders’ intent 1 and 2 levels up Material from Material

Interpret reports of recent enemy significant activities in area of interest Develop An Explanation Induction
• Determine intent of enemy commanders one and two levels up That Ties Information
• Read the battlefield Elements Together In A
• Track the battlefield Plausible Way
• Interpret reports of enemy disposition

Interpret reports of enemy disposition Generalize From Specific Induction

• Interpret reports of recent enemy significant activities in area of interest Instances To Broader
Classes

War game a COA Use Mental Imagery To Frame the

• Develop branches/sequences for each COA Evaluate Plans Problem/ Mental
• Determine ease of movement Simulation
• Perform terrain analysis to gain an appropriate perspective that supports
battle
• Predict number of vehicles that can fit in an engagement area
 HIGH-PAYOFF CT SKILLS FOR BATTLE COMMAND
Associated Battle Command Tasks CT Skill CT Skill Class
Change own-unit plans based on new tactical input Challenge One’s Bias Avoid
• Develop COA’s Reasoning
• Read the battlefield Fallacies
• Track the battlefield
• Assess the situation
• Infer status of enemy forces
Interpret reports of recent enemy significant activities Examine Other Peoples’ Meta-
in area of interest Perspectives Reasoning
• Infer status of enemy forces
• Interpret reports of enemy disposition
• Read the battlefield
• Track the battlefield
• Assess the situation
Assess the situation Decide When To Seek Meta-
• Interpret reports of enemy disposition Information Based On Its Reasoning
• Interpret reports of recent enemy significant activities Value And Cost
in area of interest
• Read the battlefield
• Track the battlefield
• Infer status of enemy forces
 GRADED LESSON EXERCISE

Instructions:

1. Make a Reaction Paper on the topic: “Critical Thinking for Army

Officers”.

2. Your output should be encoded on a one-paged A4 bondpaper

using Arial font style, size 12, single line.

3. Guide Questions:
a. What is the significance of critical thinking to the military
profession?
b. How will critical thinking help you in the performance of your
duties as a staff officer?

4. Submit your output on 20 0830H January 2020.