Critical Thinking: Strategies for Decision Making:

Understanding Critical vs. Non Critical Thinking
The Case for Critical Thinking
Recognizing Deceptive Reasoning
Detecting Emotional Manipulation
Styles of Non-Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking Styles
Becoming a Critical Thinker

Recognizing and Evaluating Arguments
Defining Arguments
Pinpointing Issues
Identifying Arguments
Seeking Clarity
Understanding Context
Finding Credibility
Looking for Consistency
Judging Arguments
Presenting Ideas Powerfully

Developing and Evaluating Explanations
Explanations vs. Arguments
Formulating Explanations
Gathering Information
Processing Information
Developing Hypotheses
Testing Hypotheses
Asking Discovery Questions
Challenging Assumptions

After completing this course, students will know how to:

Explain the differences between critical and non-critical thinking Teach strategies for improving the thinking necessary to make effective decisions at work Help readers understand how to evaluate the validity of arguments Describe the role that evidence plays in supporting strong arguments and explanations Demonstrate how to formulate effective explanations with solid information and reasoned hypotheses

Prerequisites