Critical Thinking & Argumentation: A Guide

Critical Thinking & Argumentation

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is about examining information from any source, evaluating its value and relevance, and effectively applying it to your studies.

Understanding Arguments

An argument, in the context of critical thinking, goes beyond mere disagreement. It involves presenting reasons in a structured way to persuade you of a specific viewpoint.

• Arguments are supported by reasons.
• Arguments aim to be persuasive and convince you of a particular position, potentially refuting or disproving opposing views.

Key Concepts in Critical Thinking

Assumptions

An assumption is an unstated reason that is necessary for the conclusion to be valid.

Credibility

Credibility refers to whether a claim or piece of evidence can be trusted.

Essential Skills for the 21st Century

1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

   Organizations competing internationally engage employees in continuous improvement (e.g., the Toyota system). Everyone takes responsibility for quality.

2. Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence

   Companies like IBM foster teamwork across geographical boundaries. Understanding and respecting differences is crucial, and there's a need to teach young people leadership skills.

3. Agility and Adaptability

   In companies like BOC Edwards, the work environment is constantly evolving, requiring employees to continuously acquire new skills.

4. Initiative and Entrepreneurship

   Organizations like Cisco set ambitious goals to create an entrepreneurial environment.

5. Effective Oral and Written Communication

   A common problem at companies like Dell is that employees struggle with writing because they lack clear thinking and reasoning skills. Fuzzy thinking leads to fuzzy writing. They need to learn how to write persuasively and express a clear viewpoint.

6. Accessing and Analyzing Information

   The sheer volume of information available makes it challenging to select relevant data. Skills are needed to distinguish between important and trivial information.

7. Curiosity and Imagination

   Innovation is crucial, especially for environmental sustainability. Companies like Apple, with products like the iPod and iPhone, demonstrate the importance of creativity in developing new products. Education needs to change to foster curiosity in students. A significant portion of the US economy relies on consumer spending.

Argument Indicators

Argument indicators are words that signal the reasons and conclusions within an argument.

Reasoning Indicators

Examples: Because, since, for, follows from the fact, the reasons are, firstly, secondly.

Indicators of Concluding

Examples: Therefore, so, hence, thus, consequently, which proves, which establishes, I conclude that, from which we can infer that, justifies the belief, it follows, demonstrates that.