Critical Thinking Approach
A Critical Thinking Approach is a thinking approach that systematically evaluates claims and evidence through logical analysis and reasoned judgment.
- Context:
- It can (typically) involve systematic questioning of assumptions and arguments.
- It can (often) employ evidence evaluation and logical reasoning.
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- It can range from being a Basic Critical Analysis (e.g., claim verification) to being a Complex Critical Analysis (e.g., system evaluation).
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- It can identify hidden assumptions in arguments.
- It can assess evidence quality and source reliability.
- It can detect logical fallacies in reasoning chains.
- It can generate alternative explanations for observations.
- It can evaluate argument strength through structured analysis.
- It can integrate multiple perspectives in assessment.
- It can apply metacognition to examine thinking processes.
- It can differentiate fact from opinion and interpretation.
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- Example(s):
- The Scientific Method, which tests hypotheses through empirical evidence.
- The Socratic Method, which uses systematic questioning to examine beliefs.
- The Historical Thinking Approach, which analyzes historical evidence and interpretations.
- The Logical Analysis Framework, which evaluates argument structures.
- The Evidence-Based Decision Making, which bases choices on data evaluation.
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- Counter-Example(s):
- Emotional Thinking, which relies primarily on feelings rather than evidence.
- Confirmation Bias, which selectively seeks evidence supporting existing beliefs.
- Dogmatic Thinking, which accepts claims without questioning.
- Intuitive Thinking, which bypasses systematic analysis.
- See: Analytical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, Evidence Evaluation, Metacognition, Argument Analysis