The Fundamentals of Critical Thinking

What

The fundamentals of Critical Thinking (CT) refer to the {concepts, values, methods, and such} that are essential for consistently reaching the best conclusions.

Getting Started

1. Critical Thinking (CT) is the subject that equips an actor (person or group) to figure out truth and figure out the best actions to take by using using facts and sound reasoning.

2. Critical in the context of CT means being careful and thoughtful — especially in avoiding snap judgments, bias, and flawed reasoning. It involves actively questioning information rather than passively accepting it.

3. CT equips an actor to reach the best conclusions—those that maximize rewards and minimize drawbacks in a holistic sense.

4. CT prioritizes evidence-based conclusions—those reached through careful consideration of facts, context, and sound reasoning.

5. CT seeks to minimize bias—a systematic tendency to favor or oppose something, resulting in judgments that are not fully grounded in objective facts or sound reasoning.

6. CT involves skepticism—the practice of carefully examining the reasons behind a belief, especially your own, to determine whether it is genuinely supported by evidence and sound reasoning.

7. CT prioritizes the use of evidence—information gathered through direct methods (e.g., observation, measurement, calculation, experimentation, or modeling) that increases certainty about a claim.

Flesh out these definitions. about one sentence each; use more if essential.

Elements of Language

1. Proposition: A proposition is a statement that expresses a claim that is either true or false, regardless of the language used to state it.

2. True: A statement is true when it accurately corresponds to reality — that is, when it describes the way things actually are.

3. Truth-Apt: A statement is truth-apt if it can logically be evaluated as true or false, even if we do not know its truth value.

4. Truth Value: The truth value of a statement refers to whether it is true or false.

5. Fact: A fact is a true proposition — one that has been verified through evidence, observation, or logical reasoning.

6. Falsehood: A falsehood is a proposition that does not match reality — that is, a statement that is false.

7. Belief: A belief is an internal mental state in which a person accepts a proposition as true, whether or not it actually is.

8. Opinion: An opinion is a subjective judgment or evaluation based on personal values, feelings, or interpretation, not subject to objective verification.

9. Preference: A preference is a personal inclination or liking for one option over another, often based on comfort, taste, or emotion rather than reasoning.

10. Objective Statement: An objective statement makes a claim about reality that is independent of personal feelings or perspectives and is truth-apt.

11. Subjective Statement: A subjective statement expresses a personal perspective, feeling, or internal state and is typically not verifiable or truth-apt in the external sense.

12. Undetermined Proposition: An objective proposition whose truth value is currently unknown but could, in principle, be determined.

    • Example: “There is life on Mars.”

13. Undeterminable Proposition: An objective proposition whose truth value is unknown and — at least in principle — cannot be conclusively verified or falsified by human methods.

    • Example: “God exists.” (assuming the claim lies beyond empirical or logical resolution)

Elements of Language

1. Proposition: A proposition is a statement that expresses a claim that is either true or false, regardless of the words or language used to state it.

2. True: A statement is true when it accurately describes reality — that is, when it corresponds with the way things actually are.

3. Truth-Apt: A statement is truth-apt if it is capable of being either true or false, even if we don’t know which it is.

4. Truth Value: The truth value of a statement is its actual status as either true or false.

5. Fact: A fact is a true proposition that can be verified through reliable observation, evidence, or logical reasoning.

6. Falsehood: A falsehood is a proposition that does not correspond to reality — in other words, a statement that is false.

7. Belief: A belief is a mental state in which a person accepts a proposition as true, regardless of whether it actually is.

8. Opinion: An opinion is a subjective judgment or evaluation that reflects a person’s thoughts, feelings, or values, and typically cannot be proven true or false for everyone.

9. Undetermined Proposition: An objective proposition whose truth value is not known but can in principle be determined. Example : There is life on mars.

10. Undeterminable Proposition: An objective proposition whose truth value is not known and cannot be determined. Example : God exists???

11. Preference: A preference is a personal inclination toward one option over another, often based on taste, comfort, or desire, rather than reasoned judgment.

12. Objective Statement: An objective statement is one that makes a claim about the external world and is independent of personal feelings; it is truth-apt and can, in principle, be verified.

13. Subjective Statement: A subjective statement reflects internal states like feelings, thoughts, or evaluations and is often not verifiable or intended to be evaluated as true or false by others.

Statements and Facts

1. A proposition is a statement that can be determined to be true or false. That is, it has a truth value.

2. A fact can be an “objective fact” or a “subjective fact.”

3. An objective fact is one whose truth or falsity is determined by direct means (evidence): observation, experiment, logical proof, calculation, investigative journalism, scientific method, sound detective work, and so on.

4. A correct objective fact is true for everyone, regardless of their values, beliefs, or opinions.

5. A subjective fact is a statement that is true for one or more actors (people or groups) but is not true for all actors because it based on an actor’s values, beliefs, culture, and emotions. Examples. Sunset is the best time of day. The best brand of car is Brand A.

6. An objective statement should be justified by laying out the evidence. A subjective fact should be justified by explain why this is true for some people based on their values, beliefs, cultures, emotions, and such.

7. People commonly mix up subjective and objective facts, treating one of these as the other.

8. An objective fact is best called a “fact.” A subjective fact is best called an “opinion,” “belief,” “informed opinion” (if merited), or “best practice (if merited)” However, people use many varied labels often calling objective facts “opinions” and “beliefs” for example.

9. An informed opinion is one based on experience, training, cultural norms for a professional group, and so forth. For example, the opinions (subjective facts) of a skilled house painter would reflect their best judgements with respects to painting.

10. Best practices are informed opinions shared by a group of experts. They represent what has worked well in practice based on collective wisdom and experience.

11. Informed opinions and best practices should be sought out and typically followed because they reflect the wisdom of those with experience. (note: this statement is a subjective fact).

12. Both objective and subjective facts should be justified:

    1. Objective facts by presenting evidence.
    2. Subjective facts by explaining why they are true for certain people based on their values, beliefs, or emotions.

Subjective Facts

4. Subjective facts depend on personal or group perspectives: They are considered true within a particular context or frame of reference, such as an individual’s experience or cultural values.
   • Example: “Spicy food is delicious” may be true for some but not for all.
5. Subjective facts can be widely shared but remain non-universal: A subjective fact may be accepted by many people within a group while still being untrue for others.
   • Example: “Blue is a calming color.”
6. Subjective facts can guide personal or societal choices: Even though they are not universally true, subjective facts can influence behavior, preferences, and norms.

Informed Opinions

7. Informed opinions bridge subjective and objective domains: They are subjective because they involve judgment but are informed by objective evidence, experience, or critical analysis.

   • Example: “Coders should test their code” is based on experience and evidence of reduced errors.

8. Informed opinions require expertise and context: They gain credibility from being formed by individuals who have relevant experience, knowledge, and understanding of the context.

   • Example: “A balanced portfolio reduces long-term investment risk” is an informed opinion grounded in financial wisdom.

9. Informed opinions evolve with new evidence: As new information becomes available, informed opinions should be updated to reflect better understanding. This distinguishes them from rigid beliefs.

10. Informed opinions can guide best practices: While not absolute truths, they are often valuable for decision-making and problem-solving in areas where objective facts alone are insufficient.

    • Example: “Red is not a wise color for resale if you might want to sell your van” reflects market trends and practical wisdom. The fundamentals of critical thinking encompass a range of skills and dispositions that enable individuals to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form sound judgments. While different frameworks may emphasize slightly different aspects, some core fundamentals consistently emerge:

Cognitive Skills:

• Analysis: Breaking down complex information into smaller parts to understand its components and relationships. This includes identifying arguments, claims, evidence, and assumptions.
• Interpretation: Understanding the meaning and significance of information, data, and experiences. This involves clarifying meaning, identifying the main idea, and explaining the relevance of the information.
• Inference: Drawing logical conclusions and making reasonable predictions based on the available evidence. This includes identifying implications, formulating hypotheses, and anticipating potential outcomes.
• Evaluation: Assessing the credibility, relevance, and strength of information and arguments. This involves judging the quality of evidence, identifying biases, and determining the logical soundness of reasoning.
• Explanation: Clearly and coherently communicating one’s reasoning and conclusions. This includes justifying arguments with evidence, articulating assumptions, and presenting logical connections.
• Self-Regulation: Monitoring and reflecting on one’s own thinking processes, identifying biases and errors, and adjusting one’s approach as needed. This involves being aware of one’s own cognitive strengths and weaknesses and being willing to reconsider judgments.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying issues, generating potential solutions, evaluating options, and implementing the most effective course of action based on logical reasoning.

Dispositions (Habits of Mind):

• Open-mindedness: Being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and evidence, even if they contradict one’s own beliefs.
• Inquisitiveness: Having a strong desire to learn, seek information, and ask probing questions.
• Truth-seeking: Being committed to seeking accurate and objective information, even if it is uncomfortable or challenges existing beliefs.
• Analytical Thinking: Approaching problems with a systematic and logical mindset.
• Systematicity: Being organized, focused, and diligent in one’s approach to problem-solving and inquiry.
• Confidence in Reasoning: Trusting one’s own ability to reason effectively and make sound judgments.
• Judiciousness: Being willing to make judgments in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity, while acknowledging the limitations of one’s knowledge.
• Humility: Recognizing one’s own potential for error and being willing to admit when one is wrong or doesn’t know.
• Fair-mindedness: Striving to be impartial and consider all relevant viewpoints without prejudice.

These fundamentals are interconnected and work together to enable effective critical thinking. Developing these skills and cultivating these dispositions are essential for navigating complex issues, making informed decisions, and fostering intellectual growth.