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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.”
  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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:

Dispositions (Habits of Mind):

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.