"Critical thinking... means making reasoned judgments"Beyer (1995)
Basically, critical thinking is using certain criteria to judge the quality of something, from a simple book, the media, radio and newspapers to a research paper. In essence, critical thinking is the disciplined manner of thought that a person uses to assess the validity of something. Included on this page you will find links that will give a better idea on how to do just that.
First of all take things slow and read. CRT intimidates everyone so your not alone. Ask questions, speak your concerns and ideas. Use the resources available to you, study your terms and take a deep breath.
Understanding Critical Thinking
An introduction to critical thinking
Critical thinking.net
How to understand Critical thinking
Developing critical thinking skills
How Ads use fallacies
How the Media uses Fallacies
How Fallacies are used in the government
| 1. | containing a fallacy; logically unsound: fallacious arguments. |
| 2. | deceptive; misleading: fallacious testimony. |
| 3. | disappointing; delusive: a fallacious peace. |
One of the ways to learn the terms better is to make a few sets of flash cards. One set for basic terms, one for rhetorical devices, and last one for fallacies.
Here are a few sites that offer free online flash cards and other ways to memorize all those terms.
Flashcard
The Study Shack
memorize in a flash
memory lifter
Now for the list of fallacies sites:
These two sites were my personal favorite. I liked these two sites because they gave the definition of the fallacy and an example. The first one I listed included a quotient to follow as well. I wrote the quotient on the front of my cards and the example and name on the back. When broken down it really helped me to understand the fallacies better.
Here is an example:
Front of card
Back of card
Ad Hominem
Translated from Latin to English, "Ad Hominem" means "against the man" or "against the person."
This fallacy involves two steps.
1.First, an attack against the character of person making the claim, her circumstances, or her actions is made.
2.Second, this attack is taken to be evidence against the claim or argument the person in question is making (or presenting).
Example of Ad Hominem
Bill: "I believe that abortion is morally wrong."
Dave: "Of course you would say that, you're a priest."
Bill: "What about the arguments I gave to support my position?"
Dave: "Those don't count. Like I said, you're a priest, so you have to say that abortion is wrong. Further, you are just a lackey to the Pope, so I can't believe what you say."
The Nizkor project
Terms
Here are more great sites on fallacies.
Real World Reasoning
Fallacies A-Z
Fallacies made easy PDF
Study Desk
Fallacy terms
Common Fallacies web sites
List of fallacious arguments
Logical Fallacies and the art of debate
Reasoning: How to avoid using fallacies
Practicing Fallacies
Quiz your self
Mini lesson
What is a Rhetorical device
| Rhetorical device - a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance) Virtual salt offers a list of rhetorical devices and deffinitions |
Glossary of Rhetorical terms
Argument and persuasion
Premises, conclusions and support
spotting invalid arguments
Evaluating an Argument
A Good Argument
Critiquing Arguments
Structure Of An Argument
Types Of Arguments
PDF Strong Argument
PDF Sound Argument
PDF An Argument
How to Write a paper with a strong argument
Suggestions
YouTube Video's On Fallacies,Rhetorical Devices and Critical Thinking
Please do keep in mind these videos are for the sole purpose of example only and do not necessarily reflect the sites opinion on any topic. As with any information keep an unbiased opinion.
Thank You
Peggy
I placed these here because I am a visual person. I learn better by a visual example.
George Carlin Was one of the most interesting individuals I have ever had the pleasure to watch and enjoy. He is perfect to watch for numerous Fallacies brought to light and Rhetorical Devices. He was not only a great comic but a man of wisdom and great insight. HERE'S TO YOU GEORGE!
bravenet.com