Notes: Chapter 1: Critical Thinking, Facts, and Feelings
A fundamental concern of critical thinking is
a question about the quality of your beliefs.
This means that critical thinking is not about what you think, but how you think.
Critical thinking focuses not on what causes a belief, but on whether it is worth
believing.
A belief is worth believing, or accepting, if we have good reasons to accept it. The
better the reasons for acceptance, the more likely the belief is to be
____true_________.
CRITICAL THINKING: The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or
statements, by rational standards.
What makes it systematic?
It involves distinct procedures and methods.
How does it entail evaluation and formulation?
Because it’s used to both assess existing beliefs and devise new ones.
How does it operate according to rational standards?
In that beliefs are judged by how well they are supported by reasons.
Summarize in your own words what you have read/learned so far.
A system that supports a viewpoint is essentially what critical thinking is. To make
sure your beliefs are genuine and well-supported. critical thinking can lead to
knowledge and greater comprehension.
Why It Matters
A consequence of believing whatever others (such as your parents, friends,
influencers, etc.) think is a
loss of personal freedom.
From what you read, what does the above statement mean?
You are able to think freely because you have carefully analyzed all of your ideas
and identified solid reasons for holding them in mind.
