Smart thinking

To solve problems through critical thinking there should be sufficient evidence to assess claims, which are either true or false. The best practice is to accept claims which are supported by reasons. Arguments are used to prove the credibility of a claim. An argument refers to a group of statements which includes premises that support the conclusion.

It is crucial to determine the arguments among a group of non-argumentative statements. Some points helpful for determining arguments are given below.

• ·         Differentiating arguments from explanations

Arguments provide reasons which are backed with evidence to determine whether a claim is true or false while an explanation justifies the truth.

• ·         Indicator words to identify premises and conclusions in arguments.

Premise indicators – some, because, due to the fact that, given that, seeing that, being that, as, since, assuming that, for

Conclusion indicators – therefore, thus, which implies that, consequently, so, hence, as a result, which means that, ergo.

• ·         Identifying how things are linked together using reasoning.

Reasoning is greatly affected by one’s attitude. People may interpret facts differently based on their attitudes. So, it is necessary to assess one’s thinking patterns to make better conclusions.                                                       

To solve a problem, it is necessary to identify the problem and analyze the problem through different perspectives to determine several solutions. Then decide the most suitable solution among them.                                                                

                                                                                            

It is recommended to practice critical thinking whenever you can. To practice critical thinking we held an in-class team discussion on the topic “Nearest school is the best school.”

Through this discussion, we concluded that it is hard to always say that the nearest school is the best school because schools in rural areas do not have the same facilities as schools located in cities. To make this concept a reality the government should ensure all schools have the same level of facilities.

References:

Allen, M. (2004). Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing. Oxford University Press, USA.

Vaughn, L. (2018). The Power of Critical Thinking: Effective Reasoning about Ordinary and Extraordinary Claims. Oxford University Press, USA.