Unit 1: Introduction and Meaning Analysis
Critical thinking is a broad classification for a diverse array of reasoning techniques. In general, critical thinking works by breaking arguments and claims down to their basic underlying structure so we can see them clearly and determine whether they are rational. The idea is to help us do a better job of understanding and evaluating what we read, what we hear, and what we write and say.
In this unit, we will define the broad contours of critical thinking and learn why it is a valuable and useful object of study. We will also introduce the fundamentals of meaning analysis: the difference between literal meaning and implication, the principles of definition, how to identify when a disagreement is merely verbal, the distinction between necessary and sufficient conditions, and problems with the imprecision of ordinary language.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- distinguish between the literal and implied meanings of sentences;
- describe reportive, stipulative, precising, and persuasive definitions, and apply them to real-world scenarios;
- describe the criteria for evaluating definitions and sources, and apply them to real-world scenarios;
- distinguish between factual disputes and verbal disputes;
- define necessary and sufficient conditions, and give examples of each;
- evaluate statements for various types of obscurity, such as lexical ambiguity, referential ambiguity, syntactic ambiguity, vagueness, incompleteness, and meaning; and
- evaluate statements for distortions of meaning, such as reification, category mistakes, and poor philosophical argumentation.
- distinguish between the literal and implied meanings of sentences;
1.1: Introduction to Critical Thinking
Watch this video for a basic sense of what critical thinking is and why it is important.
Read these four tutorials on critical thinking. As you read, compare the abilities that a person acquires after becoming a critical thinker with your own goals as a student, as well as with your future career and life goals.
- Make forum posts: 1
Consider these questions from a variety of angles. Then, share your thoughts on the discussion forum. Make sure to review and respond to other students' posts, as well.
- Is critical thinking important? Why or why not?
- How will the understanding and use of critical thinking benefit you in your life now and in the future?
- How do emotions affect one's ability to think critically?
1.2: Meaning Analysis
1.2.1: The Elements of Meaning
While meaning may not seem like the sort of thing that needs explaining, the ways in which it is produced, both in speech and in writing, can lead to confusion and thus warrant close examination.
In this section, you will read about the nature of linguistic meaning, the different types of definitions, the difference between literal meaning and conversational implicature, and the difference between verbal and factual disputes.
Complete the exercises to enhance your critical thinking skills and your understanding of meaning.
- Make forum posts: 1
Evaluate these definitions. If you find a definition inadequate or flawed, try to provide a better definition. Then, share your thoughts on the discussion forum. Make sure to review and respond to other students' posts, as well.
- Discuss Mark Twain's definition of love: "Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
- Discuss this definition of a cloud: "A cloud is a large, semi-transparent mass with fleecy texture suspended in the atmosphere whose shape is subject to continual change."
1.2.2: Necessary and Sufficient Conditions
Phenomena in the world are related to one another in all sorts of complicated ways. Sometimes we can say very generally whether one thing is necessary for something else or whether it is merely sufficient. The concepts of necessary and sufficient conditions help us understand and explain the different kinds of connections between concepts and how different states of affairs are related to each other.
1.2.3: Thinking Critically about Ordinary Language
Thinking needs to be precise and clear, but the language we use to express our thoughts is often imprecise and misleading. In this section, you will read about identifying common ways language can lead us astray.
Complete all exercises and check your answers.
1.3: Assessing Sources
Read this tutorial, which discusses appropriate questions to ask to determine whether a source is credible and reliable. As you read, make a list of important questions to ask. Make notes under each question about why that question is important. Also, write down any tips to consider when answering each question.
Watch these videos to learn about the basic principles of evaluating sources. The first video identifies characteristics of scholarly articles, and the second video explains the "peer review" editorial process.
Read this article, which explains factors relevant to assessing the reliability of Internet sources. Many of the factors mentioned in this material are also relevant to assessing the reliability of other sources.
- Make forum posts: 1
Consider your experiences with finding and assessing sources. In particular, using a personal experience as an example, discuss whether and to what extent one of the strategies in this section for evaluating sources has been or would have been helpful. Then, share your thoughts on the discussion forum. Make sure to review and respond to other students' posts, as well.