Critical Thinking

 

As student you may feel that, having only done a few hours of reading on a topic, you can´t argue against an author who has spent many years writing a book. Yet one of the main purpose of a degree is to enable you to evaluate critically what you read. Remember that no author has total authority; all arguments are written from a certain perspective, and leave aspects of the topic out.

 

The following questions may you help to think critically.

Ask yourself as you read.

 

1. What is the topic of the book or reading?

2. What issue are adressed?

3. What conclusion does the author reach about teh issue(s)?

4. What are the author´s reasons for his or her statements or belief?

5. When was it written? Does it reflect the views or its time in any way?

6. Is the author using facts, theory or faith?

7. Has the author used neutral words or emotional words?

 

 

Consider the following characteristics of critical thinkers.

• They are honest with themselves

• They resist manipulation

• They overcome confusion

• They ask question

• They base judgments on evidence

• They look for connectionse between subjects 

• They are intellectually independent