Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves evaluating information and arguments systematically and logically. It requires you to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and analyze evidence thoroughly. Unlike intuitive thinking, which relies on quick judgments based on experience or gut feelings, critical thinking involves a deliberate and reasoned approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

In this section, you’ll explore the structure of arguments, including premises and conclusions, and learn how to identify them using signal words. You’ll also understand different types of reasoning—deductive, inductive, and abductive—and how to assess the validity and soundness of arguments. Additionally, you’ll examine how to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative evidence and the importance of primary and secondary sources.

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the validity of an argument. This section covers various logical fallacies, such as ad hominem and straw man, helping you recognize and avoid them in discussions and debates. You’ll also learn about counterarguments, which provide alternative viewpoints and strengthen the overall analysis by addressing opposing perspectives.