Introduction to Critical Thinking

Speaker: Linda Elder

About the Speaker

• President of the Foundation for Critical Thinking

About the Organization

• Foundation for Critical Thinking: 501(c)(3) non-profit in California.
• Established: 1991
• Supports the Center for Critical Thinking (founded in 1980 by Dr. Richard Paul at Sonoma State University).

History of Critical Thinking

• 1970s-1980s: Scholars began focusing on critical thinking due to research showing students lack fundamental skills despite long-term education.
• 1980s: Surge in interest in critical thinking, trends/fads, but oversimplification led to misconceptions.
• Critical thinking requires lifelong effort, not short workshops.

Importance of Critical Thinking

• Socrates' View: 2,400 years ago, emphasized examining one's reasoning as crucial for addressing life problems.
• Current Usage: Widely mentioned but not well understood or robustly practiced in general society.
• Intellectual Virtues: Embracing intellectual humility, perseverance, autonomy, integrity, courage, and fair-mindedness.

Intellectual Virtues Detailed

• Intellectual Humility: Acknowledge and admit limitations in knowledge.
• Intellectual Perseverance: Persisting through mental challenges.
• Intellectual Autonomy: Independent thinking based on thorough reasoning.
• Intellectual Integrity: Holding oneself to the same standards as others.
• Intellectual Courage: Honestly examine and question one’s beliefs.
• Fair-Mindedness: Understand and empathize with opposing viewpoints.

Challenges Facing Humanity

• Global Warming/Climate Change: Requires collective critical thinking to find solutions.
• Modern Interconnectivity: Fast-changing world necessitates perpetual learning and critical thinking.

Conceptual Sets in Critical Thinking

• Developed by Dr. Richard Paul:
  • Elements of Reasoning: Purpose, questions, information, inferences, assumptions, concepts, point of view, implications.
• Intellectual Standards: Clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logicalness, fairness, sufficiency.
• Awareness Required: Understanding of elements and standards needed to improve reasoning.

Self-Deception in Thinking

• Egocentric Thinking: Selfish or close-minded perspectives.
• Sociocentric Thinking: Group biases, seeking validation from others, compromising critical thought.
• Need for Internalizing: Lifelong learning and application of critical thinking concepts.

Outreach & Resources

• Center for Critical Thinking Community Online:
  • Largest digital library
  • Print/audio/video materials
  • Criticalthinkingcommunity.org
• Professional Development:
  • On-site and online customized workshops
  • Semester-long courses (Sonoma State University)
  • Conferences and workshops
• Community Participation:
  • Webinars, study groups, Q&A sessions

Call to Action

• Join Efforts: Contribute to advancing fair-minded critical thinking in human societies.
• Longevity: Organization has been operational for over four decades.