北京大学计算机专业英语课件11

10. Watch for thought stoppers. 11. Understand your own biases and values.
ESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking • All sentences can be divided into those that are true or false, and those that cannot.
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking A DEFINITION:
the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
CRITICAL THINKING
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SPRING 2009
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Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical thinking
proposed changes.
• Are universal claims – use words like never, always,
all, none, everyone, no one
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SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking Which is the specific claim? China China China China has has has has about one-quarter of the world's population. more than a quarter of the world's population one-quarter of the world's population. about 25% of the world's population.
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
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Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking Why be concerned about what kind of statements are being made? • • • Easier to determine which statements can be proven. To better understand the argument being put forth. Makes it easier to attack an argument.
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SPRING 2009
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Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking Which statement would be the easiest / most difficult to prove? Ronaldo scored Ronaldo scored Ronaldo scored Ronaldo scored a lot of goals. 120 goals. fewer goals than Maradonna. more than 100 goals.
What is critical thinking? • Critical thinking is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. A critical thinker uses broad in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate his/her beliefs clearly and accurately.
Which of the above claims is specific (a specific number has been assigned to it)?
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SPRING 2009
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Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking Sentences that are Non-Specific Claims: Consider these examples:
–
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Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Principles of Critical Thinking
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Gather complete information. Understand and define all terms. Question the methods by which the facts are derived. Question the conclusions. Look for hidden assumptions and biases. Question the source of facts. Don’t expect all of the answers. Examine the big picture. Examine multiple cause and effect.
•
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical thinking
• Critical thinking is an organized and systematic process used to judge the effectiveness of an argument.
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SPRING 2009
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Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking Balanced approach Balanced view Balance = Equilibrium Un-balanced = Biased Bias = Leaning on one side = Subjective Balanced = Un-biased = Objective
Which of the above claims is specific (a specific number has been assigned to it)?
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking Sentences that are Non-Specific Claims:
• • • • • 49% of those casting ballots voted for Smith. Approximately 49% of those casting ballots voted for Smith. More than 49% of those casting ballots voted for Smith. Less than half of those casting ballots voted for Smith. Smith received more votes than did Brown.
These statements imply that these facts are always true.
LESSON 7
SPRING 2009
LESSON 7
Critical thinking/Proposal writing
Critical Thinking Sentences that are Specific Claims Are harder to attack.
• • • • • 49% of those casting ballots voted for Smith. Approximately 49% of those casting ballots voted for Smith. More than 49% of those casting ballots voted for Smith. Less than half of those casting ballots voted for Smith. Smith received more votes than did Brown.
– – It is void of emotional constrictions and is, consequently, unbiased. In order to be most effective as a critical thinker you must have data and facts available for a rebuttal of an argument. Effective argumentation is based on empirical evidence.