copyright © 2011 pearson education, inc. thinking critically

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Thinking Critically

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 1-3

Unit 1E

Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

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Hints

1. Read (or listen) carefully.

2. Look for hidden assumptions.

3. Identify the real issue.

4. Understand all the options.

5. Watch for fine print and missing information.

6. Are other conclusions possible?

7. Don’t miss the big picture.

Critical Thinking In Everyday Life

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Hint #1 Read/Listen Carefully

Jose had six bagels and ate all but four of them. How many bagels were left?

Is it possible for a man to marry his widow’s sister?

Paris Hilton’s rooster laid an egg in Brittany Spears’ yard. Who owns the egg?


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#1 (con’t)

Three kinds of apples are all mixed up in a basket. How many apples must you draw(without looking) from the basket to be sure of getting at least two of a kind?

Suppose you go to a party with four Americans and four Canadians, none of whom you have met. How many people must you meet to be sure of meeting two people of the same nationality?


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Hint #2 Hidden Assumptions

The bank teller made a calculation and told me that if I deposit $500 today in a savings plan at a 2.3% interest rate, I will have about $703 in 15 years.

I recommend giving to the United Way because it supports so many worthwhile causes.

I support increased military spending because we need a strong America


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Hidden Assumptions

Analyze the following argument:

We should increase taxes because increased money for welfare will reduce poverty.

Write the argument as a conditional statement.

Premise:

Conclusion:

If we increase money for welfare, then poverty will be reduced.We should increase taxes.

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Hidden Assumptions

Write the argument including hidden assumptions.We should increase taxes because increased money for welfare will reduce poverty.

If we increase taxes, then there will be more money for welfare.

If we increase money for welfare, then poverty will be reduced.

If poverty is reduced, then we will have a more desirable society.

If a policy will lead to a more desirable society, then it should be enacted.

We should increase taxes.

Hidden Assumption:

Stated Premise:

Hidden Assumption:

Hidden Assumption:

Conclusion:

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Hint #3 Identify the Real Issue

Banning concerts (p.67)

People who eliminate meat from their diet risk severe nutritional deficiencies. Eating meat is by far the easiest way to consume complete protein plus many other essential nutrients all in one food source. It makes sense: our ancestors have been meat-eaters for thousands of years.


1-EHint # 4 Understand all the options

Which airline ticket to buy? (p.68)

Think – Consider the two ticket options from the point of view of the airline.


1-EHint #5 Fine Print and Missing Info

You Won! You receive the following email notification:

“Through random selection from more than 20 million email addresses, you have been selected as the winner of our grand prize- a two week vacation in the Bahamas. To claim your prize, please call our toll free number. Have yourcredit card ready for identification and a small processing fee.”

Does this sound like a deal worth taking? Explain

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Eucation, Inc. Slide 1-12

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Hint # 6 Other Conclusions?

You should never accept the first argument or choice you hear.

Nuclear Deterrence (p.69)

Can you thing of any facts that would tend to undercut the argument that nuclear deterrence prevented war between the US and Soviet Union. Is the argument presented convincing?


1-EHint #7 Don’t miss the big picture

“Not seeing the forest because of the trees”

Housing bubble


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Put it all together

We live in a complex world, and unless you are careful in all your thinking and decision making, you are liable to be led astray.

Learn to pick apart every argument or choice you are given. With time, you will gain the experience needed to make wise decisions in school, in your career and in your life.


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Beware!

Beware of the “Up To” deals.


copyright © 2011 pearson education, inc. thinking critically

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