An introduction to Critical Thinking

Aims

This course aims to:

• explain the basic principles involved in critical thinking processes making you familiar with the principles underlying different types of good reasoning as well as common mistakes in reasoning
   
• prepare you to understand the concept of truth, and how to assess information, for example, how to identify conspiracy theories and fake news
   
• show how rhetorical devices and propaganda are used to influence manipulate public opinion

Content

Employers, universities and the media, all claim that there is a lack of critical thinking skills and students and the public in general should be equipped with reasoning tools that protect them from scams and help them to assess fake news and conspiracy theories to make better decisions. The call for better critical thinking is widespread, but without appropriate training people do not know what critical thinking skills are. There are as many definitions of critical thinking as there are authors. Each definition depends on the academic background of the author. Philosophers would define it differently to psychologists, scientists will interpret it differently to lawyers. Each professional group would emphasise different aspects of critical thinking, but common to all of them is the purpose to determine whether the received information is true. In simple terms, critical thinking consists of a set of intellectual tools, rules and techniques with the aim of ascertaining what is true and whether you want to believe in it.

Critical thinking provides a set of tools to answer the question, “Why should I believe you?” and help in the formulation of arguments “How am I going to get you to believe me?”

Although some critical thinking ability may be developed inside the framework of particular specialities, usually the approach is limited to the subject matter and leaves out skills necessary to apply in daily life. 

Presentation of the course 

This course provides a light approach to the main topics in Critical Thinking. It includes lectures and discussions which aim to apply the theory delivered in the lectures.

Course sessions

1. The meaning of truth 
   How do you decide whether the information you receive is true?
    
2. Arguments
   What is the difference between an argument and an opinion?
   Should all opinions be respected?
    
3. Understanding the differences between inductive and deductive reasoning
   Deduction is mainly based on formal logic. The ability to think logically, supports the strength of arguments. Induction depends on the quality of the evidence. You will learn about the different aspects of deductive and inductive arguments.
    
4. Language in Critical Thinking
   You will learn about the use of rhetorical devices, propaganda and other methods used to influence your opinions.
    
5. Analysis and assessment of arguments
   Methods to help you whether to accept or reject the arguments presented to you. It also helps you to build a strong argument.

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• development of the capacity for independent thought, analysis and critical reasoning
   
• to analyse and evaluate arguments and  identify most common fallacies
   
• to understand the uses of language and rhetoric in social manipulation

Required reading

There are no compulsory readings for this course. However, you may find the below recommended reading list of interest to supplement your course.

There are many books on critical thinking and reading suggestions for each particular subject will be delivered during the course. However, printed materials which support each lesson theme will be delivered since the course doesn’t follow any particular core book. 

During the course you will be provided materials for critical analysis by the class. These materials can be news clips, information from social networks or advertising. You will be invited to assess whether to believe or refute the arguments or information presented in such materials.
 

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.