Critical Thinking DM Ch 8. "Goals for a Critical Thinking Curriculum and Its Assessment" by Robert Ennis

Goals for a Critical Thinking Curriculum and Its Assessment
Robert Ennis
from DM pp 44 - 46
Definition: Critical Thinking is generally used to mean reasonable and reflective thinking focused on what to believe or do.
Characteristics

• Dispositions
  • They care if they are making correct and justified decisions -- open to new ideas and data, only support position to the degree that the data does, are well-informed, and seriously consider other views
  • They care about presenting a position honestly and clearly -- theirs or others'. Write clearly, focus on the topic at hand, seek and offer reasons, consider entire situation, aware of own beliefs.
  • They are concerned for the dignity and worth of every person. Discover and listen to others, avoid intimidating or confusing others, take feelings into account, show concern for others' welfare.
• Abilities
  • Can focus on a question
  • Can analyze Arguments
  • Can ask and answer questions of clarification or challenge
  • Can judge the credibility of a source
  • Can make observations and judge observation reports
  • Can deduce and judge whether an argument is deductively valid
  • Can induce and judge whether an argument is inductively valid
  • can make and evaluate value judgments
  • able to define terms and judge definitions
  • can attribute unstated assumptions
  • can engage in suppositional thinking
  • can integrate critical thinking abilities and dispositions in making and defending a position
  • [AUX] able to proceed in an orderly manner appropriate to the situation
  • [AUX] able to be sensitive to the feelings, knowledge, and sophistication of others
  • [AUX] able to employ appropriate rhetorical strategies (fallacies, circularity, bandwagon, straw arguments)