BEYOND FEELINGS A GUIDE TO CRITICAL THINKING

They believed they were stupid, so they acted that way. Reasoning that it was their defeatist attitude rather than any lack of ability that was defeating them, the educator set out to Roger Hu P1-C02-5

change their self-images. He found that when he accomplished that, they no longer behaved stupidly!

When we think critically, we judge the accuracy of statements and the soundness of the reasoning that leads to conclusions

Still, whether you accept or reject what you are taught, your present position grows out of those teachings.

mass culture promotes values that oppose those held by most parents. Play is presented as more fulfilling than work, self-gratification more desirable than self-control, and materialism more meaningful than idealism. People who adopt these values without questioning them may end up sacrificing worthy goals to their pursuit of "a good time" and lots of money.

The world's state of progress differs, and likewise its knowledge and beliefs and values

The impact of the world on all of us is much greater than we usually realize.

The impact of the world on all of us is much greater than we usually realize

knowing involves more than having the right answer. It also involves the realization that you have it

Writing may be used for either of two broad purposes – to discover ideas or to communicate ideas. Most of the writing you have done in school is undoubtedly the latter kind. But the former can be very helpful, not only in sorting out ideas you've already produced, but in stimulating the flow of ideas. For some reason, the very act of writing down one idea has a way of producing additional ideas. Whenever you write to discover ideas, focus on the issue you are examining and record all your thoughts, questions as well as assertions. Don't worry about organization or correctness. If ideas come slowly, be patient. If they suddenly come in a rush, don't try to slow the process down and develop any one of them, but jot them all down. (There will be time for elaboration, and for correction, later.) Direct your mind's effort, but be sensitive to ideas on the fringes of consciousness. Often they, too, will prove valuable.