Sandra Thomson President CFUW Ontario Council October 5 2019 What is Critical Thinking It is a learned skill The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement ID: 782032
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Critical Thinking in a Time of Polarization
Sandra ThomsonPresident, CFUW Ontario CouncilOctober 5, 2019
Slide2What is Critical Thinking?
It is a learned skillThe objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement
Slide3Intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and/or evaluation information gathered from, or generated by: observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.
Slide4Slide5Research “…our study shows that less than a quarter of the public regularly seeks out views that challenge their own. People believe the accuracy of more than a third of what they read on Twitter and Facebook.”
Helen Lee Bouygues, Reboot Foundation
Slide6How Do We Improve Our Critical Thinking?
Question AssumptionsReason Through LogicDiversify Thought
Slide7Questioning Assumptions “Questioning is a uniquely powerful tool …it spurs learning and exchange of ideas. It fuels innovation and builds rapport and trust and in business for example, it can uncover unforeseen pitfalls and hazards.”
Slide8Reason through LogicPay attention to the “chain” of logic constructed by an argument.Is the argument supported at every point by evidence? Do all the pieces of the evidence build on each other to produce a sound conclusion?
Slide9Diversity of Thought and CollaborationTry to solicit different points of view.
“It’s natural for people to group themselves together with people who think or act like them…social media algorithms can narrow our perspective further, servicing upon news that fits our individual beliefs.”
Slide10Diversified Thought “If everyone in our social circles thinks as we do, we become more rigid in our thinking, and less likely to change our beliefs on the basis of new information.
In fact the more people listen to people who share their views, research shows the more polarized their views become.”
Slide11Asking Questions Asking a lot of questions unlocks learning and improves interpersonal bonding.
Type, tone, sequence, and framing matter.Goal of the conversation: Cooperative or Competitive?
Slide12Competitive Questioning: ExampleAsk direct or “yes or no” questions – avoids evasive answers
Ask detailed follow up questions to gleam more informationFrame tough questions using pessimistic assumptions, “Can you give a concrete example how a carbon tax will or will not meet Canada’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint? “Ask the most sensitive question first, as subsequent questions will feel less intrusive
Slide13Follow UpDo I need to improve my critical thinking skills?
Do I focus more on my views than another? Am I always right?Do I avoid the tough conversations/debates?
Slide14Follow Up, continued4. Have I done my research and do I have the correct facts and evidence?
5. Am I willing to see the other sides of the issue?6. Do I focus on the person and not the issue?
Slide15References Reboot Foundation, comBrooks, A. & John, L. (2018, May-June) Surprising power of questions.
Harvard Business Review , 60-67 Bouygues, H. (2019, May 6) 3 Simple habits to improve your critical thinking. Harvard Business Review