Strengthening Critical Thinking Skills

by Elizabeth A. JohnsonCollege Board Consultant

How do these three ideas fit together?

Everyone has a right to an opinion.Some opinions are better than others.Some opinions are wrong.

What is a fact? A fact is a statement

that can be verified by an independent observer.

A fact cannot be shown to be false.

Inference and assertion An inference is a statement about the

unknown that is based on known facts. An assertion is a statement about the

unknown. Supported by evidence, it is less certain than a fact.

Fact, inference, assertion

Fact

Inference

Assertion

Degree of Uncertainty

Comparing degrees of certainty The certainty of a fact

may be cast in doubt if new information appears. Inference?

Assertions give meaning to facts.

Does the table represent a true fact? 0

102030405060708090100

FactInferenceAssertion

Dichotomies A dichotomy is a statement offering two

mutually exclusive alternatives. It takes the form A v ~A, where v means or Is gender a true dichotomy?

Literal vs. Figurative Truth A fact is literally true: 1 + 1 = 2 Proverbs are examples of figurative truth:

“Slow and steady wins the race.” “He who hesitates is lost.” “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts

absolutely.” An assertion is half as true as a fact.

Varieties of Truth Scientific, empirical truth Social sciences (Psychology, Sociology,

Economics) Historical truth: Power corrupts. Literary truth: A theme of a novel

“Be true! Be true!” – The Scarlet Letter Religious/Philosophical truth: “An eye for an eye

only makes the whole world blind.” -- Gandhi

Qualities of Truth

Science Social Sciences Humanities

UniversalMay vary according to time, place

May vary according to time, place

Finds answers to answerable questions

Finds answers to answerable questions

Offers answers to unanswerable questions

Replicable May be replicable Truth of human experience.

Math, logic, physics, chemistry, biology

Psychology, sociology,Anthropology, econ.

History, philosophy, literature, religion

A v ~ A A v ~ A is ideal A ^ ~ A

Answerable vs. ‘Unanswerable’ Questions

What day is today? Where were you

born? What is the capital of

France? Can Mars sustain life? Are electrons

particles or waves, or both?

Should the Celtics hire a new coach?

Is democracy the best form of government?

Why do good people suffer?

Who am I? Why are we here?

Two Types of Opinions Personal opinions are

neither true nor false

unique to each individual

All equally valid Personal opinions

reflect one’s taste.

A reasoned opinion may be supported by facts, reasons, and other evidence.

Are all equally valid?

Personal vs. Reasoned Opinions

“The Beatles are the best rock group ever!”

Face jewelry is stylish. JFK was a great

president. “I know what I like, and I

don’t like Picasso.”

The earth was formed 4 billion years ago.

Humans are the only tool-making animal.

The Civil War was caused by Northern industrial expansion.

Shakespeare is the greatest writer who ever lived.

AestheticsClassical philosophy considers three main questions:

What is Truth? Epistemology What is Justice? Politics What is Beauty? Aesthetics

Aesthetics asserts the existence of objective knowledge regarding the nature of beauty.

Modern aesthetics tends to blend truth and beauty

Uneducated vs. Educated Opinion

A: “The Celtics should hire a new coach.”

Segregated schools preserve the natural order of society.

A: “Sonic Youth music sounds like a rusty washing machine.”

B: “The Celtics should hire a new coach.”

Gilligan’s research supports the value of single-sex education.

B: “Sonic Youth is an original, seminal band.”

Educated opinions Rebecca Nurse was a witch. Disease is caused by mal-aria (‘bad air’) or

demons. Humans and chimps are nearly identical, owing

to similar genetics. The education of women is the key to solving

most social and economic problems of the poor.

How do these three ideas fit together?

Everyone has a right to an opinion.Some opinions are better than others.Some opinions are wrong.