Chapter 1. Introducing Critical Thinking and Philosophical Inquiry

Summary

This chapter…

• Introduces the concept of critical thinking and defines it as the systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs by rational standards.

• Discusses the basics of critical thinking, emphasizing its role in education, decision-making, and communication.

• Explores the “Love of Knowledge” (philosophia) and explains why wonder and curiosity are the starting points of inquiry.

• Addresses the nature of philosophy and its historical role as the “Mother of all Questions” and the foundation of higher education.

• Breaks down the divisions of philosophy, including Metaphysics, Epistemology, Logic, and Axiology.

• Distinguishes between arguments and explanations, providing technical tools for identifying claims, premises, and conclusions.

• Includes practice exercises designed to help students identify statements, indicator words, and the logical link of inference.

• Ends with a review of the main points and a comprehensive list of recommended readings.

Key Terms

• Argument = A group of statements in which some (the premises) are intended to support another (the conclusion).

• Assertion [Statement/Claim] = A statement that something is or is not the case; it is either true or false.

• Axiology = The study of value, encompassing both aesthetic value and moral value (ethics).

• Bias = An obstacle to thinking well by preferring someone or something for irrelevant reasons.

• Critical Thinking = The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by rational standards.

• Epistemology = The study of knowledge and justified belief.

• Explanation = An account that tells us why or how something is the case (distinct from an argument).

• Fallacy = A specific error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument.

• Issue = The topic being discussed; often formatted as a “whether or not” question.

• Inference = The logical link or “move” between premises and a conclusion.

• Logic = The study or codification of the rules for correct reasoning.

• Metaphysics = The study of reality and the fundamental nature of the universe.

• Philosophy = Literally the “love of wisdom”; the study of general and fundamental problems through critical examination.

• Philosophical Questions = Questions that arise from the critical examination of one’s ordinary beliefs.

• Philosophical Beliefs = Fundamental beliefs that underlie and support many other ordinary beliefs.

• Philosophical Thinking = The act of thinking about the truth or justification of a philosophical belief.

• Premise = A supporting statement in an argument that provides evidence for the conclusion.

• Conclusion = The statement being supported in an argument; the position the speaker is taking.

• Value Judgment = An evaluation of the merit, praiseworthiness, or desirability of something.