PHL 214 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Critical Thinking, World Thinking Day, Rhetorical Question
18 Jan 2019
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Being (likely) true: a belief is likely true if there are good reasons for it to be true. In critical thinking, we evaluate beliefs as to whether they are based on good reasons: this evaluation is systematic because it is based on a clear procedure, not on gut feeling. Critical thinking is the systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by rational standard means: it is systematic because it involves clear procedures and methods, it is used to evaluate existing beliefs and formulate new ones. It evaluates beliefs in terms of how well they are supported by reasons. Why should we think critically: because who we are is in large part determined by our actions and choices, and our actions and choices are in turn determined by our thoughts and beliefs. If we don"t choose our beliefs carefully, we"re giving up control.
