Thinking Critically (MindTap Course List)

By John Chaffee

Book Overview

THINKING CRITICALLY helps students become sophisticated thinkers by teaching the fundamental cognitive process that allows them to develop the higher-order thinking abilities needed for academic study and career success. The text compels students to use their intellect to think critically about subjects drawn from academic disciplines, contemporary issues, and their life experiences. The text begins with basic skills related to personal experience and then carefully progresses to the more sophisticated reasoning skills required for abstract, academic contexts. Each chapter provides an overview of an aspect of critical thinking, such as problem-solving, perception, and the nature of beliefs. Thinking Activities, thematic boxes, and writing assignments encourage active participation and prompt students to critically examine others' thinking, as well as their own. Thought-provoking and current readings from a wide variety of thinkers get students to think about complex issues from different perspectives. Each chapter ends with self-assessment activities that help students monitor their own progress as critical thinkers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1285430115
• ISBN13: 9781285430119
• Release Date: January 2014
• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Length: 592 Pages
• Weight: 2.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Terrible writing. Did anyone even edit this book?

My daughter is reading this book for her college class. She was complaining about it and so I read a couple pages. It is poorly written. Not at all what I would expect for a college text book, granted I only read a few pages, but that was enough.

Helped me tremendously with my way of THINKING. :)

First let me point out that one reviewer of this book (from Colorado) suggested that this book be taught to junior high students. I not only agree but I am quite embarrassed that I am a 40 year old male who is finishing up his undergraduate degree. I wish I could have had this material taught to me over twenty years ago. In college, I had no option but to take a course which is titled "Critical Thinking." I did not want to take this course and thought I would hate it. I thought it was going to be like a philosophy logic course. Ugh! I had no idea what to expect. But let me simply describe what I got out of the book. I used to get quite impassioned with heated arguments and would take comments made by my "opponent" personally. And then there were times when I would be in an argument and the person I am arguing with would attack me in a way that would upset me for hours or even days. After reading this book and learning the concepts I am now able to recognize how people "attack the person" instead of the argument because they have no way of attacking the argument. It is false and not a valid argument. This may sound so trite and simple but this was huge for me. Now when I am in a heated discussion I am able to maintain rationality and calm. And if a person attacks me I know exactly why they are doing it and not to take it personally. Adopting the principles in this book was a tremendous benefit and I almost want to categorize this book as a self help book. I feel more empowered in my discussions and am able to demand that people provide me with concrete sound valid information in order to persuade me. I see that this book got some poor reviews. For me it was rather life changing. Out of all my books for college this is the one book that I have kept for myself because I like to review the principles and concepts so that I do not forget them. All of my other college books I sold.

Nice

The book came in good condition for it being used and I would buy from this seller again.

Definitely recommended

The product was as described and the shipping was very fast. I needed the books for school and received them in plenty of time. Great transaction. Thanks.

Thinking Critically - Great for new or returning students!

This is the book I used for my 1st college class in many years.There are tools in here, such as "mind mapping", that I am still using and will continue to use in much of my academic future. Lots of information learned here can easily be applied to work situations as well. Highly recommended.