CRWT CRITICAL THINKING AND CRITICAL READING Flashcards
(13 cards)
is definite as a technique for discovering information and ideas within a
text while critical thinking is a technique for evaluating information and ideas, and for deciding what to accept and believe.
Critical reading
refers to a careful, active, reflective, analytic reading. Critical thinking
involves reflecting on the validity of what you have read in light of our prior knowledge and understanding of the world.
Critical reading
- In reality, critical reading and critical thinking work together. Both are crucial parts— usually standing on different ends—of the same intricate yet worthwhile cycle of progressive analysis and evaluation. Critical thinking allows us to monitor our comprehension as we read.
- Critical thinking depends on critical reading. You can think critically about a text (critical thinking) only if you have understood it (critical reading). We raise objective arguments based on facts and evidences, which we critically think about only after painstakingly researching for them through critical reading.
The Two Together in Harmony
- Students might wonder why there is still a useful distinction between critical reading and critical thinking when they belong to the same process and are closely linked with each other.
- lies in its reminder that we must read each text on its own merits, not imposing our prior knowledge or views on it. While we must evaluate ideas as we read, we must not distort the meaning within a text just because we have a dissenting prior knowledge. Remember that to think critically is to learn and re-learn actively, and that is only possible if we keep our mind open for new information.
The Usefulness of the Distinction
- We often read to gather information that we can apply and perform. While correcting inaccurate information is easier when we simply read to learn new information, the same might not be the case when we read for practical application. That is, correcting something in your head is faster and easier than correcting your wrong action that arose from reading wrong information. There will be consequences involved at this point. Hence, we must decide what to accept as true and useful before applying them into any
task. - As readers, we want to accept as fact only that which is actually true. To evaluate a conclusion, we must evaluate the evidence upon which that conclusion is based. We do not want just any information; we want reliable information culled from reliable sources.
Thinking Critically: Evaluating the Evidence
No one always acts purely objectively and rationally. It is of human nature to be subjective and irrational at times.
CRITICAL THINKING BY A CRITICAL READER
This includes a complex combination of skills.
Critical thinking
We are rational critical thinkers if we:
rely on reason rather than emotion
require evidence, ignore arguments without any valid evidence, and follow
evidence where it leads
are concerned more with finding the best explanation than being right analyzing apparent confusion and asking questions
prioritize truths and facts over emotional satisfaction and ego-feeding
Rationality
We are self-aware critical thinkers if we:
weigh the influences of motives and bias
recognize our own assumptions, prejudices, biases, or points of view
accept both our mistakes and achievements in as far as argumentation and
reasoning are concerned
Self-awareness
We are honest critical thinkers if we:
recognize emotional impulses, selfish motives, nefarious purposes, or other
modes of self-deception
recognize what we feel for what they are and not for what we want them to be
Honesty
We are open-minded critical thinkers if we:
evaluate all reasonable inferences
set aside biases when analyzing and evaluating information
consider a variety of possible viewpoints or perspectives
remain open to alternative interpretations
accept a new explanation, model, or paradigm because it explains the evidence
better, is simpler, or has fewer inconsistencies or covers more data
accept new priorities in response to a reevaluation of the evidence or
reassessment of our real interests, and
do not reject unpopular views out of hand
Open-mindedness
We are disciplined critical thinkers if we:
are precise, meticulous, comprehensive, and exhaustive
resist manipulation and irrational appeals
avoid snap judgments
Discipline
We are critical thinkers with good and sound judgment if we:
recognize the relevance and/or merit of alternative assumptions and perspectives
recognize the extent and weight of evidence
Judgment
