An Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking

(i) Introduction For Instructors(1) Basic Concepts of Reasoning(2) Diagramming Reasoning(3) Evaluating Arguments(4) Diagramming and Evaluating Attacks on Arguments(5) Forms of Argument(6) Constructing and Reconstructing Arguments(7) Fallacies(8) Categorical Logic(9) Propositional Logic(10) Definitions(11) Practical ApplicationsIndex

AnIntroduction to Critical and Creative Thinking aims at equipping you with 21stCentury key life skills that will drive your future employability, promotionand career success. These are required for effective reasoning, writing anddecision-making in changing, evolving environments. You give reasons for whatyou do and think every day. You argue. You often argue about things that matterto you. For example you might argue that you are the best candidate forpromotion, about whether your company should invest in China, about the bestway to help a friend or about what the right thing to do is in an ethicaldilemma. The list is up to you. If you work your way carefully through thisbook you will become better at reasoning both in terms of understanding andclarifying other peoples’ arguments and also at producing increasinglysophisticated and compelling arguments of your own. You will learn how torecognise common but often seductive mistakes in reasoning and so be empoweredto avoid making these mistakes yourself. Your writing and oral presentationswill improve and you will hone your ability to define crucial terms inargument, debate and discussion. As this book is specifically written witheveryday language considerations in mind, it is a valuable tool for anyone tounderstand, evaluate and construct arguments in ordinary language.