Description

Description:For long-term success in school, business and life, learning HOW to think is far more important than learning WHAT to think.Yet rather than serve as the core of any education worthy of a rational human being, we have relegated the teaching of logic, argument analysis and critical reasoning to specialty courses in universities that reach too few students, too late in their education.In this course I share my growing understanding of these topics, with a focus on what is practically important and useful for developing as independent critical thinkers.Currently the course contains over 135 videos totaling over 14 hours of viewing time!Among the topics you will learn:why critical thinking is importantthe difference between logic and argumentationwhat makes an argument good or badthe importance of background knowledge for critical thinkingtechniques of argument analysis and reconstructionwhat our growing understanding of the human mind tells us about how we actually form beliefs and make decisionshow to write a good argumentative essayhow to cite sources and avoid plagiarism in your writingand much more! This content is drawn from a variety of teaching resources I’ve developed over the past few years, including a video podcast.It’s important for you to know that I am continuing to add videos and course modules on a regular basis. This course will continue to grow and grow — I have a LOT OF GROUND that I want to cover! This is ONLY THE BEGINNING!What are the requirements?An interest in improving one’s critical thinking skills. That’s it!What am I going to get from this course?introduce students to fundamental concepts of critical thinking (logic, argument analysis, rhetoric, reasoning with probabilities, the importance of background knowledge, etc.)explore the importance of critical thinking for personal development, participation in democratic society, and the pursuit of wisdomexplore the role that critical thinking principles play in good essay writingand much more!What is the target audience?anyone who thinks that critical thinking is important and would like to learn more about itanyone who is required to think and write argumentativelyanyone interested in the psychology of belief and judgmentanyone interested in philosophy and who would like to learn more about philosophical ideas and methodsanyone taking a logic or philosophy class who would like to brush up on their basic logic and argumentation skillsAuthorI’m a philosopher of science by training, and I’ve taught philosophy and critical thinking at the university level for twenty years.From 2009-2013 I was Chair of the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies at Iowa State University.In 2015 I left my tenured academic job to pursue a career as an independent online educator. I produce video tutorial courses on topics in science, philosophy, critical thinking and communication skills.I currently live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with my wife and family.https://www.udemy.com/critical-thinker-academy