To begin to think critically, students need a range of skills. For example, if they cannot identify the topic or the thesis, how can they be expected to analyze the argument, let alone evaluate it? The reality is, many students lack even the simplest prerequisites.

Now there is a dynamic new approach to critical thinking that starts with the absolute basics. Using the educational objectives of Benjamin Bloom as six steps to critical thinking (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation), this exciting new text guides students through every stage of critical thinking in a clear, straightforward manner.

A widely published educator with more than 30 years of experience, Bruce Reichenbach illustrates fine distinctions that are easily lost on students just beginning to learn how to think critically. His outstanding new text provides the tools students need to succeed no matter what discipline they pursue.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface: To the Instructor

1. Critical Thinking in Real Life

2. Six Steps of Critical Thinking

3. Knowledge: Acquiring Information

4. Comprehension: Making Information Your Own

5. Comprehension: Clarifying Your Language

6. Analysis: Distinguishing Types of Discourse

7. Arguments: Discovering How Arguments Work

8. Synthesis: Writing With Critical Thinking

9. Synthesis: Solving Problems Creatively

10. Evaluation: Assessing the Strenght of Inductive Arguments

11. Evaluation: Identifying More Fallacies of Content

12. Evaluation: Assessing the Validity of Deductive Arguments

Answers to the Exercises/Index