Title: Topic 2: The Critical Thinking concept – its relationship with Philosophy
Course: Introduction to Critical Thinking > Section: Course Content

The Critical Thinking concept – its relationship with Philosophy

2.1 Introduction

Thinking is part of human nature. Philosophers have described humans as rational beings.

The word 'rational' is related to 'reason' and 'logic.' Since these are terms we easily associate with thinking, a philosophical understanding of a human being contributes in grasping the deeper human basis of critical thinking and justifying the concepts of critical thinking.

This topic discusses the philosophical roots of critical thinking beginning with the relevant history of philosophical thought, the principles and branches of philosophy, then it explains the philosophical meaning of a human person and associated concepts and ends with a description of the human brain.

The detailed content is Topic 2 Article

2.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this topic you should be able to:

2.2.1      demonstrate an understanding of the basics of philosophy in relation to critical thinking

2.3 Below are the resources you will need
  - ·Topic 2 Article. Click here to download

Advice: Copy and paste the learning outcome above in a document and fill in the answers as you read the article and watch the video above. This will help you better understand the content.

2.4 Activity (e-tivity)

Individual – Start (about 60 min) | 2.4.1 | Read Topic 2 Article and make short notes of your own. Later you will share and explain your notes with your buddy.

Buddy - Pair (about 60 min) | 2.4.2 | Discuss your notes from e-tivity 2.4.1 and write a joint 400-word answer to the question “Why is philosophy important for critical thinking.” Submit your work to the Discussion forum for Topic 2

Group/Class (about 60 min) | 2.4.3 | Read 3 or more submissions by others in your class. Make at least one useful comment in the class Discussion forum for Topic 2 under any of the Buddy-Pair submission. Your comment should have at least one positive aspect and another that helps improvement of your classmates’ submission.

2.5 Assessment

All assessments should be uploaded  here by the deadline given by the lecturer

Individual Assessment (about 90 min for both 2.5.1 and 2.5.2) | 2.5.1 | Using the Socratic method write a list of Q&A’s that could be used to teach a younger person any simple concept of your choice. Type  your answers in the Assessment 2.5.1 (Text) forum. (Not more than 50 sentences)
2.5.2 | Following on your Buddy Pair work and after reading other forum posts from classmates in the Assessment 2.5.1 (Text) forum, write in your own words, an expanded version of the importance of philosophy in critical thinking. (1000 words max.) Upload your work on the Assessment 2.5.2 (Upload) forum.