ISE How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age

How to Think about Weird Things is a critical thinking course that teaches students to evaluate any claim, no matter how strange, for themselves by distinguishing good reasons from bad reasons.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

How to Think about Weird Things is a comprehensive and captivating text that provides students with a step-by-step approach to assessing the likelihood of a claim's validity. Authored by Schick and Vaughn, this course delves into critical thinking, emphasizing neither debunking nor endorsing specific claims. Instead, the authors elucidate fundamental principles of sound reasoning, empowering students to evaluate any claim, regardless of its unconventional nature, independently. By imparting skills in distinguishing between valid and invalid reasons for believing a claim, this text enhances students' decision-making capabilities and equips them with a formidable tool against all forms of deception.

The text begins by introducing the concept of "weird things," which encompasses phenomena that may defy conventional understanding or go against common beliefs. It acknowledges that such things can be intriguing and captivating, but also raises concerns about their authenticity and reliability. The authors emphasize the importance of approaching weird things with an open mind and a critical perspective, rather than dismissing them outright.

To facilitate this critical evaluation, the text provides a framework for analyzing claims. It introduces the concept of "evidence," which encompasses information that supports or refutes a claim. The authors discuss the different types of evidence, such as empirical evidence, logical evidence, and testimonial evidence, and explain how to evaluate each type for its credibility and reliability.

Furthermore, the text delves into the principles of good reasoning, which are essential for assessing the validity of a claim. It emphasizes the importance of logical coherence, consistency, and parsimony in reasoning. The authors guide students in identifying logical fallacies, such as circular reasoning, slippery slope arguments, and ad hominem attacks, and teach them how to avoid these errors in their own reasoning.

By applying these principles and techniques, students can develop their critical thinking skills and become more capable of evaluating weird things for themselves. The text encourages readers to question assumptions, seek out multiple perspectives, and consider the evidence carefully before making any conclusions. It also provides practical tips and strategies for conducting research and gathering information, such as using reliable sources, evaluating the credibility of witnesses, and conducting experiments.

In conclusion, How to Think about Weird Things is a valuable resource for students who want to develop their critical thinking abilities and learn how to evaluate unconventional claims. By providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing claims, emphasizing the importance of evidence, logical reasoning, and good reasoning, and offering practical tips and strategies for research, this text empowers students to make informed decisions and resist the influence of hucksterism. Whether exploring strange phenomena, scientific discoveries, or political ideologies, this text equips students with the tools they need to think critically and evaluate information effectively.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 229 x 160 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781266219252
Edition number: 9 ed