The essence of critical thinking concepts and tools distilled into a 20-page
pocket-size guide. It is a critical thinking supplement to any textbook or
course. It is best used in conjunction with the Analytic Thinking Guide.
Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left
to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced.
Yet the quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends
precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in
money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be
systematically cultivated. Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and
evaluating thinking with a view to improving it. Critical thinking is, self-
directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.
It requires rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use.
It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment
to overcoming our native egocentrism and sociocentrism. This miniature guide
focuses on of the essence of critical thinking concepts and tools distilled into
pocket size. For faculty it provides a shared concept of critical thinking.
For students it is a critical thinking supplement to any textbook for any course.
Faculty can use it to design instruction, assignments, and tests in any subject.
Students can use it to improve their learning in any content area. Its generic
skills apply to all subjects. For example, critical thinkers are clear as to
the purpose at hand and the question at issue. They question information,
conclusions, and points of view. They strive to be clear, accurate, precise,
and relevant. They seek to think beneath the surface, to be logical, and fair.
They apply these skills to their reading and writing as well as to their
speaking and listening. They apply them in history, science, math, philosophy,
and the arts; in professional and personal life.

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