Subject Area: Philosophy

Critical Thinking is a skill that allows you to evaluate, analyse and synthesise information gathered by observation, experience, reflection and communication. In a world that is saturated with information, critical thinking is crucial in deciding what to believe and what to do. As such critical thinking skills are essential to the conduct of a responsible and meaningful life, a successful professional career and successful studies. Critical thinking skills include knowing how to identify and assess arguments, how to construct your own good and persuasive arguments and how to communicate them, and how to recognise common pitfalls of reasoning and rhetorical tricks meant to mislead you. This course draws on examples from politics and policy debates, media and communication as well as ordinary life. It provides tools that can be useful in any program of study.