Learn to think like a philosopher: a free course on critical thinking by Oxford University

Why someone is successful, and some not? It is not only luck, but also in the ability to think critically in the everyday life.

How to learn to treat the problem impartially, guided by knowledge and facts, rather than their own prejudices? In this case, comes to help critical thinking.

Think critically - does not mean to "think a lot"

Critical thinking - one of the main skills that are required for each of us in daily life. After all, with the help of people are able to solve problems, build strong relationships with other people, to embody their ideas into reality and develop successfully.

What often prevents us to think critically

• Neglect arguments
• Arrogance and laziness
• Lack of respect for evidence
• unwillingness to listen
• fear uncertainty

we can use critical thinking:

1. Change the view, not rest against the unfounded belief
2. To identify the real cause of a given situation and its solutions

"The harvest has failed, because the God of the Sun in a rage"

1. Build their arguments on a strong, coherent logic, not emotion and social pressure
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2. Take arguments and sober look at their own mistakes
3. Coping with uncertainty
4. Articulate and take responsibility for their own thinking

This squeeze out of the video presentation on critical thinking by Qualia Soup. Full video with the translation can be found here:

After determining the value of this skill, turn to the most important.

How to learn to think critically

In this case, the useful course on critical thinking for beginners - Critical Reasoning For Beginners teacher of philosophy at Oxford University Marianne Talbot.

Professor Talbot builds its course from the ground up, and begins with an explanation of what is an argument, and what they are made, talks about the types of the arguments, as well as methods of analysis. It stresses the need for a clear and logical presentation of arguments in the course of the chain and ends with how to distinguish arguments from fallacies.

The entire course consists of 6 lessons, each lasting less than an hour. That is, you can listen to the entire course of the week. Despite the fact that the course was recorded in 2010, its material is not outdated.

Audio-lecture course in English can be download on the University website or in iTunes.

We are learning to think critically for a week to use this skill for life.