Quality in CT

Quality refers to the degree of excellence of something, especially with regard to its intended purpose.

Thus, quality in critical thinking refers to the degree of excellence of the reasoning which itself is part of the argument.

Rationale

1. Maximize your chances of

   1. Making the best decision.

   2. Justifying your decision.

2. Assess an argument you receive on a scale that spans from low quality to high quality. This provides you with many options. Here are some examples:

   1. Accept the conclusion.
   2. Rebut it.
   3. Help the arguer improve their thinking.
   4. Choose not to respond to the argument; let it go.

Assessing Quality of CT (How To)

Big Criteria

Summary

1. Premises are true (high likelihood) and relevant.

2. Logic structure

   1. Right one selected
   2. Applied correctly

3. Premises are true (high likelihood) and relevant: This point emphasizes the importance of the foundational truths or assumptions upon which any argument or line of reasoning is built. For critical thinking to be effective, it’s essential that these premises are not only true but also relevant to the argument at hand. This is often where critical thinking begins, by evaluating the accuracy and reliability of the information being used.

4. Logic structure:

   • Right one selected: This suggests that there are various logical frameworks or structures that can be applied to an argument, and choosing the appropriate one is crucial. The “right” logical structure depends on the nature of the argument, the goals of the reasoning process, and sometimes the discipline within which the thinking is occurring (e.g., scientific, philosophical, mathematical).
   • Applied correctly: Once the appropriate logical structure is selected, it must be applied correctly to ensure that the argument follows a coherent, logical progression. This involves making sure that each step of the argument follows logically from the previous one, and that conclusions are validly derived from the premises.

Lesser Criteria

• Clarity of Expression: Ensuring the argument is presented in a clear, comprehensible manner, avoiding ambiguity and confusion.
• Respect: The argument is respectful of others, especially those which who the arguer strongly disagrees with.
• Relevance of Information: All information and premises used in the argument should be directly relevant to the conclusions being drawn.
• Depth and Breadth: The argument should thoroughly explore the issue, considering various perspectives and potential counterarguments.
• Evidence: The premises should be supported by appropriate evidence, which is accurately and fairly represented. Typically this involves citations.
• Emotional Appeal and Bias: High-quality critical thinking minimizes reliance on emotional appeal and recognizes potential biases in the argument or the evidence.