From: Laraine Flemming
Hi, I write textbooks, one of them is on critical thinking, I sometimes
teach critical thinking in terms of the logical fallacies, but recently,
I have been thinking and talking a lot about how to make critical
thinking relevant to students. Thus I have been doing more on ethical
decision making in my textbooks. But on reading what you wrote on your
site, it occurs to me that a better way to address critical thinking is
precisely as you suggest: To encourage the examination of one's own
beliefs and question just how "responsible," or well thought out they
truly are. Unless you write me and tell me not to, I'm going to link my
web site to yours to encourage instructors who visit my site to read
what you say because 1) it makes so much sense and 2) it gives them a
way to make students give a hoot about thinking more critically. The
standard explanation has been arguments such as, "Now you will be able
to better examine a political candidate's political platform." Yeah
right, and on what planet are we located? Long story not even remotely
short, I think your site is knock out. Thank you so much. P.S. And yes I
will also take into account that I would do well to examine my own
thinking. Your site is an excellent reminder for instructors always
concerned with identifying irrational or irresponsible thinking in the
minds of others.
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