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Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life
Critical Thinking is about becoming a better thinker in every aspect of your life: in your career, and as a consumer, citizen, friend, parent, and lover. Discover the core skills of effective thinking; then analyze your own thought processes, identify weaknesses, and overcome them. Learn how to translate more effective thinking into better decisions, less frustration, more wealth Ñ and above all, greater confidence to pursue and achieve your most important goals in life.
459 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2002
About the author
Richard Paul
61 books58 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 17, 2014
Very practical, though a difficult read; one has to take it real slow to appreciate it.
This book has to be "chewed" and "digested", not merely to be "tasted".
Highly recommended!
This book has to be "chewed" and "digested", not merely to be "tasted".
Highly recommended!
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April 26, 2012This is an amazingly useful book whose insights are timeless. I constantly keep going back to read some sections of it, because the matters discussed therein touch on things that happen in our day to day lives.
It first guides one in understanding our thinking in today's world, which is ever changing. The reader is then encourage to critic their own thinking. Gradually, one is able to become a fair-minded thinker based on a deep self-understanding.
What I found most useful is details of the parts of thinking, the levels of thinking and standards of thinking after a careful outline of the four levels of development.
Ultimately, one can design their lives in order to make intelligent decisions, take charge of irrational tendencies and develop ethical reasoning among other strategic thinking abilities.
Totally recommended for anyone who seeks to better his or her life.
It first guides one in understanding our thinking in today's world, which is ever changing. The reader is then encourage to critic their own thinking. Gradually, one is able to become a fair-minded thinker based on a deep self-understanding.
What I found most useful is details of the parts of thinking, the levels of thinking and standards of thinking after a careful outline of the four levels of development.
Ultimately, one can design their lives in order to make intelligent decisions, take charge of irrational tendencies and develop ethical reasoning among other strategic thinking abilities.
Totally recommended for anyone who seeks to better his or her life.
November 9, 2011
I couldn't exactly give it a full amazing rating. It is a very useful and helpful book. It provides all the helpful advice of most Stephen Covey books without the "feel-good" self help aspect. The authors provide clear details and examples of how we all error in thinking. Then provides great questions and recommendations that will help anyone improve how they think about life, issues and other people. I consider this book a reference book. I placed it on my office desk. Its full of highlights and folded pages that I will refer to throughout my career. The only reason this book was not considered completely amazing was the fact that it could have been shaved down by 100 pages or so. Other then slight repeatition, every leader and academic/intellectual person should have this book close at hand.
April 19, 2013
Done. There were so many important ideas about thinking and thought processes, but the voice and the tone of the writing was grating. They (perhaps the trouble comes from co-authoring) often descended into patronizing and glib examples and points of view. Too bad, because the subject is fascinating, important and relevant. I did learn a lot, but I became bored (as did my students) from reading chapter after chapter of the formulaic and oppressive prose.
July 10, 2013
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning how to become a critical thinker. Critical thinking will allow you to become a better thinker in your daily life from reading editorials to making major decisions. The book is well organized and easy to follow with exercises to help understand the six stages of critical thinking. Much of what I have learned about critical thinking has come from this book.
November 5, 2013
You are what you think…
Everything you do in life is determined by the quality of your thinking. If you aren't thinking clearly, you're at the mercy of everyone else. Unfortunately, many people never give any thought to how they think. No wonder they're susceptible to the frustration, pain, ineffectiveness, and financial loss that result directly from poorly considered thinking. Critical Thinking is about becoming a better thinker in every aspect of your life as a professional, as a consumer, citizen, friend, parent, and even as a lover. This is an excellent book for anyone in learning how to become a critical thinker.Amazing book!
Everything you do in life is determined by the quality of your thinking. If you aren't thinking clearly, you're at the mercy of everyone else. Unfortunately, many people never give any thought to how they think. No wonder they're susceptible to the frustration, pain, ineffectiveness, and financial loss that result directly from poorly considered thinking. Critical Thinking is about becoming a better thinker in every aspect of your life as a professional, as a consumer, citizen, friend, parent, and even as a lover. This is an excellent book for anyone in learning how to become a critical thinker.Amazing book!
June 13, 2021
This book is a great introduction to critical thinking. However, I couldn’t give it five stars because of its arbitrary set of “elements” (purpose, problem, point of view, information, inference, concepts, consequences and assumptions) and “standards” (clarity, logic, accuracy, significance, precision, depth, relevance, breadth and fairness). I think these could have done with a little more explanation and justification. There is no mention of where they come from, or how they were selected. And to uncritically accept them would seem to defeat the very purpose of the book. Having said that, the authors claim that these elements are not strictly defined. They also offer free lectures on YouTube that are worth watching, and free resources on their website worth reading. Overall, I find the book to be a stimulating read despite its flaws.
April 19, 2014
Exceptional book! If you want to improve and clarify your thought processes then this book is a must. I would suggest using it more or less like a reference book once you do a quick read through. That is going to be my strategy at least.
Provides techniques to help deal with egocentric thinking which I confess that I often struggle with.
Provides several methods for which an individual can grasp the ability to improve their ability to think logically and identify when emotions are shadowing over logic.... again something that I also struggle with.
Provides techniques to help deal with egocentric thinking which I confess that I often struggle with.
Provides several methods for which an individual can grasp the ability to improve their ability to think logically and identify when emotions are shadowing over logic.... again something that I also struggle with.
March 21, 2013
It informs you how to draw a reasonable outcome and evolve a vivid, accurate, and logical process of thought.
It says, that thinking is a matter of preference. If we do not learn how to take on the perspective of others, and to think as they do, then will not be able fairly judge their ideas and belief.
It says, that thinking is a matter of preference. If we do not learn how to take on the perspective of others, and to think as they do, then will not be able fairly judge their ideas and belief.
December 24, 2015
It was an interesting book. I just didn't care for it. The book just drug on and on forever. I do hope to use some of the ideas and concepts to evaluate my thinking, especially in my professional life. I thoroughly enjoyed the last three or four chapters. As they were summaries of the entire book with very specific, "ok now, how does this apply to me" questions and ideas.
February 5, 2017
A book I wanted to read
I watched the video of Paul about critical thinking, which was impress, then I bought this book tried to read it. I admit that the book is very useful with my thinking. I read it cover to cover, defiantly worth to re-read it.
I watched the video of Paul about critical thinking, which was impress, then I bought this book tried to read it. I admit that the book is very useful with my thinking. I read it cover to cover, defiantly worth to re-read it.
February 6, 2011
A really good but rather heavy read. A book that brings to light one's thought processes and how we often make poor decisions because we 'automate' much of our thinking...
April 6, 2020
我们的内心或许都是趋向两个中心，自我中心寻求自利，社会中心寻求社会的认同感. 而��者的非理性的外在表现是对他人的支配性和服从性，后者则表现是的内在化的社会规则和禁忌，盲从的观点.
March 18, 2024
This is one of the most important books I've read in the past two years. It completely shifted my perspective on everything I see, experience, and think. The book emphasizes that critical thinking is essential for happiness, yet our education system often fails to equip us with this skill.
Chapter 6 was a game-changer for me. It breaks down our thinking into eight distinct parts and provides a practical eight-step process for analyzing our thoughts. This framework forms the foundation for the remaining chapters. Depending on their prior knowledge and experience, readers might find they can skim later chapters after grasping these core concepts.
What surprised me most was how this book, or rather, the critical thinking it promotes, miraculously alleviated my anxieties about success, time management, and life in general. The book reveals that every anxiety stems from a thought. By dissecting each thought into these eight parts, we can evaluate it and develop an action plan. We focus on what we can control, change what's within our power, and accept what's beyond it. After all, excessive worrying won't alter unchangeable circumstances.
Often, our anxieties and negativity don't stem from a desire for perfection, but from a nagging feeling that there's a better solution we can't quite grasp. Critical thinking helps us eliminate these "what ifs" by providing a clear and logical framework. By acknowledging the limited but realistic options available, we achieve peace of mind and can take action without hesitation or doubt.
Chapter 6 was a game-changer for me. It breaks down our thinking into eight distinct parts and provides a practical eight-step process for analyzing our thoughts. This framework forms the foundation for the remaining chapters. Depending on their prior knowledge and experience, readers might find they can skim later chapters after grasping these core concepts.
What surprised me most was how this book, or rather, the critical thinking it promotes, miraculously alleviated my anxieties about success, time management, and life in general. The book reveals that every anxiety stems from a thought. By dissecting each thought into these eight parts, we can evaluate it and develop an action plan. We focus on what we can control, change what's within our power, and accept what's beyond it. After all, excessive worrying won't alter unchangeable circumstances.
Often, our anxieties and negativity don't stem from a desire for perfection, but from a nagging feeling that there's a better solution we can't quite grasp. Critical thinking helps us eliminate these "what ifs" by providing a clear and logical framework. By acknowledging the limited but realistic options available, we achieve peace of mind and can take action without hesitation or doubt.
June 22, 2017
Creo que es uno de estos libros que pondría en la lista obligatoria de lectura para mis hijos antes de entrar en el mundo adulto. Si lo hubiese leído cuando descubrí que la capacidad humana para el auto-engaño es infinita, me hubiese sido de mucha ayuda…
Es un libro denso, para leer despacio y practicar pero que en última instancia puede ser realmente útil para el desarrollo personal. Al final de cada capítulo tiene apartados para practicar los conceptos.
El mayor inconveniente es que es muy, pero muy repetitivo. La idea base se podría resumir en:
El Mal de este mundo es el egocentrismo y sociocentrismo innato en nuestra forma de pensar. Si desarrollamos un razonamiento crítico, tendremos un súper-poder que nos permitirá mejorar el mundo y nuestra vida. Esto se repite ad infinitum.
Los pocos ejemplos que van incorporando, tampoco son una maravilla. Pero no dejan de ser defectos de forma. En su conjunto, pienso que es un libro que merece la pena leer e ir incorporando en nuestro día a día.
Es un libro denso, para leer despacio y practicar pero que en última instancia puede ser realmente útil para el desarrollo personal. Al final de cada capítulo tiene apartados para practicar los conceptos.
El mayor inconveniente es que es muy, pero muy repetitivo. La idea base se podría resumir en:
El Mal de este mundo es el egocentrismo y sociocentrismo innato en nuestra forma de pensar. Si desarrollamos un razonamiento crítico, tendremos un súper-poder que nos permitirá mejorar el mundo y nuestra vida. Esto se repite ad infinitum.
Los pocos ejemplos que van incorporando, tampoco son una maravilla. Pero no dejan de ser defectos de forma. En su conjunto, pienso que es un libro que merece la pena leer e ir incorporando en nuestro día a día.
August 4, 2023
I had huge expectations about it. I set myself reading it and applying it as goals for this year. The first chapters left me in awe about how good it is.
And it kept going down... As other have stated already, the book is very boring, very repetitive. I totally understand why most if not all statements are argued thoroughly and rooted in key principles... but come on, after some point everyone gets it how the pattern works. One can extrapolate questions and applications using the elements of thinking and the standards of thinking limitlessly. And doing that alone in your own in your hut would be much more efficient than reading the same statements with slight variations.
I feel sorry for having to skip so much of the book (I just couldn't help it... I am already familiar with cognitive biases, logical fallacies and how to read the news critically), yet I am very grateful for what it has taught me.
And it kept going down... As other have stated already, the book is very boring, very repetitive. I totally understand why most if not all statements are argued thoroughly and rooted in key principles... but come on, after some point everyone gets it how the pattern works. One can extrapolate questions and applications using the elements of thinking and the standards of thinking limitlessly. And doing that alone in your own in your hut would be much more efficient than reading the same statements with slight variations.
I feel sorry for having to skip so much of the book (I just couldn't help it... I am already familiar with cognitive biases, logical fallacies and how to read the news critically), yet I am very grateful for what it has taught me.
February 17, 2022
جز اولین کتاب ها در حیطه فلسفه هست که خوندم و به نظرم میتونه روی تفکر افراد نسبت به مسائل مختلف موثر باشه چرا که تا وقتی ما نگرشی غیر از اونچه در ذهن خودمون هست رو نشنویم و بهم فکر نکنیم نمیشه گفت تفکر کاملا درستی در مورد مسایل مختلف داریم .
این کتاب سعی داره به ما یاد بده با ذهن نقادانه به موضوعات نکاه کنیم و ابعاد مختلفش رو از دیدگاه های مختلف ببینیم نه اینکه دید یکسونگر و غیر منعطف به همه چیز داشته باشیم.
بخشی از کتاب رو باهم بخونیم:
همه ما می اندیشیم، اندیشیدن طبیعت ماست. اما بسیاری از اندیشیدن های ما، اگر آنها را به حال خود رها کنیم و بر آنها نظارت نکنیم، متعصبانه، تحریف شده، بخشی نگرانه، ناآگاهانه، یا آلوده به پیش داوری می شوند.
این کتاب برای کسانی است که می خواهند بهتر بیاندیشند تا در زندگی روزمره شان بهتر تصمیم بگیرند و کمتر خطا کنند.
به نظر من کتابی بود که هر کسی در هر زمینه و جایگاهی باید مطالعه کنه. کتاب توسط مهدی خسروانی بازنویسی و ترجمه شده و توسط نشر نو چاپ شده.
این کتاب سعی داره به ما یاد بده با ذهن نقادانه به موضوعات نکاه کنیم و ابعاد مختلفش رو از دیدگاه های مختلف ببینیم نه اینکه دید یکسونگر و غیر منعطف به همه چیز داشته باشیم.
بخشی از کتاب رو باهم بخونیم:
همه ما می اندیشیم، اندیشیدن طبیعت ماست. اما بسیاری از اندیشیدن های ما، اگر آنها را به حال خود رها کنیم و بر آنها نظارت نکنیم، متعصبانه، تحریف شده، بخشی نگرانه، ناآگاهانه، یا آلوده به پیش داوری می شوند.
این کتاب برای کسانی است که می خواهند بهتر بیاندیشند تا در زندگی روزمره شان بهتر تصمیم بگیرند و کمتر خطا کنند.
به نظر من کتابی بود که هر کسی در هر زمینه و جایگاهی باید مطالعه کنه. کتاب توسط مهدی خسروانی بازنویسی و ترجمه شده و توسط نشر نو چاپ شده.
October 8, 2021
To develop a disciplined mind—a mind that takes responsibility for the quality of its inner workings and continually seeks to upgrade its abilities—presupposes two overlapping yet distinct principles. First, we must develop a deep understanding of how our mind functions. Concepts, principles, and theories serving this end are the focus of this book. It is not enough to read about these concepts, principles, and theories, though. We must internalize them to the point that we can use them routinely to develop unique strategies for targeting and improving the quality of our thinking. When we haven't internalized them well enough to effectively improve our thinking, they are of little or no use to us.
January 12, 2021
Critical Thinking provides a lot of good food for thought. It was well organized, and the exercises that followed sections and chapters help internalize important information. I did, however, get tired of the “I have the corner on right-thinking” attitude in the book. I was disappointed that universal assumptions were made for foundational principles of good ethics. The premises are merely presented without evidence supporting why they should be accepted over others (generally, I agreed with the choices offered, but they are not axiomatic like the author seemed to imply). If there are, as the book argues, absolute right and wrongs, then what is the rule that determines this? There was no such evaluation given. For this reason, I consider the book useful but flawed.
February 26, 2018
Yararlı olabilir belki ama o kadar sıkıcı bir dille yazılmışki okuması çin işkencesi. Sürekli tekrarlar, anlamsız basit örnekler var. 480 sayfa hedef etrafında dönüp hedefi 12den vuramayan fazla abartılmış başarısız bir kitap. Her tarafından amerikan kişisel gelişim sığlığı akıyor tam bir zaman kaybı. Bu konuda advanced critical thinking skills kitabı var, hem de uygulamalı çok daha pratik ve derin.
February 24, 2022
This book is useful, and full of useful concepts. The useful bits have to be teased out of the awful presentation and convoluted writing style.
The book has a disjointed layout and no flow.
I have made my own notes and reformulated some of these key ideas for myself. Read this, but there are probably better books on the subject.
The book has a disjointed layout and no flow.
I have made my own notes and reformulated some of these key ideas for myself. Read this, but there are probably better books on the subject.
Read
September 2, 2020a very practical book about logic/critical thinking. some parts were very useful, but some parts seemed to state the obvious. a big portion of this book is geared towards students. most chapters could be summarized into a table or diagram; could have been more succinct.
August 19, 2019
A bestseller by the most popular postwar writer for children of all ages.
November 24, 2019
Incredible tool - I wish I could remember just a fraction of what is in this book
December 13, 2019
Really hard to read/understand but worth reading ! 👏🏼 A nice one
June 22, 2020
This book opened to me the world of critical thinking. There are definitely better books on the subject out there, but regardless, it's a great book that I recommend to everyone.
June 2, 2023
Great reference book with helpful tools like the standards for thinking, and a detailed breakdown of the parts of critical thinking.
May 25, 2012
So I pulled this one onto my kindle fire, and I must say...while I am not reading it verbatim, the principles in every chapter are proving to make the most sense I've seen in a while (in a non-religious book)
So yes, I would say give it at least a good browsing, if you have the chance.
In fact, people need to be more like what's in this book, which will only improve society, in my opinion.
So yes, I would say give it at least a good browsing, if you have the chance.
In fact, people need to be more like what's in this book, which will only improve society, in my opinion.
March 20, 2013
Excellent book on improving and understanding critical thinking. The author puts critical thinking into perspective from an individual, corporate, and group perspective. There are real world examples showing the pros and cons of rational and irrational thought processes. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to improve their thinking and decision making processes.
April 16, 2014
Great book to start the journey. This is my first book about the subject but is great eye opener, a great start.
Human behavior is fascinating. Different biases give different results, different angles and this book sheds light on some of the key factors that come into play. I can't assess how good this book is until I read some other material about the subject.
Human behavior is fascinating. Different biases give different results, different angles and this book sheds light on some of the key factors that come into play. I can't assess how good this book is until I read some other material about the subject.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews