Critical thinking has become a fashionable term: classes of all kinds seem to include critical thinking, for example. It has become more important in an era of “fake news”.

In this class, we’ll look at critical thinking actually means – what it is, how we use it, and when we use it. Importantly, we’ll look at both what it can and cannot do.

We’ll start by looking at the news media, and we will also analyse TED talks, as well as other materials, to help us understand the critical thinking process.

Students will review material either provided by the teacher, or chosen by other students.

Curriculum

• Class#1: The first class looks at what it is, what it isn't, and asks how much it depends on culture.
• Class#2: In this class, we’ll look at news media, notions of bias and “fake news”.
• Classes 2-4 we'll highlight the different aspects of critical thinking. Using mostly TED talks, as well as other sources, we'll practise crtiical thinking skills to examine not just what, but how people say the things they do, in order to test the strength of their opinions.