The big idea
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Reasoning on purpose
Examining claims, weighing evidence, spotting assumptions, and reaching conclusions you can justify.
Critical Thinking · Lesson 1
What Is Critical Thinking?
beginner⏱ 12 min · 8 cards
Compare
Thinking vs. critical thinking
Automatic
Fast & intuitive
Snap judgements, gut feelings.
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Critical
Slow & deliberate
Check, question, weigh.
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Key term
What it really is
Define critical thinking
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Critical thinking
The disciplined habit of evaluating claims and evidence before believing or deciding.
Try it
Claim Analyzer
“This supplement boosts your immune system.”
What is actually claimed
A product improves immune function.
What would support it
Controlled trials showing fewer or shorter illnesses vs. a placebo group.
What would disprove it
Well-run trials finding no difference from placebo.
A claim you cannot imagine disproving is usually not yet a testable claim.
Pick a claim and see what it really asserts, and what would confirm or disprove it.
Nuance
A word from the Maester
Maester Note
Critical thinking isn’t being negative — it’s being fair and careful, including with your own reasoning.
Recap
Key takeaways
- ✓Critical thinking is disciplined evaluation.
- ✓It requires curiosity, fairness, and evidence.
- ✓It is useful in ordinary decisions, not only academic debates.
- ✓The goal is better judgment, not endless skepticism.
Quick check
What best describes critical thinking?
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