How to Think Critically begins with the premise that we are all, every day, engaged in critical thinking. But just as we may develop bad habits in daily life if we don’t scrutinize our practices, so are we apt to develop bad habits in critical thinking if we are careless in our reasoning. Readers are presented with a traditional step-by-step method for analysis that can be applied to all argument forms. Hundreds of exercises (with solutions) are included, as are several random statement generators that can be used to create thousands of additional examples. Truth tables, Venn diagrams, and other essential concepts are introduced not merely as objects for academic study but also as tools for better thinking and living. At a time when the value of critical thinking is recognized to be greater than ever, this book is an important resource both inside and outside the classroom.

Jeff McLaughlin is full professor of philosophy at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. He is editor of Graphic Novels as Philosophy, Comics as Philosophy, and Stan Lee: Conversations, all published by University Press of Mississippi.

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“How to Think Critically is an ideal book for introductory critical thinking courses. Jeff McLaughlin recognizes that the academic study of reasoning is new to most students and that it can prove to be daunting and difficult. He embraces the challenge of presenting philosophical concepts and methods to beginner audiences and succeeds in making the material accessible without compromising rigor and detail.” — Glen Baier, University of the Fraser Valley

Comments on the 1st Edition

“Jeff McLaughlin’s How to Think Critically covers all of the topics important for introductory courses in Critical Thinking, and it does so without bogging down the reader or instructor with extraneous material. The examples and illustrations will, I believe, resonate well with students, and, in particular, with students at Canadian universities. I look forward to using this text the next time I offer Critical Thinking.” — G.K.D. Crozier, Laurentian University

“How to Think Critically is a very good text. It is clear and comprehensive and includes an abundance of examples. It provides a plausible and sensible take on arguments as they really do occur.” — Michael Stack, University of Manitoba

“McLaughlin’s book is clearly written and infused with an engaging sense of humour that sustains interest in a subject area that too often is presented in a dry and uninteresting fashion. McLaughlin uses pedagogically sound techniques and strategies to build competency and confidence in thinking critically.” — Jill Hunter, Athabasca University