Critical thinking is the product of a combination of the successful exercise of a set of interdependent cognitive skills and a firm commitment to a group of governing attitudes that enables individuals to use a variety of information and methods to make logical and objective decisions. Compare and contrast the humanistic and psychodynamic approaches to the explanation of personality. Use the criteria discussed in class to assess the validity of Freud's theory. Critical thinking is hard work requiring courage to begin and persistence to complete. Careful and systematic planning is a prerequisite for any complex intellectual undertaking.
Errors provide valuable feedback, and knowledge of their causes is a foundation for future success.
Terms and issues must be clearly defined before they can be discussed meaningfully and productively. For every major issue, there are many different points of view, and all sides of an issue must be investigated thoroughly before a conclusion is reached. To be perceived as intellectually responsible, individuals must make every effort to understand the perspectives of those with whom they disagree. An attitude of healthy skepticism is a valuable tool, especially when confronted with slanted, selective, prejudiced, or self-justifying information. The assumptions of a theory, tradition, or belief must be analyzed carefully and understood completely before it can be either accepted or rejected.