THINKING FOR YOURSELF teaches students standards for evaluating the thinking of others as they engage in critical reading. Moving from the simple to the complex, the book begins with such basics as distinguishing fact from opinion in preparation for developing more advanced cognitive skills. Each chapter builds on previously developed skills, reinforcing the connections through exercises and writing assignments. With its lucid exposition, real-world examples, and engaging mix of cartoons, multicultural readings and exercises, this ground-breaking book helps students write more clearly by showing them how to focus on their own thinking and perception.
I have decided to improve my critical thinking skills so I purchased this book, and I have to say that this is a rare gem. The author managed to explain in a detailed fashion the basics of critical thinking, its problems and its forms. She also gives us the little perks of arguing, analysing discourses... I believe that I will need to go back to the book regularly though. I would recommend it to anyone interested in becoming better critical thinkers.
This was the first textbook I used as composition teacher. As a newbie teacher, I had a difficult time using it, and my students found it often inaccessible. I was pleased when our department chose another book.
This has to be the first and only school textbook I started reading before the semester started and I was always ahead in my reading. This is the perfect read to help you notice how people try to deceit using words (falacies) and to make you begin to think more critically.