PREFACE
This is a textbook on critical and creative thinking. It can be used as a course text or a self-contained study guide. Since there are many similar textbooks in the market, let me describe some special features of this book:
- Unlike most textbooks, I discuss both critical and creative thinking because they are equally important for problem solving and they are not independent of each other. We need creativity in critical thinking to come up with arguments, counterexamples, and alternative explanations. And creativity needs critical thinking in evaluating and improving new ideas. They are both part of the essential thinking toolkit.
- Good thinking requires not just knowledge of the principles of good reasoning. We discuss them of course, but personality and other psychological factors matter as well. This book emphasizes the importance of attitudes and practice for good thinking. We also discuss findings in cognitive science and psychology, such as cognitive biases in reasoning and decision making.
- Our thinking directly affects our life through the choices we make. These choices depend in part on our values and moral outlook. It is of utmost importance that we can think about these issues critically and impartially. I therefore include a chapter on decision making and another one on the foundation of moral reasoning.
- This book has a companion website: Critical Thinking Web. It is located at http://philosophy.hku.hk/think, and hosted by the Philosophy Department of the University ...
