Learning to Think Things Through: A Guide to Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum

Shortly after I began reading, I got the feeling that this book is intended to either be a text book on its own, or a companion book in some other course. It gives a nice break down and step by step instruction on the basics of critical thinking. Throughout the book, the author stresses that being a critical thinker is not the same as a fault finding mission. They intend for you to question the thoughts/ideas/arguments put forth by any writer or speaker. After that, investigate what was said/written and then decide for yourself what you believe. There are several exercises in there that concentrate on examining your own belief system. By doing this, it becomes clearer to the individual what they know about their own beliefs vs what they assume about thiers or others beliefs. Very challenging. Very engaging. Do not read if you don't have the constitution to examine and challenge yourself.

I agree with one of the other reviewers in that the book is a bit wordy. Initially it was hard to get past, but eventually I was able to get a lot out of it. It's very relevant to life in general. Although it's required for a course, I think everyone can take something valuable away from it. It has definitely changed the way I process things, and I'm glad I read it.

This book surprised me by being interesting and actually relevant. It was required for a course I took, but it is a great foundation book. Everyone should understand real critical thinking. The greatest surprise is I thought I did before I read it. Recommended.

Good information, it was purchased for school but I enjoyed the concepts. It is something everyone should read.

Although the topics discussed in this book initially seemed a bit convoluted or wordy to me, upon second review it was a worthwhile read. I have found that appreciating the labor and reflection involved in critical thinking is much like acquiring a taste for some strange food or drink you didn't like as a child, but then as one matures so do their tastebuds and expectations. "Learning to Think Things Through" was a good way to break myself into the subject of critical thinking. Again it came across as a bit overstated and even technical at first, but then after re-reading some portions, I found it to be a very good starting place.