When Good Thinking Goes Bad: How Your Brain Can Have a Mind of Its OwnIn this insightful analysis of the mental pitfalls that trip up even elite critical thinkers, psychologist Todd C. Riniolo makes a compelling case that under certain circumstances everyone is vulnerable to accepting erroneous beliefs. Riniolo begins by reviewing the hallmarks of critical thinking related to the evaluation of claims, such as the use of the double-blind procedure and the law of parsimony. He then provides an evolutionary framework and empirical supporting evidence from cognitive psychology to explain why being inconsistent in the use of critical thinking is part of our evolutionary heritage. Each of us possesses cognitive biases that make us prone to maintaining our current beliefs (both true and false). He concludes by focusing on a wide range of claims--environmental, political, economic, multicultural--to illustrate how in certain contexts we all are tempted to abandon critical thinking. Thoroughly researched yet written in a lively, witty style, this unique approach to critical thinking will interest students, teachers, and anyone who wishes to become a better thinker. |
Contents
Acknowledgments | 9 |
SOME HALLMARKS | 31 |
Benefits and Limitations | 43 |
Copyright | |
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When Good Thinking Goes Bad: How Your Brain Can Have a Mind of Its Own Todd C. Riniolo Limited preview - 2010 |
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ability basic biased cognitive system brain causal chapter Clever Hans Conan Doyle confirmation bias consistent context course critical evaluation critical thinking critical thinking skills current beliefs demonstrated dence double-blind economic economists Einstein emotional evaluate claims evaluate evidence evolutionary heritage example exist expertise experts explanation false gambler's fallacy global warming groups Houdini human ical identify important inconsistent critical thinking increase individual influence Interestingly investigation issue James Randi Likewise magical thinking maintaining beliefs Margery media reports method Michael Shermer N-Rays occur once paranormal parsimonious pattern pattern-seeking percent performance person Piltdown placebo effect political potential predictions psychology Randi reader repressed memories rigorously evaluate Riniolo Santa myth scientific scientists seeking Simply put Skeptical Inquirer Soviet Union Sowell specific statistical strengthening and maintaining tax rates temperature theory thinkers Thomas Sowell tion topic trend trial types typically uncritical acceptance variables