Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking - Hardcover

"The author applies theory and research from learning theory to teach students the thinking skills they need in today's world. An academic grounding based in cognitive psychology is presented supported by numerous practical examples and anecdotes. This text has been revised to help students make meaningful conclusions from the overwhelming quantity of information now available to them from the Web."
―Zentralblatt for Didaktik der Mathematik

Praise for the third edition:
"This text is appropriate even for students who lack a background in psychology. Students who work through the text and workbook should leave the course with a solid understanding of both the psychological processes involved in thinking and how to apply them."
―Applied Cognitive Psychology

Praise for the third edition:
"Diane Halpern's thinking about thinking emerges as a one-of-a-kind multifaceted gem, sparkling in its substance, style, and sensibility. It is just what the doctor ordered for anyone seeking to develop skills in quantitative reasoning, evidence-based argumentation, or simply 'good' thinking. And, despite the formidable challenges presented by such topics, the book triumphs in the 'fireside companion' domain--a sheer delight to read!"
―Joel R. Levin
University of Wisconsin

In this third edition of her best-selling book, Halpern applies the theories and research of cognitive psychology to the development of critical thinking and learning skills. As in many of her works, this volume is distinguished by its clear writing style and numerous everyday examples. International in scope and mammoth in magnitude, Halpern takes a close look at the new problems straining Earth's resources and threatening the very continuance of life on our planet. While education and business as usual may not provide thoughtful perspectives and creative solutions to these new problems, a genuine commitment to an educated, thinking populace will. This volume was written as tangible evidence of that commitment.

New and expanded coverage includes:
* greater emphasis on the reciprocal relationship between thinking and writing, plus guidelines for using writing as a way of enhancing thinking skills;
* numerous prompts for reflective questioning and responding;
* analyzing visual arguments;
* asking questions as a means of understanding complex information;
* accessing information when solving problems, making decisions, and analyzing arguments; and
* thinking critically about controversial research.

This volume has an accompanying workbook, Thinking Critically About Critical Thinking, that features numerous applications of critical thinking skills. An instructor's edition of this workbook containing sample syllabi, answers to exercises, and suggestions for teaching and assessing critical thinking is free upon adoption.