DQ1 Consider the list titled In Depth: Critical Thinking, The Long Version in Ch. 1 of Critical Thinking.

What do you consider to be the most important points? Why do you think this? 1. Distinguish between rational claims and emotional ones. a. Recognize logical flaws in arguments. b. Separate fact from opinion. c. Avoid overstated conclusions. d. Recognize that a problem may have no clear answer or single solution. 2. Spot deception and hold in the arguments of others. 3. Draw connections between discrete sources of data and information. 4. Recognize the ways in which evidence might be limited or compromised. a. Attend to contradictory, inadequate, or ambiguous information. b. Identify holes in the evidence and suggest additional information to collect. 5. Present his/her own analysis of the data or information. a. Construct cogent arguments rooted in data rather than opinion. b. Select the strongest set of supporting data. c. Propose other options and weight them in the decision. d. Consider all stakeholders or affected parties in suggesting a course of action. e. Articulate the argument and the context for that argument. f. Correctly and precisely use evidence to defend the argument. g. Logically and cohesively organize the argument. h. Avoid extraneous elements in an arguments development. i. Present evidence in an order that contributes to a persuasive argument. The points listed in In Depth: Critical Thinking, The Long Version in Ch. 1 of Critical Thinking are important and contribute immensely to a well-rounded critical thinker. However, they can be placed into 5 basic categories in which the other fall so I will list the five I feel to be most important. The first is to, distinguish between rational claims and emotional ones (Moore-Parker, 2009). This ability actually helps with four of the other points; recognize logical flaws, separate fact from fiction, avoid overstated conclusions, and recognize that a problem may have no clear answer or single solution (Moore-Parker, 2009). The second is, spot deception and holes in the arguments of others (Moore-Parker, 2009). I left this one on its own as I did not feel it fit well enough with one of the others and is possibly the most important point. The third is, draw connections between discrete sources of data and information (Moore-Parker, 2009). This skill helps isolate logical fallacies and limit the information considered. The fourth is, Recognize the ways in which evidence might be limited or compromised (Moore-Parker, 2009). This point has two others that fit with it, attend to contradictory, inadequate, or ambiguous information and identify holes in the evidence and suggest additional information to collect (Moore-Parker, 2009).

The fifth and final main point is, present his/her own analysis of the data or information (Moore-Parker, 2009). I feel all of the other points fit into this one as sub-points as they all relate to the development or presentation of an argument. Reference Moore-Parker. 2009. Critical Thinking Basics. The McGraw-Hill companies.