Thinking through Words: Practical Approaches to Critical and Creative Thinking

This accessible and engaging book reveals the essential elements of critical and creative thinking that drive achievement in academic, professional, and personal spheres.Moving seamlessly from the foundations of critical understanding to the art of persuasion, leading scholar Robert DiYanni expertly guides readers past common obstacles toward a more complete intellectual toolkit. This compelling guide is an indispensable companion to Reading Literature and Writing that Matters.Part I offers a clear and concise overview of essential aspects of critical thinking and understanding, including what knowledge is, how we acquire it, and how we can use it productively.Part II explores argument and persuasion, including essential elements of argumentation and how to construct effective arguments.Part III introduces types of logical fallacies, along with cognitive biases and various blocks to thinking-and how to overcome them.Part IV describes practical thinking tools and techniques to develop r