Thinking skills in the context of Formal Logic, Informal Logic and Critical Thinking 19

Abstract

Thinking skills in the context of Formal Logic, Informal Logic and Critical Thinking The aim o f this essay is to explore the concept o f thinking skills in three different contexts, i.e. Formal Logic, Informal Logic and Critical Thinking. The essay traces some contemporary historical connections between these approaches and illustrates differences and overlap between them by referring to the content pages o f textbooks which are representative o f the different approaches. In evaluating the historical developments sketched in the essay, the conclusion is reached that the open and pragmatic way in which Critical Thinking handles the topic o f thinking skills has advantages fo r inter­ disciplinary contact and cooperation. However, this pragmatic approach also has a possible downside: the concept o f thinking skills can become so vague as to be o f no use.