Critical thinking: reasoned decision making

Tecnológico de Monterrey via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-reasoned-decision-making

Introduction

## Course Review: Critical Thinking: Reasoned Decision Making on Coursera In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, the ability to think critically and make reasoned decisions is more essential than ever. Coursera offers a course titled **"Critical Thinking: Reasoned Decision Making,"** designed to equip learners with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern decision-making. This review will delve into the course details, highlight its benefits, and recommend it to prospective students. ### Overview of the Course The course aims to help learners discern real problems and the causes underlying them, emphasizing the need to challenge assumptions that influence our judgments about the world. It posits that critical thinking is not merely an abstract skill but a practical approach that can be applied to any subject, content, or problem. **Key Learning Outcomes:** - Enhance your ability to evaluate and improve your thinking processes. - Identify real problems amidst complexity and uncertainty. - Develop skills to articulate decisions effectively. ### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured into four main topics, each building on the concept of critical thinking: 1. **Thinking for Our Times:** This foundational topic addresses the significance of critical thinking in contemporary society. It encourages students to recognize the pervasive influence of information overload and cognitive biases. You will learn about the characteristics of effective thinking and how to adapt your thinking style to various situations. 2. **Evaluating Our Ways of Thinking:** In this module, learners are taught to assess their thought processes critically. By examining personal biases and assumptions, students gain insight into how these factors affect their decision-making. Techniques to improve one's thinking habits are also covered, making this topic quite practical for everyday situations. 3. **Elements and Standards of Critical Thinking:** This segment dives deep into the components that constitute strong critical thinking. Students explore various standards and benchmarks for assessing reasoning quality. The emphasis here is on cultivating a structured approach to analyzing arguments and making informed decisions. 4. **Articulating Our Decisions:** Finally, this topic focuses on the communication of reasoned decisions. It highlights the importance of expressing thoughts clearly and logically, which is crucial in both personal and professional contexts. This segment empowers students to present their reasoning effectively and persuasively. ### Course Benefits - **Practical Application:** Each module offers real-world applications and exercises that help to reinforce the concepts learned. - **Self-Paced Learning:** The course is self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own convenience. - **Expert Instructors:** The course is taught by experienced instructors who provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the learning journey. - **Interactive Activities:** The course incorporates interactive activities and discussions that enhance engagement and understanding. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the **"Critical Thinking: Reasoned Decision Making"** course on Coursera to anyone interested in improving their decision-making skills. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a curious learner, this course provides robust tools that are applicable across various fields. It not only fosters personal growth but also equips you to handle the complexities of life with a more analytical mindset. By the end of this course, you will possess a refined ability to tackle problems thoughtfully and make decisions that are not only rational but also informed and communicable. Embrace this opportunity to enhance your critical thinking skills and navigate the uncertainties of today's world confidently.

Syllabus

Topic 1. Thinking for our times

Topic 2. Evaluating our ways of thinking

Topic 3. Elements and standards of critical thinking

Topic 4. Articulating our decisions

Overview

Making decisions in today's world, a world increasing in complexity, with broad changes and uncertainty, creates the need of approaches that allow us to discern the real problems and the causes that create them. Identifying these problems, in most cases, requires challenging the assumptions on which we base our judgments, regarding the world and its realities. Critical thinking could be defined, as "that way of thinking - on any subject, content or problem - in which the thinker improves the qu

Skills

Reviews

This is an excellent Program with high level of content. The structure of the program is so nice so that you can very well internalize the learning and apply at your professional space.

This is a excellent course with very thoughtful quizzes and relevant assignment.

Thank you for this course. From here I learned how to think critically in making decisions. Not only for myself but the impact on others too