Overview

Class Central Tips

Enhance your analytical skills with "Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models." This innovative course brings together Barbara Oakley and Terry Sejnowski, the team behind the wildly popular "Learning How to Learn," along with Adam Trybus, Professor of Logic at the Institute of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Explore the foundations of logic and reasoning, from Aristotelian principles to modern deductive approaches. You'll learn how to construct and evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies, and understand the strengths and limitations of classical logic. The course delves into various logical systems, including intuitionistic and paraconsistent logic, providing a nuanced view of reasoning. What sets this course apart is its focus on mental models and their role in critical thinking. You'll discover how our brains create and use mental models, and how these models can both aid and hinder our reasoning processes. The course introduces concepts like the "scout mindset" to help you overcome biases and think more objectively. Through real-world examples and interdisciplinary perspectives, you'll learn to apply deductive reasoning skills to complex problems. By the end of the course, you'll have a robust toolkit for analyzing arguments, making more informed decisions, and thinking critically in various personal and professional contexts. Equip yourself with the logical and cognitive tools to navigate an increasingly complex world, where sound reasoning and adaptable mental models are more crucial than ever.

Syllabus

Logic Unleashed: Mastering Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models

Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of logical thinking and critical reasoning. This module demystifies deductive reasoning, exploring its foundations from ancient philosophers to modern neuroscience. You'll discover the essence of deductive logic and how it shapes our arguments, key principles like non-contradiction and excluded middle, and how our brains create mental models that influence our reasoning. Through engaging examples and insights from experts in philosophy and neuroscience, you'll learn to spot logical fallacies, understand the brain's role in processing narratives, and even grapple with mind-bending concepts like logical explosions. The module also reveals the surprising limits of classical logic and introduces alternative approaches, equipping you with techniques to analyze arguments by focusing on their logical structure. Whether you're a business leader, a student, or simply curious about sharpening your critical thinking skills, this module offers valuable tools to enhance your logical reasoning abilities and make more informed decisions.

Beyond Logic: Uncovering Biases and Hidden Mental Roadblocks

Prepare to challenge your perspective as we dive into the world where logic meets real life, and truth isn’t always as simple as it seems. This module goes beyond just understanding deductive reasoning—it’s about recognizing the hidden biases and mental roadblocks that can twist even the most logical minds. You’ll explore why smart people often jump to conclusions, how group dynamics shape reasoning, and why convincing arguments aren’t just about airtight logic but also about recognizing when our own beliefs cloud our judgment. We’ll dig into the principles of critical thinking, exposing why even the sharpest thinkers can fall prey to confirmation bias and the allure of “my-side” thinking. You’ll see how the need to belong can override the quest for truth and learn strategies to break free from the soldier mindset to become a scout—seeking what’s real, not just what you want to see. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to dissect arguments with a new level of intellectual honesty, challenge your assumptions, and navigate the messy realities of reasoning in the real world.