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Coursera

Critical Thinking & Logic: Real-World Skills

Deep Teaching Solutions via Coursera

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Overview

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Enhance your logical reasoning skills with "Critical Thinking & Logic: Real-World Skills." This innovative course, led by professors Barbara Oakley, Adam Trybus and Terrence Sejnowski, offers a deep dive into the practical applications of critical thinking and logic. Explore the intricacies of deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning, learning how to apply each in various real-world scenarios. Master the art of argument analysis, from recognizing premises and conclusions to standardizing complex arguments for clarity. Through engaging examples, you'll learn to identify rhetorical devices and logical fallacies that can obscure sound reasoning. What sets this course apart is its focus on practical application. You'll tackle real-life examples, from business innovation like the creation of Shazam to everyday problem-solving. The course also delves into the challenges of language and definitions in logical reasoning, helping you navigate the complexities of communication in critical thinking. By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive toolkit for analyzing arguments, making informed decisions, and approaching problems creatively. Whether you're in business, academia, or simply looking to sharpen your analytical skills, this course will equip you with advanced logical reasoning tools applicable to a wide range of real-world situations.

Syllabus

  • The Art of Logical Leaps: Mastering Real-World Reasoning
    • This module takes you on a journey through the landscape of critical thinking and logical reasoning, showing how these skills come alive in everyday situations. You'll discover the hidden structure of arguments, learning to peel back layers of rhetoric to reveal core premises and conclusions. It explores the shape-shifting nature of words, using AI to map how meanings morph over time. You'll peek into the quirks of the human mind, seeing how our brains physically arrange concepts and how this affects our thinking. The module tackles thorny issues like gaslighting and persuasive trickery, arming you with tools to cut through deception. From dissecting historical speeches to analyzing modern business strategies, you'll see logic in action. By the end, you'll have a sharper eye for flawed reasoning, a keener ear for linguistic nuances, and a toolkit for making smarter decisions in your personal and professional life.
  • Navigating the Pitfalls and Potentials of Real-World Reasoning
    • This module takes you on an exhilarating journey through the landscape of reasoning, unveiling the intricate connections between deductive, inductive, and abductive logic. You'll debunk myths about Sherlock Holmes' methods, explore the creative spark behind scientific discoveries, and see how these reasoning types come alive in real-world business scenarios. The content delves into the fascinating world of abductive reasoning, showing how it drives innovation and hypothesis generation. You'll learn to apply these concepts to analyze complex business situations, from auditing practices to market trends. The module culminates in a compelling exploration of how these reasoning types interplay in groundbreaking innovations like Shazam, challenging your understanding of how ideas truly come to life. By the end, you'll have a nuanced grasp of how different reasoning styles complement each other, equipping you with powerful tools for critical thinking in both business and everyday life.

Taught by

Dr. Barbara Oakley, Adam Trybus, and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski

Reviews

4.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

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  • Anonymous
    I found this specialization (which includes this course and others) really useful. I have been trying for a while now to acquire the skill of critical thinking but always found it difficult to take the first step - one reason being the absence of ea…
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