Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking

In this third edition of her best-selling book, Halpern applies the theories and research of cognitive psychology to the development of critical thinking and learning skills. As in many of her works, this volume is distinguished by its clear writing style and numerous everyday examples. International in scope and mammoth in magnitude, Halpern takes a close look at the new problems straining Earth's resources and threatening the very continuance of life on our planet. While education and business as usual may not provide thoughtful perspectives and creative solutions to these new problems, a genuine commitment to an educated, thinking populace will. This volume was written as tangible evidence of that commitment.

New and expanded coverage includes:
* greater emphasis on the reciprocal relationship between thinking and writing, plus guidelines for using writing as a way of enhancing thinking skills;
* numerous prompts for reflective questioning and responding;
* analyzing visual arguments;
* asking questions as a means of understanding complex information;
* accessing information when solving problems, making decisions, and analyzing arguments; and
* thinking critically about controversial research.

This volume has an accompanying workbook, Thinking Critically About Critical Thinking, that features numerous applications of critical thinking skills. An instructor's edition of this workbook containing sample syllabi, answers to exercises, and suggestions for teaching and assessing critical thinking is free upon adoption.

Diane F. Halpern is a professor of psychology at California State University, San Bernardino.