Rethinking Logic: Surprising Science of Critical Thinking

Rethinking Logic: Surprising Science of Critical Thinking

This course is part of Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization

Instructors: Dr. Terrence Sejnowski

Top Instructor

Access provided by PALC Dev

2,216 already enrolled

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

45 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

45 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify and understand logical fallacies such as circular reasoning and fallacies of relevance, and how they impact argument strength.
Recognize the influence of cognitive biases like confirmation bias and my-side bias on decision-making and reasoning processes.
Explore how social dynamics shape reasoning, revealing how reasoning improves through dialogue, debate, and social interaction.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 2 modules in this course

Explore the hidden forces shaping our thoughts in "Rethinking Logic: Surprising Science of Critical Thinking." This innovative course, led by Barbara Oakley, Terry Sejnowski, and Adam Trybus, uncovers the complexities of human reasoning and the challenges of critical thinking.

Discover why our brains struggle with formal logic and learn to navigate common cognitive pitfalls. You'll explore fascinating concepts like the Wason Selection Test, circular reasoning, and the social nature of critical thinking. The course delves into the neuroscience behind reasoning, revealing how our brains process information differently in social contexts. What sets this course apart is its exploration of the limits of formal reasoning and the importance of context in critical thinking. You'll gain insights into different types of curiosity, the role of intellectual humility, and how to transform discomfort into personal growth. By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper understanding of your own thinking processes and practical strategies to enhance your reasoning skills. Whether you're a professional, student, or lifelong learner, this course will equip you with the tools to navigate complex decisions and evaluate information more effectively in our increasingly challenging world.

This module delves into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and logical fallacies that often derail our critical thinking. It explores how our brains, in an effort to conserve energy, can lead us astray with automatic thinking and confirmation bias. You'll discover the complexities of evaluating arguments, including the nuanced interplay between deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning. The module challenges traditional views on logical fallacies, introducing modern perspectives that emphasize the role of emotional and cognitive biases in flawed reasoning. Through engaging examples like the Wason Selection Test, you'll learn to identify and avoid common reasoning pitfalls. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of how context, language, and psychology influence our ability to think critically, equipping you with tools to navigate the murky waters of real-world logic and argumentation.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

4 videos Total 26 minutes

1: Lazy Brains are Silencing Your Inner Critic: How Bias Can Skew Everything 4 minutes
2: Quantifying Convincing versus Bad Arguments: Logical Fallacies and Circular Reasoning 8 minutes
3: Fallacy: A Guide for the Perplexed 8 minutes
4: Avoiding Fallacies: Lessons from the Wason Selection Test 6 minutes

1 reading Total 30 minutes

Module 1: Confronting Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 1: Confronting Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies 30 minutes

Module 2 takes you on a fascinating journey through the social landscape of reasoning and critical thinking. It challenges the notion that logic is a purely individual pursuit, revealing how our ability to reason is deeply intertwined with our social interactions. You'll explore the power of scientific debate in driving knowledge forward, and discover how framing problems in familiar contexts can unlock our brain's hidden reasoning potential. The module delves into the cultural nuances of logic, showing how different societies approach reasoning in unique ways. You'll gain insights into the types of curiosity that fuel critical thinking, and learn why embracing intellectual discomfort can lead to profound personal growth. From the boardroom to the laboratory, this module illuminates the complex interplay between shared values, context, and effective reasoning, offering a fresh perspective on how we can sharpen our critical thinking skills in an interconnected world.

What's included

4 videos2 readings2 assignments

4 videos Total 31 minutes

5: Reasoning: We Are In It Together 10 minutes
6: The Limits of Formal Reasoning 7 minutes
7: If It Doesn't Challenge You, It Won't Change You: Beyond Confirmation Bias Bubbles 7 minutes
8: Wisdom Gained, Wisdom to Come 6 minutes