VOOZH about

URL: https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-deductive

⇱ Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models | Coursera


Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models

Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models

4,629 already enrolled

Included with

Ask Coursera

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

42 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

42 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Apply principles of deductive reasoning to analyze arguments.

  • Identify how mental models and cognitive biases affect critical thinking.

  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different logical approaches, including classical and non-classical logics.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

2 assignments

Taught in English

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

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.

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.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

4 videosTotal 27 minutes
  • 1: Logic Made Simple(-ish): Demystifying Deductive Reasoning6 minutes
  • 2: Deliberative Thinking: Surfacing Your Assumptions4 minutes
  • 3: Contradictions and Explosions: The Limits of Classical Logic10 minutes
  • 4: Don't Let Content Distract! Focusing on Logical Form7 minutes
1 readingTotal 10 minutes
  • Module 1: Logic Unleashed: Mastering Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models10 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 20 minutes
  • Module 1: Logic Unleashed: Mastering Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models20 minutes

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.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

5 videosTotal 39 minutes
  • 5: The Illusion of Objectivity: Barriers to Critical Thought10 minutes
  • 6: Intellectual Honesty: Moving from Soldier to Scout Thinking10 minutes
  • 7: Truth is Stranger Than Deduction: Logic's Limits10 minutes
  • 8: Why Smart People Can Be More Likely to Jump to Conclusions7 minutes
  • 9: Wrap-up2 minutes
1 readingTotal 10 minutes
  • Module 2: Beyond Logic: Uncovering Biases and Hidden Mental Roadblocks10 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 40 minutes
  • Module 2: Beyond Logic: Uncovering Biases and Hidden Mental Roadblocks40 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.9 (10 ratings)
Deep Teaching Solutions
4 Courses14,192 learners

Explore more from Business Essentials

Why people choose Coursera for their career

👁 Image

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
👁 Image

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
👁 Image

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
👁 Image

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

  • 5 stars

    85.71%

  • 4 stars

    11.90%

  • 3 stars

    0%

  • 2 stars

    2.38%

  • 1 star

    0%

Showing 3 of 42

AP
·

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2024

complex topic is explained with simple terms with nalagies and examples. needs lots of revisions and dedicated attention

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,

Partner-supported free access,