Summary TFY

Summary TFY


Chapter 1 : Observation Skills

The thinking skill is depending on the ability to observe well, so it can help us develop our thinking skill, resolve the problem, and discover new knowledge.
Thinking is an active process whereby people organize their perception of the world.
The observation need to take time, give attention, stay awake, suspend thinking in an attitude of listening.
Observation is a process of sensing, perceiving, and thinking. It shows us how to observe, and improve our observation better.
The benefits of observation skills are self-understanding, creativity, rapture, power, and wonder.


Chapter 2 : Word Skills

The process of translating observations into words helps us how to use dictionary, learn more about words, and how to use them.
Clear thinking depends on a clear understanding of the words we use. Words enable us to communicate with others and ourselves. It helps us to see and perceive more. Words can help us improve our thinking, writing, and reading.
Making a precise match between experience and words involves a complex mental operation that requires a lot of thinking. The more words we master, the more we see and better we can describe what we see. Etymology and definitions can help us understand word’s meaning clearly, and also help us recognize its relationship to other words with the same root meanings. Critical reading is an active thinking endeavor that must being with accurate comprehension under bias control.


Chapter 3 : Facts

We learn the difference between facts and fiction. What we call facts do not necessarily represent what is real and true. Feelings can be facts, and deceive as well as illuminate us. Facts are not absolutes but statement of probability. We learn how to determine facts by verifiability, reliability, plausibility, and probability.



Chapter 4 : inferences

Understanding the words infer and inference. When we infer, we imagine, reason, guess, surmise, speculate, estimate, predict, and conclude. Generalizations are inferences. A good scientist, like a good writer, knows how much evidence is needed to support a generalization. Good writing distinguishes inferences from facts, description from interpretation.
Detective and consultants of all kinds are valued for their ability to examine facts and make the best inferences from them. Facts and inferences are linked together through generalizations.
The topic sentence of paragraph is a generalization that summarizes the main idea to be demonstrated in that paragraph. It is a kind of conclusion, which is repeated again in another form at the end of the paragraph.




Chapter 5 : Assumptions

The word assumption is something we take from granted or accept and idea without sufficient proof of its truth or certainly. Assumptions can be forgotten inferences and can be conscious or unconscious, warranted or unwarranted.
Good arguments are not based on assumptions. Hidden assumptions are unconscious assumption that influences a line of reasoning. A value assumption can form the base of pyramid that supports many layers of hidden assumption, all of which provide support for one idea expressed at the top.
Value assumptions are beliefs that we take for granted. We may assume that everyone shares these beliefs or that they contain universal eternal truths. First we have to be alert enough to recognize incongruities, then we need to do the thinking needed to explain them.


Chapter 6 : Opinions
Opinions can de based either on reasons or solely on whim, felling, emotions, prejudice. Opinions can take from of judgments, advice, generalizations, or sentiments. Each type needs to be evaluated differently.
Distinguishing between responsibility and irresponsibility opinions based on evidence from statements based on feelings. Public opinion polls can de used unfairly to determine public opinion as well as to manipulate it.
Opinions should not be confused facts. Opinions as claims in arguments, and arguments begin with opinions. In an essay, a statement of opinion can be the thesis or its principle claim.


Chapter 7 : Evaluations

Evaluations are not facts. Factual reports keep that contain unexamined or faulty support. Critical thinkers can support their evaluations. Evaluations can be openly stated or remain hidden and manipulative. They can be based on explicit or vague criteria, clear or vague feelings. Their effects are powerful. When we mistake them for facts or are influenced by them unawares, we get into trouble, so this chapter teaches us how to both recognize and detach from evaluations.
Expectations influence our perception as well as our evaluations. Our minds tent to evaluate situations before we have had time to look them over. Word connotation can be manipulative evaluations. An expert is a person with a reputation for making skilled evaluations. The best defense against propaganda is to stay conscious.