Criteria for Evaluating Reasoning
Why the Analysis of Thinking Is Important
Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. If you want to think well, you must understand at least the rudiments of thought, the most basic structures out of which all thinking is made. You must learn how to take thinking apart.
The Elements of Reasoning and Intellectual Standards
To learn more about the elements of thought and intellectual standards, check out our interactive model. Simply click on the bookmark and use your mouse to explore each concept.
| Purpose | ||
|---|---|---|
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The purpose of the reasoner is provided. | |
| 1 | The purpose is clearly stated or clearly implied. | |
| 1 | The purpose is justified. | |
| Question | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The question at issue is well-stated. | |
| 1 | The question is clear and unbiased. | |
| 1 | The expression of the question does justice to the complexity of the matter at issue. | |
| 1 | The question and purpose are directly relevant to each other. | |
| Information | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The writer cites relevant evidence, experiences, and/or information essential to the issue. | |
| 1 | The writer addresses the complexities of the issue. | |
| Concepts | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The writer clarifies key concepts when necessary. | |
| 1 | The concepts used are justified. | |
| Assumptions | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The writer shows a sensitivity to what he or she is taking for granted or assuming. (Insofar as those assumptions might reasonably be questioned?) | |
| 1 | The writer addresses problems which might be inherent in questionable assumptions. | |
| Inferences | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The writer develops a line of reasoning explaining well how s/he is arriving at her or his main conclusions. | |
| Point of View | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The writer shows a sensitivity to alternative relevant points of view or lines of reasoning. | |
| 1 | The writer considers and responds to objections framed from other relevant points of view. | |
| Implications | ||
| Please check all that apply. | ||
| 1 | The writer shows a sensitivity to the implications and consequences of the position s/he is taking. | |
| Total: 0 | ||