7 Ideas to help you THINK critically and create solid arguments

1. Never Jump To Conclusions

When you jump to conclusions, you don't land appropriately.

You might break your nose.

Gather as much information as you can before making up your mind.

Don't nod your head for everything. Question it, man

2. Keep An Open Mind

Don't be biased.

Don't let your existing views blind you to new information.

Connecting the dots doesn't work every time. Be mindful.

Accept, analyze and respond.

3. Ask - "HOW?" If you're introduced to a new :-

- idea

- theory

- hypothesis

Always start with "HOW?"

• How does that happen?

• How was the evidence obtained?

• How does that work?

Knowing the HOW of something provides you with a spectrum of new questions.

It's fun.

4. Be Skeptical

People will :-

- make up new arguments.

- shoot you with conclusions.

- try to persuade you to believe what they believe in.

Always be skeptical & wonder about why they're doing it.They might be prey to cognitive biases.Watch out.

5. Logic vs Emotion

Emotions drive human efforts.But, they can manipulate you too. Especially, while thinking critically. Always ask if the argument is backed by emotion or logic. Be practical.

Encourage rational thought.

6. Don't be a SHEEP

Do you remember?

"In schools, if even a few used to agree to any statement, the whole class used to join in."

You're not obliged to do that. Sometimes the truth doesn't exist in the majority belief. Never accept views because others accept them. NEVER.

7. FACTS vs OPINIONS

FACT: a statement that can be proven right or wrong.

OPINION: expression of an individual's feeling that cannot be proven.

Being able to differentiate between both is a skill. Sometimes, opinion of an opinion is framed as a fact. Beware.