UCU 103 Notes: Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking

UCU 103 Notes: Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking

UCU 103 Course Outline

UCU 103 Notes (Machakos University)

Critical and Creative Thinking focuses on guiding individuals on the proper and improper methods of reasoning, rather than simply observing how people naturally reason.

Its primary goal is to acquaint students with the essential principles of sound reasoning, encompassing both formal and informal aspects.

Consequently, this course places significant emphasis on establishing norms.

While it delves into logical thinking and inference, it also explores the distinctions between effective and ineffective reasoning, especially within the context of arguments.

The course strongly underscores the significance of logic in fostering critical thinking abilities.

Critical and Creative Thinking is indispensable not only for a comprehensive education but also for achieving success in one’s personal, professional, and public life.

It is rooted in the belief that thinking cannot be considered “critical” if it disregards fundamental logical standards.

Logic, alongside other branches of Philosophy, serves as the foundation for these norms, making it an invaluable ally in the pursuit of critical thinking.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Namwambah T.N. Think Critically and Creatively: A Thinker’s Companion. Nairobi: Dale Publishers, 2010.
2. Fisher, A. Critical Thinking: An Introduction. 2nd ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011.
3. Bassham, G. et al. Critical Thinking: A Student’s Introduction. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Co., 2011.
4. Wambari, K (ed.). Readings in Introduction to Critical Thinking. Kijabe: AIC Press, 1992.
5. Chsholm, R. (1992). Theory of Knowledge. Prentice & Hall, New Delhi.
6. Copi, I. (1994) Introduction to logic. Macmillan, New York.
7. Hallman, M.O. (2012). Traversing Philosophical Boundaries. Wadsworth, Boston.
8. Rainbolt, G., Dwyer, S. (2012). Critical Thinking: The Art of Argument. Cengage Learning, Ohio.
9. Toulmin, S., Rieke, R., Janik, A. (1984). An Introduction to Reasoning. Mcmillan, New York.
10. Kiruki, J.K. Introduction to Critical Thinking. Eldoret: Zapf Chancery, 1997.
11. Namwambah T.N., Elements & Pedagogy of Critical Thinking. Nairobi: Dale Publisher, 2007.
12. Namwambah T.N. Essentials of Critical and Creative Thinking. Nairobi: Didaxis, 2005.

UCU 103 Notes: Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking