Grow Your Mind- Part 2- Think Critically
Think critically (40 actions)
(Use these suggestions to choose tasks)
41. Ask “What’s the evidence?” regularly: For claims you hear or believe.
42. Practice the “steelman” technique: State opposing views in their strongest form.
43. Identify assumptions in arguments: What must be true for this to work?
44. Distinguish correlation from causation: Ask what else could explain this.
45. Use a “devil’s advocate” lens: Challenge your own favorite ideas.
46. Check original sources: Don’t rely only on summaries or headlines.
47. Practice slow thinking on big decisions: Write pros, cons, and unknowns.
48. Learn basic logic: Fallacies, valid vs. sound arguments.
49. Spot common fallacies in media: Strawman, ad hominem, slippery slope.
50. Ask “Compared to what?” When evaluating claims or options.
51. Use the 5 Whys technique: Keep asking why until you reach root causes.
52. Separate facts from interpretations: Label each clearly in your notes.
53. Ask “How would I know if I’m wrong?” Build disconfirming tests.
54. Practice perspective-taking: How would different groups see this issue?
55. Run small thought experiments: “What if the opposite were true?”
56. Use decision journals: Record your reasoning and revisit outcomes later.
57. Rate your confidence in beliefs: 60%, 80%, 95%—and adjust over time.
58. Compare multiple sources on the same topic: Note agreements and conflicts.
59. Ask “Who benefits?” When you see a policy, product, or narrative.
60. Distinguish short-term vs. long-term effects: On people and systems.
61. Practice summarizing complex issues in one paragraph: Without oversimplifying.
62. Ask “What’s missing?” Whose voice or data is not represented?
63. Challenge binary thinking: Look for third options and continuums.
64. Use pre-mortems for plans: Imagine your plan failed—why?
65. Practice Bayesian thinking: Update beliefs as new evidence arrives.
66. Notice emotional triggers in reasoning: Pause when you feel defensive.
67. Ask “Is this typical or an exception?” Beware of anecdotal evidence.
68. Distinguish expertise from popularity: Credentials, track record, peer review.
69. Practice “if–then” reasoning: Clarify conditions and consequences.
70. Use checklists for recurring decisions: Reduce bias and oversight.
71. Reflect on past mistakes without shame: Extract lessons, not self-attack.
72. Debate respectfully with friends: Focus on ideas, not winning.
73. Write both sides of an argument: Pro and con essays for the same topic.
74. Ask “What would change my mind?” Define clear criteria.
75. Notice overgeneralizations: Always, never, everyone, no one.
76. Practice critical media consumption: Check dates, sources, and context.
77. Use “so what?” and “now what?” questions: Move from data to implications.
78. Reflect on your own biases regularly: Cultural, political, personal.
79. Create a “thinking time” block weekly: No devices, just reflection.
80. Model intellectual humility: Say “I don’t know” and “I might be wrong.”