Why and how could you apply critical thinking when evaluating articles advertisingmedia and conversations?

Answer 1

Applying Critical Thinking! What a wonderful thing that we humans have the capacity to apply critical thinking when we make choices. And what a shame that we so rarely use our capacity to make good choices. Is it because the advertizing media is so convincing? Is it because we are lazy? Or is it because critical thinking is such a complicated undertaking? I would think it is all three. We do not apply our thinking because it is easier to follow someone else's decision. For thinking takes effort. Logical thinking, evaluating the pros and cons when making a decision, is both a complicated and lengthy effort. It implies that we have to separate the choices we make from our personal predilection and, by weighing the pros and cons, must base them solely on the predictable or hoped-for outcome. For example when we buy a car, we should make a decision based on price (not payments), on fuel ecomomy in the city (we seldom use it exclusively on highways), and size (we do not need an SUV when we are a two-person family). There are probably more considerations that I have not touched on. I will usually suggest that you apply critical thinking to any major purchase like a car or a home. As far as conversations are concerned, if you are with friends, mistakes bear few consequences, especially if you are among friends who will correct your thinking without being demeaning. Much more on "choices" and critical thinking in book recommendation # 2 on my Bio Page.