EveryoneThinks.org: Concepts for improving Thought

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CONCEPTS: Key Concepts Used in Critical Thinking

Ideas are like the air we breathe.

All that we experience is filtered through our ideas or concepts.

Concepts are ideas in human minds. Some of our concepts are simple to grasp – the "idea" of a tree, a cat, a table. But others are more complicated – like the concept of freedom, justice, democracy, capitalism, passion.

You can become a better thinker by taking command of the ideas you use.

Learn About The Elements and Standards

We have created a self-guided online model for learning, using and applying the elements and standards of critical thinking.

Click to Open the Elements and Standards Learning Model

"No man is free who is not master of himself."

~ Epictetus

The concepts on this page are found in...

From the Bookstore
The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts & Tools

The essence of critical thinking concepts and tools distilled into a 20-page pocket-size guide. It is a critical thinking supplement ... Read More

Take Command of Your Concepts

Put simply, your “concept” of something is what you think when you consider a particular word or phrase. If you hear the word, “democracy,” what do you think of? People waving flags and supporting the government? Or perhaps something very different like equality and human rights, or even something like people imprisoned for their views? Whatever comes to mind when you hear the word democracy is your concept of it.

Critical thinkers take command of their ideas. They choose how they define things. But they also use language in keeping with educated usage.

Begin to Question Concepts

Questions you can ask to take command of your ideas, and better understand the ideas of others:

What idea am I using in my thinking?
Is this idea causing problems for me or for others?
What is the main idea you are using in your reasoning?
Are you using this term in keeping with established usage?
What is the dictionary definition of this word? Am I using the word in keeping with that meaning?
Is this person (politician, for example) using words in order to manipulate me?

Critical Thinking Concepts:

There are three primary sets of concepts in critical thinking:

The Elements of thought for analyzing thinking.

Intellectual standards, for checking thinking for quality.

Intellectual traits, for developing as rational, fair-minded persons.

For an overview of these concepts, click here