Tools of Critical Thinking: Metathoughts for Psychology

by David A. Levy

Book Overview

This is a book designed to improve one's thinking skills through the application of metathinking principles, which consist of a series of specific strategies, methods, and techniques for approaching all forms of inquiry, study and problem solving, with particular application to the field of psychology. Metathoughts are cognitive tools that can be successfully taught, learned, and utilized to consider issues from a variety of different perspectives...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1577663160
• ISBN13: 9781577663164
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Waveland Press
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 7.0" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

This is the BEST book that will help the attentive reader lay the foundation for Critical Thinking

I have been using and teaching from this book for over 25 years. It keeps revealing new insights to me. While I do not know that Dr. Levy ever gives a definition of critical thinking, he clearly helps us understand the the many layers of thinking errors that humans make. The Fundamental Attribution Error is well known by sociologists, but I am an engineer. So I learned it from this book. What is this error? When we look at our own behavior, we know that we decided what to do based on the situation. But when we judge others, we assume that they make a decision because "that's how they are." Our mistakes are making the best of a bad situation. The mistakes of others are because they are flawed. Hmmm. Very important ONE of THIRTY equally deep insights in to human nature.

I use this to help teach software testers.

I teach software testers how to explore and analyze products. I recommend this book to all my students. I found it entertaining and insightful. But, the main thing I like about the book is that it's set up so that every chapter is a standalone tool for analysis. You can read and use one chapter without having to read any of the others. I collect books on critical thinking, and this is the only one I feel I can recommend to casual students of the art.

I HAVE read this book

The topic of critical thinking has always interested me, but I must confess that my curiosity in this particular book actually was piqued by its synopses and reviews (especially those below). So, in the philosophical tradition of skepticism (and as one who strives to be a good "critical thinker"), I decided to check it out for myself. To say that I was impressed would be a gross understatement. Levy's book surpassed my wildest expectations. I found myself concurring wholeheartedly with the comments of Drs. Szasz, Loftus, Taylor, Peplau, et al. (all of whom are highly respected, tenured faculty at prestigious institutions of higher learning and noted experts in relevant fields). In short, the book is a masterpiece. It is not only informative, enlightening, and a sheer pleasure to read, it is also (in stark contrast to philosophy courses in "logic") actually USEFUL as applied to real life. But don't take my (or anyone else's) word for it. See for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Levy's book is lucid, witty, a gem.

Levy's book is a thoughtful, witty and ultimately compelling argument in support of developing critical thinking skills. Not only does he illuminate examples of sloppy or lazy thinking, but he provides understandable tools for sharpening the reader's critical faculties. More importantly, and without pedantry, he highlights the real perils of our current age's inclination to accept overly-simplified or fashionably vague ideas as "truths"---notions that can lead to conformity, a failure of imagination, and an inability to discern fact from opinion. I can recommend this book highly as both a text for college students, and a primer for the general reader interested in keeping the mental machinery free from cobwebs.

"A real eye opener!!!"

Levy's superb book will sharpen your perceptions, heighten your awareness, broaden your vision, and make you laugh along the way! Woven throughout the book is Levy's message that our ears and eyes must become attuned to the various pitches of human language and behavior -- that if we hear and see only from one level, we will miss wht is essential. After reading TOOLS OF CRITICAL THINKING, things never again appear the same.

" A MUST READ!!!"

Dr. David Levy's book, "Tools of Critical Thinking" is a treasure trove of thought provoking, innovative ideas to assist and augment one's level of thinking and comprehending the vast amount of information that we are inundated with on a daily basis. From thinking critically about advertisements to deciphering the truth behind political statements, "Tools of Critical Thinking", is a must for anyone interested in an easy to read, humorous and very practical book.