Problem Solving

CRITICAL THINKING
MATH 2
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the session, you should be
able to:
define critical thinking
enumerate what critical thinking involves
formulate Socratic questions
Critical thinking is the process to reflect on, assess and
judge the assumption underlying our own and others
ideas and efforts.
CRITICAL THINKING
Recognizing underlying assumptions
Scrutinizing arguments
Judging ideas
Judging the rationality of these justifications
by comparing them to a range of varying
interpretations and perspectives
Providing positive as well as negative
appraisal


1. Questions for clarification
2. Questions that probe assumptions
3. Questions that probe reasons and
evidence
4. Questions about viewpoints and
perspectives
5. Questions that probe implications and
consequences
6. Questions about the question


6 Types of Socratic Questions
for Critical Thinking
1. Questions for clarification:
Why do you say that?
How does this relate to our discussion?
What does this mean?
What is the nature of...?
What do we already know about...?
The Six Types of Socratic Questions
for Critical Thinking
2. Questions that probe assumptions:
What could we assume instead?
How can you verify or disapprove that assumption?
Explain why...(Explain how...)
What would happen if...?
Do you agree or disagree with this statement...?
The Six Types of Socratic Questions for
Critical Thinking
3. Questions that probe reasons and evidence:

What would be an example?
What is the nature of this?
Why is this happening?
How can I be sure?
Why is....happening?
What is....analogous to?
What do you think causes...? Why:?
What evidence is there to support your answer?
4. Questions about viewpoints and perspectives:
What would be an alternative?
Is there another way to look at it?
Explain why it is necessary-or beneficial?
Who benefits?
Why is it better?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of...?

The Six Types of Socratic Questions for
Critical Thinking
More questions about viewpoints and
perspectives
What is the difference between... and...?
How are ...and ...similar?
What is a counter argument for...?
What is a solution to the problem of...?
Compare... and... with regard to...
What is another way to look at...?
The Six Types of Socratic Questions for
Critical Thinking
5. Questions that probe implications and consequences:

What generalizations can you make?
What are the consequences of that assumption?
How could...be used to...?
What are the implications of...?
How does...affect...?
How does...tie in with what we learned before?
Why is... important?
What is the best... and why?
6. Questions about the question:
What was the point of this question?
Why do you think I asked this question?
What does...mean?
How does...apply to everyday life?
The Six Types of Socratic Questions for
Critical Thinking