Description
Book SynopsisMaking Your Mind Matter is a practical guide to effective thinking in college and in everyday life. Critical thinking guru Vincent Ryan Ruggiero explains how and why the mind has been neglected in American education, then teaches readers how to take charge of their own mental development. Ruggiero presents a simple but powerful modelthe WISE model (Wonder, Investigate, Speculate, Evaluate). This model illustrates how to overcome obstacles to thinking, resist manipulation, test ideas, analyze arguments, form judgments, analyze ethical issues, and discuss ideas courteously and effectively. This book is a brief, comprehensive, authoritative, and accessible introduction to critical thinking, perfect for all students and others interested in increasing the power of their minds.
Trade ReviewIn an era where worksheets and standardized tests dominate our educational system, Ruggiero's book comes at a propitious time. His WISE approach is an especially valuable tool for problem-solving and decision-making. -- Tenena Soro, professor of linguistics at National-Louis University
Ruggiero provides an interesting read for both faculty members, to remind us where we've been in our intellectual journeys, and students, to show them where we want them to go. This is an excellent addition for any class where developing critical thinking skills for students is a high priority. -- Lori Cox Han, associate professor of political science, Austin College
Ruggiero gives us an up-to-the-minute guide to recognizing the characteristic fallacies of our time, then expertly and lucidly offers us the practical steps we can take to achieve genuine intellectual independence. Luminous examples will bring his excellent practical advice to mind exactly when you need it! -- Peter Wood, author of Diversity: The Invention of a Concept, and associate professor of anthropology at Boston University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Understanding Thinking Chapter 2 Overcoming Obstacles Chapter 3 Resisting Manipulation Chapter 4 Solving Problems Chapter 5 Evaluating Opinions Chapter 6 Reasoning Logically Chapter 7 Analyzing Arguments
