Critical Reasoning and Systems Thinking

UNIT I

• Introduction, foundations and principles of critical reasoning, 
• Concepts in critical reasoning, 
• Analyzing reasoning, 
• Evaluating reasoning, 
• Integrated reasoning, 
• Uncritical and critical reasoning, 
• Scientific reasoning, 
• Strategic reasoning, 
• Analytical reasoning, 
• Different kinds of biases, recognizing implications, drawing conclusion. 

UNIT II

• Arguments, structure of an argument, premises, claims, 
• Inductive and deductive arguments, 
• Valid & invalid arguments, 
• Sound & unsound arguments, 
• Inductive and deductive arguments, 
• Descriptions, explanations, clarifications, illustrations and summary. 

UNIT III

• What is problem solving, Steps in problem solving, 
• Problem definition, Idea generation, Brainstorming, 
• Fish bone analysis, Thinking out of the box, Lateral thinking tools & techniques, 
• Information and data gathering and analysis, 
• Evaluating & prioritizing ideas, 
• Six thinking hats method, 
• Problem solving in teams, Planning in teams, 
• Tools and applications in project and risk management, 

Unit IV

• System structures and Behavior, 
• Abilene paradox, 
• Fallacies in reasoning, 
• Barriers in critical thinking, 
• Cognition and perception in Indian knowledge systems (Nyaya Darshana), 
• Systems thinking, operational and design thinking, 
• System thinking for social change, 
• Critical thinking, the art of asking questions, 
• Tools and applications in project and risk management.