May 4, 2024 – another Hard NO

As a rule, I try not to criticize books or authors. I figure if they managed to write it and publish it, even if self published, who am I to criticize. I’m lucky if I manage to write a readable post let alone a book.

However, even I have my limits. I bought a book last week about Critical Thinking. I didn’t read the reviews or apparently do any other thinking before making this purchase.

The authors are Simon Bradly and Nicole Price, I have no idea if these are real names, but I doubt it. I had to pull this book out of the trash to share those names with you.

I have a ? mark next to the first paragraph because the reasoning is questionable at best – but the book went into the trash after I read this sentence – written after about 150 words on the history of critical thinking – “This but forwards the arguments and proves the existence of God.” WTF??

Then I read the reviews – enough said.

Here is a list of well received books on Critical Thinking –

Introductory

• Critical Thinking by William Hughes and Jonathan Lavery
  Widely used in college courses. Offers practical tools for analyzing arguments, identifying fallacies, and constructing logical reasoning. (This one wasn’t that easy to find and it’s $63 on Kindle!)
• Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking by M. Neil Browne & Stuart M. Keeley
  Very accessible. Focuses on questioning assumptions and evaluating arguments. Great for real-life application, especially for students and professionals. (also $70+)

I haven’t read either so can’t comment.

Per ChatGPT – More Rigorous or Philosophical

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Not a critical thinking manual per se, but it’s essential reading for understanding cognitive biases and decision-making flaws.

How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler & Charles Van Doren
Classic guide to analytical reading, closely aligned with deeper levels of critical thinking. You’ve mentioned reading this already—it’s foundational.

Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking by D.Q. McInerny
Short and clear. More formal in tone, based on classical logic and reasoning structure.

Critical Thinking In Practice again, per ChatGPT

• The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
  A passionate defense of scientific skepticism. Teaches critical thinking through real-world examples and advocacy for rational inquiry.
• Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World by Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West
  Timely and practical. Focuses on spotting misinformation, especially in statistics, graphs, and media.