An Introduction to Critical Thinking

4

INFORMATION AND ITS EVALUATION

But if thought is to become the possession of many, not the privilege of the few, we must have done with fear. It is fear that holds men back—-fear lest their cherished beliefs should prove delusions, fear lest the institutions by which they live should prove harmful, fear lest they themselves should prove less worthy of respect than they have supposed themselves to be.

 

—Bertrand Russell¹

During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.

 

—George Orwell²

4.1 Introduction

When constructing and reconstructing persuasive arguments to support a claim, we must gather the right kind of information. This is not an easy process and we can face problems both in gathering and effectively ...