Critical Thinking
The category is broadly divided into these core areas:
Critical Thinking & Reasoning: This foundational section covers the principles of sound reasoning, including both deductive and inductive methods, and the overall practice of evaluating information objectively.
Cognitive Biases & Heuristics: Predictable patterns of deviation from normatively rational judgment. These "mental shortcuts" (heuristics) and systematic errors (biases) influence our perceptions, decisions, and beliefs, often unconsciously. Examples include confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and anchoring bias.
Logical Fallacies: A specific subset of flawed reasoning, these are common errors in argument that render a conclusion invalid. Formal and informal fallacies like *ad hominem*, the straw man argument, and the fallacy of composition are included
Attribution & Social Cognition: This area explores how we explain the causes of events and behaviors, both our own and those of others. It includes concepts like attribution theory, the fundamental attribution error, and the just-world hypothesis.
Schools of Thought & Related Concepts: Broader theoretical frameworks that inform the study of cognition, such as structuralism, functionalism, and relevant philosophical approaches like empiricism and skepticism. It also includes concepts relating to how we defend our thinking, like defense mechanisms and belief perseverance.
Ad Hominem Fallacy
Overview An ad hominem fallacy occurs when someone attacks the person making an argument instead ...
Anchoring Bias
Definition Anchoring bias is a cognitive bias where individuals rely too heavily on the first pie...
Appeal to Probability
Overview An Appeal to Probability is a type of argument where someone claims that because somethi...
Argument from Incredulity
Overview The Argument from Incredulity occurs when someone dismisses a claim simply because it se...
Argument to Moderation
Overview The Argument to Moderation, also known as the "false balance" fallacy, occurs when someo...
Attacking the Example
Definition A rhetorical tactic in which a person avoids addressing the main argument by focusing ...
Attribution Theory
Definition Attribution theory is a social psychological theory that concerns how people explain t...
Availability Heuristic
Definition The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut where people estimate the likelihood o...
Base Rate Fallacy
Overview The base rate fallacy occurs when people ignore general statistical information (the "ba...
Belief Perseverance
Definition Belief perseverance is the tendency to stick with your beliefs even when presented wit...
Cognitive Distortions
Definition Cognitive distortions are patterns of thinking that are based on beliefs or perception...
Confirmation Bias
Definition Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms or supports one's...
Continuum Fallacy
Overview The Continuum Fallacy occurs when someone treats a range of possibilities as if they are...
Covariation Model
Definition The covariation model is a theory in social psychology that explains how we make judge...
Critical Thinking
Definition Critical thinking is a process of analyzing information objectively and systematically...
Deductive Reasoning
Overview Deductive Reasoning is a type of logic where general principles or concepts are applied ...
Defense Mechanisms
Definition Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used by individuals to cope with stres...
Empiricism
Definition Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes knowledge gained through experi...
Equivocation Fallacy
Overview The equivocation fallacy occurs when a word or phrase is used with two different meaning...
Fallacy of Accent
Overview The Fallacy of Accent occurs when the meaning of a statement is altered by placing undue...
Fallacy of Composition
Overview The Fallacy of Composition occurs when someone assumes that what is true for individual ...
Functional Fixedness
Definition Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias where people tend to see objects or ideas onl...
Functionalism
Definition Functionalism in psychology is a theoretical perspective that focuses on understanding...
Fundamental Attribution Error
Definition The fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias that occurs when people overemph...
Hindsight Bias
Definition Hindsight bias is a psychological phenomenon where people believe, after an event has ...
Inductive Reasoning
Overview Inductive reasoning is a type of logical thinking that involves forming conclusions base...
Introspection
Definition Introspection is a psychological process that involves examining one’s own thoughts, f...
Judgmental Heuristics
Definition Judgmental heuristics are mental shortcuts that people use to make quick decisions and...
Just World Hypothesis
Definition The Just World Hypothesis is a psychological concept that suggests people tend to beli...
Logical Fallacies
Overview Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument. They ...
Rationality
Definition Rationality refers to the ability to think clearly, make decisions, and solve problems...
Rationality vs Empiricism
Definition Rationality is the approach of using logic, reason, and systematic thinking to underst...
Reductionist Argument
Overview A reductionist argument simplifies complex issues by breaking them into smaller parts or...
Representative Bias
Definition Representative bias occurs when people make decisions or judgments about individuals b...
Self-Serving Bias
Definition Self-serving bias is a cognitive tendency where people attribute their successes to...
Skepticism
Definition Skepticism is a mindset or approach characterized by questioning, doubting, or critica...
Straw Man Argument
Overview A straw man argument occurs when someone misrepresents another person's viewpoint, often...
Structuralism
Definition Structuralism is an early school of thought that focuses on analyzing the structure of...
Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy
Overview The Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy occurs when someone finds a pattern or relationship in da...
Thin-Slicing
Definition Thin-slicing is the ability to find patterns in seemingly random events, and to make a...