In Depth: Critical Thinking, the Long Version - Important Points

The most important points in "In Depth: Critical Thinking, The Long Version" are selecting the strongest set of supporting data, identifying holes in the evidence and suggesting additional information to collect, and correctly and precisely using evidence to defend the argument. I think these are important points because the data must be tight when presenting an argument. The information should be solid, accurate, and direct.

When defending an argument a person should use the best data to support it. The information should be carefully thought out and credible. References and resources should be reliable and trustworthy.

The material and points of the argument should flow smoothly. Holes in the evidence prevent this from happening. Emphasis should focus on preparation to allow enough time to gather evidence for an effective argument. The evidence should also be truthful, exact, and pertain to the argument taking place. Introducing irrelevant information may cause confusion and take away from the main points of the argument.

Persuasion is using credible sources to convey a point to convince an audience to side with your argument. Persuasion is also using certain approaches to show people you can complete tasks, are eager to learn, and can adapt to certain situations. Manipulation is intentionally falsifying information or creating devious situations to control people.

The language and arguments used during persuasion involves watching the tone, stating trustworthy facts, and being open to ideas and suggestions. When persuading you want the audience to gain the information and knowledge that you have. You want the audience to accept you and side with your arguments in a genuine manner.

When using manipulation a person will say anything to gain control of the audience or the situation. A manipulator may use false facts or try to convince someone to feel sorry for him or her. Manipulators are smooth and creative. I worked with a manipulator who created a false situation so he could relocate to a new office. He wanted to move but management would not let him. Three months after his request was denied, he experienced 12 break-ins at his office. He was eventually relocated to a new office. Soon after that he resigned. At his going away dinner he confessed to me and some of my coworkers that he broke into his own office so management would move him. He manipulated management to obtain what he wanted.