Southern New Hampshire University
PHL-111 Introduction to Critical Thinking
Module Eight Overview
Module Eight Learning Objectives
By the end of Module Eight, you will meet these learning objectives:
Identify effective argumentation techniques
Identify best practices in critical thinking
Explain the impact of personal bias in your life and course experience
Explain how critical thinking can be used to manage personal bias
Module Eight at a Glance
1. Review the module readings and resources.
2. Post your initial response to the discussion prompt.
3. Complete the quiz.
4. Respond to at least two of your peers in the discussion.
Using Critical Thinking in the Future
In this course, we have examined the nature of critical thinking and reasoned argumentation. We
evaluated the nature of critical thinking and how to distinguish rational thought from other kinds
of rhetorical, cognitive, and emotional processes. We have learned about the structure of
arguments and how to both assess and construct an argument and counterargument.
We identified tools for analyzing the value and reliability of articles, essays, and various forms
of media. In developing and writing the final project, we brought all the course tools and our
own skills into focus.
We have also examined how subjective influences and biases can influence arguments, and the
nature of logical fallacies that can hinder the way that we assess and construct arguments. We
have explored our own biases and pondered their power and place in our lives.
In this final module, we will reflect further on what critical thinking means to us personally and
how we might use the skills and knowledge from this course in our own careers. The closing
discussion for the class asks you to examine your personal biases and how they have impacted
your life and work in the course. You will help your classmates determine how to use critical
thinking to manage personal bias as they move forward in their careers. A variety of videos,
including one from an SNHU alumnus, will testify to the relevance and value of critical thinking
in the workplace.
Critical thinking is the most universal, basic, and important intellectual tool that all of us use in
every aspect of our lives. We often take its role for granted and forget how integral it is to how
we approach our school, work, and lives. The skills that we have just begun to explore and
practice here require constant mental vigilance. Critical thinking is indispensable to being
healthy, happy human beings.
