Critical Thinking Applied To Science Course Content:​
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The idea is presented that facts are not objective or absolute, but are shaped by interpretations of the data that are influenced by personal perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and other biases. There is Truth, but can man arrive at it through purely humanistic methods?
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This chapter explores how culture shapes the way people think. It discusses the various cultural biases, values, and norms that impact individuals' thought processes, beliefs, and decision-making. These cultural influences can subtly guide how we interpret information, approach problems, and form conclusions.
Chapter 3: Worldview/Philosophy
This chapter encourages self-reflection on one's personal worldview and philosophical beliefs. It explains how our core beliefs and values directly shape our approach to critical thinking. Our worldview influences how we perceive truth, reason, and logic, and thus impacts how we evaluate arguments and solve problems.
Chapter 4: Building One's Own Worldview/Philosophy​​
Here, the focus is not only on critically analyzing how different worldviews and philosophies affect the practice of critical thinking, but on how to intentionally construct one's own worldview/philosophy. The chapter examines how varying perspectives on life, ethics, and knowledge influence how individuals engage with critical thinking, and how important one's worldview is in shaping one's perception of the world.
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Chapter 5: Man's Origin and Condition​
This chapter shifts to exploring a Non-Western biblical view of humanity. It looks at how this perspective views man, with purpose, but with a fallen nature, offering a contrasting approach to Western interpretations. This view provides unique insights into human reasoning capabilities, ethics, and the relationship between man and the divine.
Chapter 6: Understanding the Terms: Knowledge--Understanding--Wisdom
The Pursuit of Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom; as Seen from the Perspective of Man and of God:
This chapter explores the role of critical thinking in the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, emphasizing both human and divine perspectives. It contrasts how man seeks truth through reason and experience, versus how God’s perspective on knowledge may guide human thinking towards deeper wisdom, often involving moral and spiritual dimensions beyond pure logic.
​Chapter 7: Science: From a Western Cultural Perspective
A Science Constructed on Western Cultural Thinking Patterns:
This chapter examines the application of critical thinking to science as shaped by Western cultural values. It delves into how Western ideologies, such as individualism and empiricism, have influenced the scientific method and the development of scientific knowledge, highlighting a rational, objective approach focused on observation and experimentation.
​Chapter 8: Science: From a Non-Western Cultural Perspective​
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In contrast, this chapter looks at how critical thinking is applied to science within Non-Western cultures. It explores how indigenous, Eastern, or other non-Western perspectives influence the approach to scientific inquiry, emphasizing holistic, interconnected, and often spiritual ways of understanding the world.
Chapter 9: Science: The Analysis Of Five Different Models​
This chapter discusses the various proposed models of science, comparing Western and Non-Western approaches, and demonstrates how each model answers the metaphysical question on the existence of God.
Chapter 10: Critical Thinking: From a Western Cultural Perspective​
This chapter defines critical thinking within the context of Western culture, focusing on its emphasis on logic, reason, and individual autonomy. It discusses the formalized methods of evaluation and problem-solving that are central to Western education and scientific inquiry, highlighting the belief in objective, rational truth.
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Chapter 11: Critical Thinking: From a Non-Western Cultural Perspective​
Here, the focus shifts to the Non-Western concept of critical thinking. It examines how a Non-Western perspective influences the way people reason, interpret evidence, and make decisions. This view integrates faith and spirituality into the critical thinking process.
Chapter 12: Critical Thinking: From a Non-Western Cultural Perspective​
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This chapter is a continuation of shifting the focus to the Non-Western concept of critical thinking. It examines how a Non-Western perspective influences the way people reason, interpret evidence, and make decisions. This view integrates faith and spirituality into the critical thinking process.
Chapter 13: Critical Thinking: Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions​
This chapter applies the principles of Western critical thinking to the scientific advancements discussed in the first seven chapters of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. It looks at how Western critical thinking models contribute to paradigm shifts in science, with a focus on the development and evolution of scientific theories.
Chapter 14: Critical Thinking: Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions
This chapter continues applying the principles of Western critical thinking to the scientific advancements discussed in the last six chapters of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. It looks at how Western critical thinking models contribute to paradigm shifts in science, with a focus on the development and evolution of scientific theories.