{"product_id":"the-art-of-critical-thinking-bryan-b-akarsu-9798306814742","title":"The Art of Critical Thinking","description":"The history of critical thinking dates back to the first intelligent human species \u003cb\u003eHomo Sapiens\u003c\/b\u003e (Intelligent Human), known as our ancestors that appeared approximately 170 thousand years ago. Homo Sapiens are considered the first known human species to exhibit intellectual thought. Scientifically, critical thinking (and questioning) was first utilized as a skill or art by \u003cb\u003eSocrates\u003c\/b\u003e about 2,500 years ago. Socrates described himself as a gadfly that questioned everything. Despite claiming to know nothing, philosophers recognize him as the initiator of the method of inquiry. This method was further developed by his student Plato and Plato's student Aristotle. However, except for Aquinas' works, this method was largely forgotten during the Middle Ages. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith the scientific advancements of the Renaissance, critical thinking re-emerged, shaped into its modern form through the contributions of thinkers such as Bacon, Descartes, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Erasmus, Moore, Boyle, and Newton.\u003cbr\u003eThis book synthesizes observations and research findings I have gathered through my years as a teacher and academician. It is influenced by ideas generated in courses such as critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and the philosophy of science. The primary goal is to guide individuals toward acquiring critical thinking-one of the essential 21st-century skills. According to the \u003cb\u003eWorld Economic Forum's 2016 report\u003c\/b\u003e, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity rank among the most important skills employees will need by 2020. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAlthough written in plain language, this book is designed to assist researchers in the field. It explains foreign terms where necessary. The book is intended to be a valuable resource for those interested in critical thinking and for individuals striving to develop their critical thinking skills. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003ePractical problems are presented using real-life or realistic examples to demonstrate how to tackle real-world challenges. While most examples are realistic, some may deviate from reality for explanatory purposes. Complex information and processes are also illustrated with visuals to aid understanding.\u003cbr\u003eAmerican students have been continuously performed poorly in many international exams such as PISA, PIRLS and TIMMS in recent years. For instance, in the most recent PISA assessment conducted by the OECD in 2022, the responses of students in our country to questions regarding critical thinking and problem-solving in science, math, and social studies resulted in low proficiency, ranking them 18th among the countries participating in the assessment. USA was ranked behind several developed countries across the world. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThese results highlight deficiencies in our education system in fostering critical thinking skills among students. This book aims to address this shortfall by serving as a valuable resource for both students and adults to improve critical thinking skills.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Bryan B. Akarsu\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798306814742\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 02\/17\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 164\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.50lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.35d","brand":"Bryan B. Akarsu","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":46962282529023,"sku":"9798306814742","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_46859aa0-6091-4b50-ad48-98597e44b062.jpg?v=1750649882","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-art-of-critical-thinking-bryan-b-akarsu-9798306814742","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}