Critical thinking involves systematically and logically analyzing information, situations, and arguments. With it, you can solve problems effectively by making well-informed decisions based on evidence and reasoning.
Too many people accept information at face value, leaving them vulnerable to disinformation and deceit. This is where books on critical thinking come in as resources to prepare you for the challenges of our complex and rapidly evolving world.
Books About Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a must-have skill personally and professionally. It requires you to engage more consciously with the things you experience, resulting in a better understanding of the world, the information you receive, and your actions.
1. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Here, Kahneman explores the two systems of thought that govern your decision-making processes. System 1 operates quickly, relying on intuition and emotions, while System 2 is slower, involving more deliberation and logical thinking.
He also talks about the biases and errors you frequently deal with, offering you practical insights into how you can recognize and overcome them.
2. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
In a world driven by our rapidly developing technology, most people find it difficult to separate pseudoscience from actual science. They breed misinformation, often causing irreparable damage.
Through history and culture, Sagan debunks the many myths of pseudoscience such as faith healing, witchcraft, and demon possession. He also warns of the growing popularity of conspiracy theories, and how these things are not only a threat to scientific thinking but also your freedom.
3. Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World by Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West
The truth is important but, day by day, people are instead becoming more susceptible to bullshit. Most of us aren’t well-equipped to cut through false information masquerading as data-driven facts.
Here, Professors Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West warn about the consequences of misinformation and disinformation. They also provide a powerful set of tools you can use to cut through all the smokescreen and get to the truth.
4. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam M. Grant
Too many times do we care more about our egos than the truth. We consider challenges to our intelligence and beliefs an affront. We surround ourselves with those who agree with us even if we’re wrong.
The ability to rethink and unlearn is just as important as thinking and learning, especially in this rapidly changing world. Psychologist Adam M. Grant takes you through the merits of rethinking your stance, proper argumentation, and having the necessary tools to unlearn and relearn when needed.
5. You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You’re Deluding Yourself by David McRaney
People tend to believe they know the truth, see the world for what it is, and that they’re better than most others. However, Journalist David McRaney says that it’s nothing but a self-delusion most people share.
Here, he takes you through the many cognitive biases and other human traits that make you prone to error and overconfidence.
6. Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts By Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
It’s hard to own up to your mistakes and false beliefs because it hurts your sense of self-worth deep down. So you concoct narratives that somehow show you were right or at least, not at fault.
Psychologists Tavris and Aronson explore this habitual self-justification and its consequences down the line. They also provide you with ways to focus on the truth rather than proving yourself right.
7. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World—And Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling
When it comes to global trends and the general state of the world, most people get things so wrong that even a randomly picked answer is better.
Physician Hans Rosling explores why this happens and the biases that lead to wrong conclusions. He reveals the ten instincts that determine your perspective and the steps you can take in seeing the world in a new light.
8. Thinking from A to Z by Nigel Warburton
When failing an argument, you often fall back on strategies that further cement your mistakes such as using weasel words, cognitive biases, and saying statements that feel deep but are shallow.
A critical thinker is someone clear with what is being argued and acts on good reasoning. Nigel Warburton walks you through how to make better arguments and call attention to the bad ones.
9. Black Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success by Matthew Syed
Black boxes are standard equipment in every passenger aircraft so there’s always a recording of the flight data. Whenever a plane goes down, this data is analyzed and the information is disseminated to the whole industry so any mistakes or errors won’t happen again.
Matthew Syed explores the reasons why this approach to failure and safety isn’t as well spread. He also argues for seeing failure as what it truly is—a condition for success and progress.
10. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
Despite our intelligence, humans are plagued by cognitive errors that make our decision-making processes horrible. Even the most simple dilemmas can turn frustrating when you can’t seem to determine the best course of action.
Rolf Dobellie dives into the way people think as well as the systematic thinking errors we encounter. Inside are 100 short chapters that each focus on one problem. Real-world examples and anecdotes are included for easier absorption.
What are your go-to books on critical thinking? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
