There are positives and negatives to practically everything, and there are some pitfalls to reasoned decision making as well. This is to be expected, but knowing what they are can make a big difference!

In this session, you’ll learn about identifying and resolving common barriers to critical thinking and decision making.

Pitfalls and Solutions

An important part of critical thinking is learning how to use various reasoning techniques to avoid falling into illogical traps. It can help to understand what those traps can look like so we know when we encounter them.

Building a House on Sand

Definition

Basing your argument on a point that is false.

Example

A co-worker says, “Joe quit last week because of the changes in how we schedule vacation. I guess we need to overhaul the system.”

Overcoming It

Use critical thinking techniques to delve into the real problem and issues behind it. In the example above, did Joe really quit because of the policy changes? If so, are others unhappy too? More investigation needs to be done before we decide to act on the problem, because there might not be a problem.

Circular Reasoning

Definition

A claim that is supported only by itself.

Example

Let’s say that you’re working on a spreadsheet. Value 1 is determined to be Value 1 + Value 2. This cannot be solved because you require Value 1, but you need to know Value 1 to solve the problem.

Overcoming It

Find a better place to begin the argument.

Red Herring

Definition

Introducing volatile information that has no relevance to the argument.

Example

Abdul is making an argument for a new software program. Someone brings up a point that he cannot answer, so he makes an irrelevant point about a recent controversial change to the bonus structure. This causes a firestorm throughout the room and the counter-argument is forgotten.

Overcoming It

Point out the irrelevance of the fact while staying calm.

Emotional Manipulation

Definition

This is when someone attacks you personally, pressures you, uses provocative terms, appeals to your emotions, or ridicules you. They may also use emotional expressions such as laughter or tears.

Example

You are in favor of trying a new organizational system in the office and are sharing your argument. Someone who disagrees with you says, “That’s a stupid idea. Everyone will see how dumb you are if you put that in the report.”

Overcoming It

Deal with the attack directly by rephrasing it, ignoring it, or asking for clarification directly. (Example: “What do you mean by ‘stupid?’”)

Negative Arguments

Definition

Using “It’s never been done that way before,” as a supporting point for an argument.

Example

“I’ve never seen any other kind of production process, so this must be the only way.”

Overcoming It

Point out the limitations of this view to the person. Suggest ways that other solutions could be found.

Omitting Facts

Definition

Leaving out facts that are uncomfortable to deal with or that seem to go against your position.

Example

You are trying to build an argument to support your position that a slowdown in your department was caused by recent weather storms. You purposefully omit the fact that during the month that the storms were at their worst, productivity was up.

Overcoming It

If you are involved in a debate where someone is doing this, point out the missing fact. When building your own arguments, try to be as honest as possible with yourself. Test the argument on someone familiar with the situation to make sure you have included all the facts. Facts that seem to go against your position can actually strengthen it if you can counter them.

Overgeneralizing

Definition

Using popular opinion as an argument.

Example

“Everyone else in the industry uses the Laminator 2000. I guess we should too.”

Overcoming It

Point out the vagueness of the statement and request actual numbers.

Oversimplifying

Definition

This is when a complex problem is attributed to a single event or timing.

Example

Sales slow down around Christmas. The sales manager attributes it to the season and to the loss of a key sales representative.

Overcoming It

Always look for several causes. In this case, the sales manager’s feelings may be true, but they need to be proved.

The Slippery Slope

Definition

This happens when a false assumption is made and other assumptions are built on it.

Example

“If we renovate the office now, we’ll have to re-do all our letterhead and logos!”

Overcoming It

Look at each part of the argument individually. Some points may be valid but you need to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Using the Straw Man

Definition

Choosing one point of another person’s argument, distorting it, and attacking it.

Example

You are arguing for more vacation time for junior employees. Your colleague says, “If we give them more vacation time, they are going to want pay raises, more benefits, and easier tasks too!”

Overcoming It

Bring the focus back to your original statement. Provide more evidence if possible.