Enhance your analytical skills with "Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models." This innovative course brings together Barbara Oakley and Terry Sejnowski, the team behind the wildly popular "Learning How to Learn," along with Adam Trybus, Professor of Logic at the Institute of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Think Critically: Deductive Reasoning and Mental Models
This course is part of Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization
Instructors: Adam Trybus
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
2 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Apply principles of deductive reasoning to analyze arguments.
Identify how mental models and cognitive biases affect critical thinking.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different logical approaches, including classical and non-classical logics.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Earn a career certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
September 2024
Assessments
2 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 2 modules in this course
Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of logical thinking and critical reasoning. This module demystifies deductive reasoning, exploring its foundations from ancient philosophers to modern neuroscience. You'll discover the essence of deductive logic and how it shapes our arguments, key principles like non-contradiction and excluded middle, and how our brains create mental models that influence our reasoning. Through engaging examples and insights from experts in philosophy and neuroscience, you'll learn to spot logical fallacies, understand the brain's role in processing narratives, and even grapple with mind-bending concepts like logical explosions. The module also reveals the surprising limits of classical logic and introduces alternative approaches, equipping you with techniques to analyze arguments by focusing on their logical structure. Whether you're a business leader, a student, or simply curious about sharpening your critical thinking skills, this module offers valuable tools to enhance your logical reasoning abilities and make more informed decisions.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
Prepare to challenge your perspective as we dive into the world where logic meets real life, and truth isn’t always as simple as it seems. This module goes beyond just understanding deductive reasoning—it’s about recognizing the hidden biases and mental roadblocks that can twist even the most logical minds. You’ll explore why smart people often jump to conclusions, how group dynamics shape reasoning, and why convincing arguments aren’t just about airtight logic but also about recognizing when our own beliefs cloud our judgment. We’ll dig into the principles of critical thinking, exposing why even the sharpest thinkers can fall prey to confirmation bias and the allure of “my-side” thinking. You’ll see how the need to belong can override the quest for truth and learn strategies to break free from the soldier mindset to become a scout—seeking what’s real, not just what you want to see. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to dissect arguments with a new level of intellectual honesty, challenge your assumptions, and navigate the messy realities of reasoning in the real world.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Business Essentials
Deep Teaching Solutions
Deep Teaching Solutions
Duke University
Duke University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Business Essentials? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.