Explore the hidden forces shaping our thoughts in "Rethinking Logic: Surprising Science of Critical Thinking." This innovative course, led by Barbara Oakley, Terry Sejnowski, and Adam Trybus, uncovers the complexities of human reasoning and the challenges of critical thinking.
Rethinking Logic: Surprising Science of Critical Thinking
Rethinking Logic: Surprising Science of Critical Thinking
This course is part of Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization
Instructors: Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
Top Instructor
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(13 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
4 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Identify and understand logical fallacies such as circular reasoning and fallacies of relevance, and how they impact argument strength.
Recognize the influence of cognitive biases like confirmation bias and my-side bias on decision-making and reasoning processes.
Explore how social dynamics shape reasoning, revealing how reasoning improves through dialogue, debate, and social interaction.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
September 2024
Assessments
3 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
This module delves into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and logical fallacies that often derail our critical thinking. It explores how our brains, in an effort to conserve energy, can lead us astray with automatic thinking and confirmation bias. You'll discover the complexities of evaluating arguments, including the nuanced interplay between deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning. The module challenges traditional views on logical fallacies, introducing modern perspectives that emphasize the role of emotional and cognitive biases in flawed reasoning. Through engaging examples like the Wason Selection Test, you'll learn to identify and avoid common reasoning pitfalls. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of how context, language, and psychology influence our ability to think critically, equipping you with tools to navigate the murky waters of real-world logic and argumentation.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
Module 2 takes you on a fascinating journey through the social landscape of reasoning and critical thinking. It challenges the notion that logic is a purely individual pursuit, revealing how our ability to reason is deeply intertwined with our social interactions. You'll explore the power of scientific debate in driving knowledge forward, and discover how framing problems in familiar contexts can unlock our brain's hidden reasoning potential. The module delves into the cultural nuances of logic, showing how different societies approach reasoning in unique ways. You'll gain insights into the types of curiosity that fuel critical thinking, and learn why embracing intellectual discomfort can lead to profound personal growth. From the boardroom to the laboratory, this module illuminates the complex interplay between shared values, context, and effective reasoning, offering a fresh perspective on how we can sharpen our critical thinking skills in an interconnected world.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 assignments1 plugin
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Business Essentials
Imperial College London
Dartmouth College
Yale University
Erasmus University Rotterdam
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."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 13
4.9
13 reviews
- 5 stars
92.30%
- 4 stars
7.69%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0%
AP
5
Reviewed on Oct 9, 2024
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.