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Critical Reading / Thinking for Catholics

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JMJ

A practical starting point therefore, is to consider anything you read not as fact, but as an argument of the writer. Taking this starting point you will be ready to engage in critical reading. University of Leicester.

The hoopla being created by CMTV's campaign against the SSPX gave me the idea that Catholics need strong critical thinking skills in order to separate the Intergnat wheat from the chaff.

Do you want to know the two toughest courses that I took in university?

Obviously, I'm going to tell you.

The first was business law.  The teacher was insanely busy, tough and fair.  I got one of the higher marks in the class (~77%). She forced us to really look at cases from a different perspective.

The second was critical reading and writing.

Just like business law, you had to look deeper, behind, and around the ideas contained in the assignments. 

It isn't easy to stop and think about what you're reading, writing and ideas the you come across. In my experience people find it easier to simply accept things without pausing and reflecting on the deeper meanings behind things.

Definitions

Critical reading  is a form of language analysis that does not take the given text at face value, but involves a deeper examination of the claims put forth as well as the supporting points and possible counterarguments. The ability to reinterpret and reconstruct for improved clarity and readability is also a component of critical reading. The identification of possible ambiguities and flaws in the author's reasoning, in addition to the ability to address them comprehensively, are essential to this process. Critical reading, much like academic writing, requires the linkage of evidential points to corresponding arguments. (Wikipedia)

Critical thinking is the analysis of facts to form a judgment.The subject is complex, and several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational, skeptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation of factual evidence. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities as well as a commitment to overcome native egocentrism and sociocentrism.(Wikipedia)


Critical writing is, for me, the formulation in written form the results of the analysis of someone elses work.

Critical reading Tip #1: Read Actively to Answer Questions!

One way to read in a more critical manner is to try to answer questions while you're reading and after reading to think about what you read. I have gleaned the questions from the resources noted below.
  • What is the author's thesis / overall theory?
  • What is the author trying to do? 
  • What led you to this conclusion?
  • How might this purpose influence the way the piece was written?
  • Who are they writing for?
  • What is the historical context in which it is written?
  • What are their key point?
  • What evidence does the author use?
  • What are the links between the points and the evidence?
  • What are the examples used as evidence for the supporting points?
  • How do they relate to the points?
  • What assumptions does the author appear to be making (UCL tips below)?
    • ___ is important
    • ___ is possible
    • ___ might influence ____
    • ___ is a positive thing
    • ___ is a negative thing
  • Are the assumptions reasonable in this context? 

Critical Reading Tip #2: Take Notes

Take notes and make a mind map to disassemble the text from beginning to end. 

Critical Reading Tip #3: Block out the Fluff

A lot of times writers insert fillers that simply add to the word count.  In reviewing testimony, I found it very helpful to censure out these extra words that were not contributing to the goal of the text.  Then the real message is clearer.

Critical Reading Tip #4: Ready the text at least two times

The first time skim it for the main points (which you should highlight).

The second time highlight in black or a different colour words and passages that are unrelated to the text.

The third time see how many of tip #1's questions you can answer and then ask:
  1. What is going on here? 
  2. What caused this author to write this piece? 
  3. Is there a clear logical progression or is it rambling?
  4. ...

Conclusion

To read critically requires work, to do otherwise is to be a sponge.  Be careful what you read, because the ideas you read can change your life for better or worse. 

So make certain that they are good Catholic ideas!

P^3

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