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Teaching Critical Thinking through Aristotle's Conception of Friendship

The difference between critical thinking and creative thinking can be profound but they often merge together to create something new and practical. In the process of finding solutions creativity can build new ideas while critical thinking can test the viability of those options. Creativity builds something unique while critical thinking seeks to analyze information into something that can be understood, interpreted and evaluated. Dr. David White discusses how to use Aristotle to foster critical thinking among students (2010).  Critical thinking of a story narrative requires recognition, analysis, evaluation, and alternatives. It is important for students to recognize the main issues, the main points, and be able to summarize. Analysis requires understanding the steps the author took, prioritization, and knowing the difference between premises and conclusion.     Evaluation includes understanding how the main points are derived, whether premises justify the conclusion, and the

Book Review: The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant

The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant is an excellent book that offers an overview of philosophy throughout history. From Aristotle to more modern thinkers the spectrum is defined. It provides an explanation of each of the philosophies so that readers understand what they mean and the personal histories of each person. As an overview, it does not move into specific depth but does afford a broad range of understanding.   It is a great place to understand how leading thinkers influence economics, science, and life.  The life of philosophers is not easy and often results in a tragic end. As they question the nature of life, truth, God, and reality they most often rub against more powerful members of society. To make dreams into reality inevitably means that many will win but some members will lose. Of course those who lose cling to the power of their previous glory. Think of Socrates and his ethics that was designed to create an efficient society but instead ended in his poison