Read 120 Critical Reading
Text: Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (8th Edition)
by M. Neil Browne, Stuart M. Keeley
Reviews from online purchasers of this book:
Don't be a sponge!, August 26, 1999
After reading ARQ and making its content an active part of my life, I was plucked from the world of passive sponges and dropped into the world of eager learners "panning for gold." I have never looked back.
Reviewer: A reader from Bowling Green, OH This book has had a tremendous impact on my learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom. I have learned not to simply accept the facts presented to me, but to question them in a systematic and logical fashion. Additionally, I now see the immense value of questioning both the convictions I agree with most intensely and those I disagree with most intensely. This critical thinking process enables me to understand the values and assumptions that shape my person.
I would highly recommend ARQ to anyone wishing to learn the skills of an active, life-long learner.
This book has been a tremendously positive influence on my life as well as on the lives of those to whom I have recommended it! Before studying "Asking the Right Questions," I was well educated, but nevertheless my thinking was often muddled and illogical. As a graduate student, this book helped me to better define my own ideas as well as understand the ideas of others. I learned how to engage in truly meaningful discourse with others about ideas and principles because I could apply a more rational approach. Differences of opinion became engaging rather than destructive or unproductive. This book and its philosophy gives me hope in the idea of the "democracy of ideas."
Reviewer: Norrine L. Ostrowki from Morris, Minnesota As a college professor, I use this book in all of my classes and require students to purchase it. We work on one skill a week as we learn the course content. Students regularly report that having a class focused around critical thinking is a unique and highly valuable experience. While I find it sad and disturbing that few college students are exposed to such skills regularly, I find it encouraging the ARQ provides an effective forum to help me teach these skills. The book is engaging, with many current examples and vivid illustrations. The reading level is appropriate for anyone in high school or higher. And because the content and skills are ones that are pertinent to any individual or college major or profession, it can be integrated into virtually any course. I especially think it would be an excellent foundation for the first-year seminars that are so popular on college campuses.
While I use this book in a classroom setting, it is one that an individual can easily benefit from. I recommended it to my mom, who said, "This book taught me more about evaluating ideas on tv, from politicians, and from other books than anything else I've ever done or read!" She found the examples and exercises quite engaging and helpful.
The ideas and philosophy of "Asking the Right Questions" have the potential to profoundly change an individual by making them a better, smarter thinker! I think it should be required reading for all of us.
The Book has helped me enormously. It has given me structure to evaluate and formulate in order to make better decisions. I think poor structure is better than no structure, even if this book does not help you out as much as it did myself. This book has given myself a template to improve upon so that I might seek to understand what people are trying to influence me. If you are like me and believe the Masses are fickle, and you want to separate yourself and really understand life then this book should be on your list.
Reviewer: Johshua 24:3 from Chicago, IL
The book has some practices to help with the formulated structure.
I highly recommend this book for individuals entering college or graduate school.
I use the foundations of "Asking the Right Questions" as mandatory learning for my freshman students. As an instructor at a community college, this book provides a simple, yet necessary format for processing information. Browne and Keeley explain there are no "right or wrong" answers for many issues, just explanations on what constitutes one's values. I could teach a course on the contents of this book alone, if given the opportunity. Everyone in the academic community will benefit from this engaging read!!
Reviewer: kayceepoo from OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND USA
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