Examples of the practical critical thinking advocated by the Toulmin Model

It appears to me that reading or listening to skeptical texts or podcasts would be very helpful for English essays. These are built on logical thinking, and that is precisely what any good essay should accomplish, regardless of the material being discussed. Whether that be Shakespeare, Kafka or the supposed medical effects of homeopathy. I would imagine that the thinking being applied to scientific claims, would not be different from the thinking being applied to claims regarding a piece of literature (the repeated use of the word blood in Macbeth by lady Macbeth was used as an example in class). It is because of this, that I think adapting the style of thinking in these podcasts would be very useful for writing essays in English.

When we were discussing the Toulmin Model of Argumentation today, some brief examples of the Toulmin reasoning process applied to certain claims were brought up. I was immediately reminded of this podcast that I listen to (also in print form), Skeptoid. The individual essays mainly focus on the more imaginative variety of claims (i.e. the paranormal, alternative medicine, etc.) The grounds are always based on the empirically proven facts. The creator also offers his own interpretation of the facts. For the most part, these are actions advocated by the Toulmin Model of Argumentation. These episodes are essentially larger, in-depth examples. I find that they're relatively entertaining and short (approx. 10 minutes) so they won't significantly take up your time.

Another useful podcast on critical thinking is the LSAT Logic For Everyday Life from Princeton Review. For those who don't know, the LSAT is the Law School Admission Test. Again, these are more elaborate examples of critical thinking.


-Alexander Altaras