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Avoiding Fuzzy Thinking

One of the keys to being a critical thinker is being clear and sensible. That means that no matter what kind of thinking you are engaged in, you need to avoid “thinking shortcuts” that lead to weak or misleading arguments. You should avoid the different types of fuzzy thinking that follow.

■ Avoid statements that jump to a conclusion.

Because wolves kill elk in Yellowstone Park, wolves must be eliminated.

This statement jumps to a conclusion. In fact, if wolves did not kill some elk, the elk could overpopulate the park and cause other species to die off.

■ Avoid statements that are supported with nothing more than the simple fact that most people agree with them.

It is okay to feed black bears because people aren’t afraid of them like they are of grizzlies.