Critical Thinking Knowledge Organiser — KS2 PSHE/Philosophy

Critical thinking

1. 1 What is critical thinking? Thinking carefully and with good judgment — not accepting claims at face value, but asking questions. What is the evidence? Who is saying this and why? What are the alternatives? Could I be wrong? Critical thinking is a skill and a habit of mind.
2. 2 Fact vs opinion A fact is a statement that can be verified — it is true or false independently of what anyone thinks. An opinion is what someone believes, values, or prefers. Facts: 'The Earth orbits the Sun.' 'The Battle of Hastings was in 1066.' Opinions: 'This book is better.' 'We should reduce taxes.'
3. 3 Evaluating evidence What is the source? Is the source reliable and unbiased? Is there a reason the source might want to mislead? Is the evidence specific or vague? Does other evidence support or contradict it? One study does not prove anything alone.
4. 4 Logical fallacies Ad hominem: attacking the person rather than their argument. Straw man: misrepresenting an argument then attacking the false version. False dichotomy: presenting only two options when there are more. Bandwagon: something is true because many people believe it.
5. 5 Confirmation bias The tendency to look for and pay more attention to information that supports what we already believe. Everyone has it. Knowing about it helps — but doesn't eliminate it. Deliberately seeking evidence against your view helps you think more clearly.
6. 6 P4C — Philosophy for Children A pedagogical approach where children engage in philosophical inquiry — questioning, reasoning, and discussing big ideas together. Questions: Is it ever right to break a rule? What makes something beautiful? Can machines think? P4C builds critical thinking, dialogue, and intellectual humility.
7. 7 Intellectual humility Knowing the limits of your knowledge. Being willing to say 'I don't know' or 'I might be wrong.' Being able to change your mind when the evidence changes. The strongest thinkers combine confidence with intellectual humility.