1) What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a
reasoned judgment. It involves the evaluation of sources, such as data, facts,
observable phenomena, and research findings

Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following :

 understand the logical connections between ideas

 identify, construct and evaluate arguments
 detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
 solve problems systematically
 identify the relevance and importance of ideas
 reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and values

2) objectivity and subjectivity

Subjective claims are views that have to do with the feelings of the person.

Objective views are factual things, such as things that can be verified in
experience without opinions attached. In philosophy, objectivity generally
concerns what is most universal.

Writing teachers often say to 'be objective, state the facts’ if they want you to
make a solid argument that anyone would believe. This is true in science as
well as the liberal arts.

3) We train system 2 by doing critical thinking.

4) Fringe theories are ideas which depart significantly from a prevailing
or mainstream theory. A fringe theory is neither a majority opinion nor that of a respected
minority