Evaluating Using the Intellectual Standards

According to Richard Paul and Linda Elder, there are “at least nine intellectual standards that are important to skilled
reasoning in everyday life.” These are: clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, breadth, significance, fairness, and logic.
One cannot say that a particular statement or argument is reasonable or sound if it violates these standards. Using these
intellectual standards as a starting point for when we assess and evaluate texts around us allows us to further cultivate our
faculties for rational thinking and in effect, live more meaningful lives.

INTELLECTUAL DESCRIPTION FOCUS QUESTIONS

These are qualities that help us assess whether what we are reading Asking ourselves the following questions helps us to probe more deeply and look at different factors
STANDARD contains that particular intellectual standard. and angles present in a given text:

The statement is understandable in every
way. Nothing is confusing. There is no room
for misinterpretation because the point is
CLARITY evidently stated.
The statement is based on true or complete
information that is not distorted. All claims
are substantiated with indisputable facts
and based on valid premises.
ACCURACY
v What are the issue(s) and the conclusion? Are these easily
identifiable in the text?
v Are there points in the text that need elaborating or
illustrating?
v How are the concepts and statements in the text defined?
Do they leave room for different interpretations?
v Is the tone of the text generally more emotional or
objective, more descriptive or more argumentative?
v Is everything the text is saying fact? How could we verify
these alleged facts?
v Can the claims in the source be backed up by objective or
scientific data?
v How could we check the statements to see if they are true?
v Which statements or information in the text display biases
and factual inconsistencies?
v Does the text make it clear where the information it is
discussing comes from?
v Can we trust the accuracy of these data given the source
from which they come?

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 The statement is detailed, specific, or
properly quantified: numbers, figures,
dates, and concrete examples are used to
express a particular meaning. Precision
PRECISION improves the accuracy and clarity of
thought.
The statement is strongly connected to the
issue or topic at hand. All ideas and
examples are explicitly pertinent to the
RELEVANCE subject matter, problem, or question. The
information presented is the most
applicable information to the issue.
The statement shows thorough
consideration of complexities and
problems inherent in the task. The claims
stated embrace and explore nuance and
DEPTH successfully avoids oversimplification. It
acknowledges and dives into the
complicated layers or factors inherent to
an issue, question, or problem.
The statement shows careful consideration
of all the factors connected to the issue or
problem. It acknowledges all facts and
BREADTH perspectives related to an issue. It explores
all points of view in an open-minded way. It
is not biased toward any side or
perspective.
v What data, examples, experiences, or evidence are given
to support the main idea?
v Do the data in the text adequately support the ideas or the
statements being claimed?
v Which of the information or data presented are vague or
questionable?
v Could the statements in the text be made more specific by
concrete examples or detailed information?
v How is each point in the text relevant to the main issue or
question it is trying to address?
v Could we explain the connection between the main issue
and the statements presented?
v How does this fact/information bear upon the issue?
v How does this idea or statement relate to the issue at
hand?
v Is the main issue simple or complicated? Is it easy or
difficult to genuinely answer the questions and concerns
related to the issue?
v What makes the issue at hand a complex question? What
are the factors and layers that make the issue
complicated?
v How does the text deal with the complexities that are found
within the issue?
v From what perspective is the author of the text writing?
Does the text accommodate other points of view as well?
v Which information is emphasized? What information has
been left out?
v What different interpretations of the text are possible?
v Who would agree or disagree with the author’s message?
Why?
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 The statement consistently focuses on the
important aspects of the issue, question,
or problem. The central idea of the issue is
SIGNIFICANCE fully considered and explored; only the
important facts are used.
The statement treats all subjects persons,
individuals, groups, or sectors—with
respect and empathy. It does not devalue,
discriminate, against, or bring down any
parties involved in the issue. Claims made
are impartial and lead to just conclusions
FAIRNESS or solutions.
References:
Paul, Richard, and Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Rowman & Littlefield, 2020.
--. Critical Thinking: Intellectual Standards Essential to Reasoning Well Within Every Domain of Human Thought, Part Two. Journal of
Developmental Education: Fall 2013.
v What is the most significant information needed to address
this issue? Is it present in the text?
v How are the facts presented important in the issue’s
context?
v Which of the questions is the most significant?
v Which of the concepts, ideas, or statements in the text is
the most important?
v How does the text depict age, gender, and cultural groups?
v Whom does the text privilege?
v Does the text exclude certain parties, groups or factions of
people (such as minorities, impoverished sectors, etc.) that
should be included in the issue?
v Why has the composer of the text represented the
characters in a particular way? Who are benefited and
disadvantaged by the author’s representation?
v Does the writer observe respect and empathy toward all
parties involved in the issue?
v Are these statements justifiable and ethical, or do they
violate someone’s rights?