Critical thinking is a crucial component of argument, for it guides you in recognizing, formulating, and examining arguments. Here are some ways to think critically about argument:
Check understanding. First, make sure you understand what is being argued and why. If you need to find out more about an unfamiliar subject to grasp the argument, do the research.
Play the believing—and the doubting—game. Begin by playing the believing game: put yourself in the position of the person creating the argument to see the topic from that person’s point of view as much as possible. Once you have given the argument sympathetic attention, play the doubting game: look skeptically at each claim, and examine each piece of evidence to see how well (or poorly) it supports the claim. Eventually, this process of believing and doubting will become natural.
Ask pertinent questions. Whether you are thinking about others’ ideas or your own, you should question unstated purposes and assumptions, the writer’s qualifications, the context, the goal of the argument, and the evidence presented. What objections might be made to the argument?
Interpret and assess information. All information that comes to you has a perspective—a spin. Your job is to identify the perspective and assess it, examining its sources and finding out what you can about its context.
Assess your own arguments. The ultimate goal of all critical thinking is to reach your own conclusions. These, too, you must question and assess.