pmd@cbscc.UUCP (Paul M. Dubuc) (10/04/85)
The Art of Thinking: A Guide to Critical and Creative Thought, by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero (Harper & Row, 1984) This is a book that is worth recommending to many people on the net [:-)]. It's especially good for those of us who get serious on the "issues". The book is written as a text for an introductory (high school senior or freshmen college level) course in developing greater awareness, creative and critical thinking, and communication skills. It fills a definite need. It's only a little over 200 pages in length, but it is full of useful and helpful information that many of us only learn the hard way, if we are willing to learn at all. The book gives helpful principles for coming up with creative ideas and solutions to problems, dealing with moral issues, avoiding obstacles to good reasoning (e.g. "mine is better" thinking and face saving), constructive criticism, and organized presentation of ideas. At the end of each chapter there are helpful exercises that use interesting subject matter (current issues, everyday problems) to assist the student in practicing the principles discussed. Practice is stressed and is very important. This book is only a beginning to being a better thinker (a lifetime process), but it is a very good beginning and is highly recommended. -- Paul Dubuc cbscc!pmd