Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning guarantees its conclusion if the premises are true. Inductive reasoning only makes it likely. See examples, a comparison table and mistakes.
All guides
Clear, sourced guides to reasoning well: fallacies, biases, arguments and evidence.
Reasoning & Arguments
Topic pageHow to Improve Critical Thinking
Learn reasoning strategies explicitly, then practice them on real problems with discussion and feedback. What the meta-analyses show works, and what doesn't.
What Is Critical Thinking? Skills and Examples
Critical thinking is careful, purposeful judgment about what to believe or do. See the six core skills and the habits of mind experts agree on, with examples.
Logical Fallacies
Topic pageAd Hominem Fallacy: Types and Examples
The ad hominem fallacy attacks the person making an argument instead of the argument. Learn its main types, see examples, and find out when it isn't a fallacy.
List of Logical Fallacies, With Examples
A list of 19 common logical fallacies, from ad hominem to straw man, each with a plain definition, an everyday example, and tips on responding to them.
Straw Man Fallacy: Definition and Examples
The straw man fallacy is distorting someone's argument into a weaker version and attacking that instead. See examples, related tactics, and how to respond.
Cognitive Biases
Topic pageConfirmation Bias and How to Reduce It
Confirmation bias is favoring evidence that fits what you already believe. Where the idea comes from, everyday examples, and what research says reduces it.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect, Explained
The Dunning-Kruger effect: people who score lowest on a test overestimate themselves the most. What the 1999 study found and why its cause is still debated.
Evaluating Information
Topic pageHow to Evaluate Sources: SIFT and CRAAP
To evaluate a source, leave the page and check what others say about who made it. How SIFT, lateral reading and the CRAAP test work, with quick checks for news.
Learning How to Learn
Topic pageHow to Learn Something New Effectively
To learn something new, quiz yourself and spread study across days instead of rereading. What learning research rates best, what works less well, and a plan.