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Best Books on Critical Thinking

Dive into the realm of logic and reason with this collection – the most recommended books on critical thinking, curated based on frequent recommendations from leading book blogs and publications.

Recommendations from 23 articles, Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Seth MacFarlane and 96 others.
36 books on the list
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Thinking, Fast and Slow book cover
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman - 2011-10-25
Goodreads Rating
Explore the inner workings of the mind in this groundbreaking book that explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, emotional, and intuitive while System 2 is slower, more analytical, and logical. Discover the benefits and drawbacks of both systems and learn how to tap into the benefits of slow thinking. With practical insights into decision-making in both our personal and professional lives, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to guard against mental pitfalls and gain a deeper understanding of the way we think.
The Art of Thinking Clearly book cover
The Art of Thinking Clearly
Rolf Dobelli - 2013-05-14 (first published in 2011)
Goodreads Rating
This book explores cognitive biases and errors in human reasoning, providing practical examples and anecdotes to show how they affect our decision-making. Essential reading for anyone with important decisions to make, the book offers 99 short chapters that reveal the most common errors of judgment and how to avoid them. Simple, clear, and always surprising, this engaging read will transform the way you think, both at work and in everyday life.
Recommended by
Nigel Warburton
Predictably Irrational book cover
Predictably Irrational
The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
Dan Ariely - 2008-02-19
Goodreads Rating
Discover why we make seemingly irrational decisions in our lives, from overspending on a meal to buying a car, in this groundbreaking and expanded edition of a New York Times bestseller. Author Dan Ariely challenges the assumption that we behave in rational ways and reveals the systematic and predictable nature of our misguided behaviors. Explore fascinating insights into the biases and tendencies that make us predictably irrational in this compelling read.
The Demon-Haunted World book cover
The Demon-Haunted World
Science as a Candle in the Dark
Carl Sagan - 1997-02-25 (first published in 1996)
Goodreads Rating
Exploring the importance of scientific thinking in our technology-driven world, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book by acclaimed astronomer Carl Sagan dismantles the myths of pseudoscience and highlights its threat to our democracy. Using examples from history and contemporary culture, Sagan debunks popular fallacies like witchcraft and demon possession, while warning against the growing allure of conspiracy theories and unreason that threaten our fundamental freedoms. A must-read for anyone seeking to make informed decisions in a world awash with misinformation.
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking book cover
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking
Edward B. Burger - 2012-08-26
Goodreads Rating
Discover the hidden powers of effective thinking with this book by two mathematics professors, who unveil the secrets of deep understanding, failure, questions, the flow of ideas, and the quintessential element of change. Through real-life stories, explicit action items, and practical methods, this book will change the way you think and empower you to achieve your goals in a more creative, intelligent, and effective manner. Perfect for students, parents, professionals, athletes, artists, leaders, and lifelong learners, "The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking" is your guide to unlocking your full potential.
Recommended by
Derek SiversHiten Shah
Factfulness book cover
Factfulness
Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Hans Rosling - 2018-04-03
Goodreads Rating
Factfulness by Hans Rosling is an eye-opening book about understanding the world we live in. Rosling reveals the ten biases that distort our perspective and teaches readers how to focus on facts instead. Through lively anecdotes and moving stories, Factfulness empowers readers to see the world clearly and respond to the crises and opportunities of the future. This book is an urgent and essential read for anyone looking to reduce stress and think more clearly about global issues.
Superforecasting book cover
Superforecasting
The Art and Science of Prediction
Philip E. Tetlock - 2015-09-29
Goodreads Rating
Learn the secrets of successful prediction with "Superforecasting," a groundbreaking book that draws on decades of research and real-world examples to explore the art and science of forecasting. Authors Philip Tetlock and Dan Gardner have studied a government-funded forecasting tournament involving tens of thousands of volunteers, from filmmakers to ballroom dancers, and uncovered the elusive traits that set expert forecasters apart from the rest of us. Through compelling stories of successes and failures in predicting global events, and interviews with high-level decision makers, the authors offer practical advice on how to gather evidence, think probabilistically, work in teams, and be willing to admit error and change course. This accessible guide is destined to become a classic in the field of decision making.
Think Smarter book cover
Think Smarter
Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Michael Kallet - 2014-04-03
Goodreads Rating
Discover how to apply critical thinking techniques to your everyday business issues with "Think Smarter." This comprehensive guide, written by a critical thinking trainer and coach, presents a pragmatic set of tools and real world examples to help you think purposefully and make better decisions. With over 25 "tools" and exercises applicable across industries and functions, this versatile resource is a must for individuals, managers, students, and corporate training programs. Sharpen your ability to solve problems and innovate with this essential roadmap to effective and productive thought.
How to Think about Weird Things book cover
How to Think about Weird Things
Critical Thinking for a New Age
Theodore Schick, Lewis Vaughn - 2005-08-05 (first published in 1994)
Goodreads Rating
"Unleash your critical-thinking skills with a thought-provoking guide through the world of bizarre beliefs and claims. This affordably priced book shows you how to evaluate evidence and assess whether a claim is true or not - perfect for students and anyone who wants to become a better critical thinker."
Weaponized Lies by Daniel J. Levitin
Wait, What? by James E. Ryan
A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston
The Decision Book by Mikael Krogerus
Think Again by Adam Grant
Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Calling Bullshit by Carl T. Bergstrom
Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Mistakes Were Made by Carol Tavris
The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
Critical Thinking by Tom Chatfield
Going Places by Paul A. Reynolds, Peter H. Reynolds
The Critical Thinking Toolkit by Galen A. Foresman, Peter S. Fosl, Jamie C. Watson
Being Logical by D. Q. McInerny
The Organized Mind by Daniel J. Levitin
Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Critical Thinking Skills for Dummies by Martin Cohen
Brain Power by Karl Albrecht
How We Know What Isn't So by Thomas Gilovich
Critical Thinking by Richard W. Paul
Critical Thinking by Tracy Bowell, Robert Cowan, Gary Kemp
Noise by Daniel Kahneman
Being Your Cat by Celia Haddon, Daniel Mills
Bad Science by Ben Goldacre