Introduction to Philosophy or Logic and Critical Thinking

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 19, 2010

Logic and Critical Thinking

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jun 19, 2010

Philosophy.

Our logical and critical thinking class confused me more than it taught me to think. It would have us analyze arguments and then apply mathmatical concepts to it. It was terrible. I would look through the description in the course catalog, talk to some others in the program and see what is better to your needs.

Saysfaa · Jun 19, 2010

Logic and Critical thinking.

I'm sorry That Guy had a bad teacher, but learning about the nature of being and how people acquire moral, social, political and religious values is not going to help you nearly as much critical thinking which is the basis for nursing classes and nclex and most nursing jobs.

Hm, "basis for" doesn't seem quite the right term, but do a search of "critical thinking" on this and the other student forums if you don't know what I mean.

RNTutor, BSN, RN · Jun 19, 2010

The point of getting a Bachelors degree is to become a generally well-rounded, knowledgeable person. In order to do this, not all the classes you take are going to be directly related to nursing.

Honestly, I would probably read the course descriptions and see which one sounded more interested. If neither did, then I would talk to students who have taken these classes (or check a website rating professors) and pick whichever class has the most engaging, interesting instructor.

Critical Thinking is an important skill in nursing (and almost every aspect of life), but it's not something you necessarily have to take a class on to learn, although it definitely helps some students to do so. But it is something you should be learning in ALL your classes through the way you listen, read, learn, study, and yes, even test. And a great teacher can often make all the difference in learning how to do that, regardless of the topic.

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Jun 20, 2010

I took Logic this spring and it covered "rationality, logic, and critical thinking." I thought it would be somewhat relevant to nursing and perhaps teach me something useful as far as critical thinking goes, but it was useless as far as that went. Besides algebra, it was the hardest class I took for my A.S. The class went over layouts of an argument and how to dissect them; as well as a bunch of other stuff. It was a HARD class, but at least I got an A.

I do however admit, I would rather take that class than the 'think therefore I am' type because I did one of those years ago and it was WORSE than logic for me, go figure.

Like RNTutor suggested, take the one which is seems the most interesting to you.

Good luck!!

suanna · Jun 20, 2010

Logic and critical thinking is the more practical option, but if it means you have to give up study time in your nursing specific courses, philos. was considered the easier course when I was in school, and they both give you a BSN.

addiesmom · Jun 20, 2010

I had to take both classes for my BA for my first degree. I would have to say that logic and critical thinking will help you out much more in your nursing career than the philosophy course. Neither of the classes were a piece of cake, but I found the logic course to be easier, as well as more useful. The philosophy course was interesting, but it is a totally different way of thinking compared to having something concrete, such as a math or science.

As others have said, it is up to you. Pick whichever one you will find more interesting.

allnurses Guide · Jun 20, 2010

Interesting-- when I was taking prerequisites I chose to take Introduction to Philosophy thinking it was sort of like sociology or anthropology (yeah, I know- dumb) and not pleasantly surprised to see the similarities between it and the dreaded math, notably algebra.

But I slogged through and gave it my all anyway, busted my rear to get a B because I was way out of my comfort zone. But I learned a whole new way of looking at things in the process. Very worthwhile- it will give you a symbolic representation of thought processes. I've used it in all areas of my life since then.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 20, 2010

Another aspect of the decision that some have hinted at but no one has said in a straight-forward way ...

Some of your decision may be based on the specifics of your situation -- specifics that are not included in the OP ... such as:

1. Does the one course have a great instructor and the other instructor is terrible? Find out whatever you can about the instructors before deciding. Either class could be great or horrible depending on who's teaching it.

2. What is your personal preference for the type of coursework you like to do? Do you you prefer to read heavy philosophical works that talk about the major questions of life? (What is the meaning of life? What does it mean to be human? What is the difference between goodness and evel? etc.) Do you enjoy discussing such big, deep questions? .... or .... Do you prefer to focus on solving problems by going through a step-by-step process (that might be similar to solving a math problem)? Are you a naturally logical person who enjoys such things -- or if not, are you interested in learning to be more logical and systematic in your thinking? It's hard to change the way you think and some people struggle with logic -- but it would valuable to learn if you don't already think that way.

Sendana · Jun 20, 2010

I took a class called Critical Thinking, and it was incredible. I kept the textbook and still read it quite frequently. We covered formal logic, truth tables, logical fallacies, deductive and inductive reasoning, and other topics. It was one of the best classes I've ever taken in college. I think it made me a more logical, less emotional reasoner and, believe it or not, I've been able to use that to my advantage when talking with patients (and instructors, and other nurses...you wouldn't believe how many people simply do not know how to react to a reasoned, as opposed to an emotional, argument).

Your mileage may vary at your school, of course.