Critical Thinking

202 Pages·2010·15.39 MB·English

PHASE III
CRITICAL THINKING
The best analytical tool remains a
really good analyst.
Mark Lowenthal, Former Assistant Director of
Central Intelligence for Analysis and Production
References
This Phase primarily covers the work and

research of David T. Moore in an
occasional paper entitled “Critical Thinking
and Intelligence Analysis”, coupled with
works from Linda Elder and Richard Paul;
both internationally renowned and
recognized authorities on critical thinking.
Introduction
Introduction
•  The world in which intelligence analysts work has
changed dramatically over the years since the
beginning of the Second World War.
•  Adversaries have shifted from large armies
arrayed on battlefields to individuals lurking in the
shadows or in plain sight. Further, plagues and
pandemics, as well as floods and famines, pose
threats not only to national stability but even to
human existence.
•  To paraphrase a Chinese curse, we certainly live
in interesting times.
Reference: David T. Moore (2007) . Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.ndic.edu/press/2641.htm
Introduction
•  Our times demand fresh, critical reasoning on the
part of those tasked to assess and warn about
threats as well as those tasked to act on those
threats.
•  Education in the bases and practices of intelligence
foraging and sensemaking – often called
intelligence collection and analysis – is a means by
which this can be accomplished.
•  The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention
Act of 2004 legislates improved education for
intelligence analysis. Unfortunately, there is no
defined roadmap for that education.
Reference: David T. Moore (2007) . Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.ndic.edu/press/2641.htm
Introduction
•  The key is knowing which technologies are truly
disruptive in advance, which pose threats, and
which can be harnessed to mitigate threats.
•  Critical thinking – as it is here defined and
developed – provides part of the solution as it
encourages careful consideration of the available
evidence, close examination of presuppositions and
assumptions, review of the alternate implications of
decisions, and finally, discussion of alternative
solutions and possibilities.
•  In short, it equips intelligence professionals with an
essential tool for their work.
Reference: David T. Moore (2007) . Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.ndic.edu/press/2641.htm
Introduction
•  Analysts and analysts alone create intelligence.
Although technological marvels assist analysts by
cataloguing and presenting data, information and
evidence in new ways, they do not do analysis. To
be most effective, analysts need an overarching,
reflective framework to add structured reasoning to
sound, intuitive thinking. “Critical thinking” provides
such a framework and goes further, positively
influencing the entire intelligence analysis process.
Analysts who adopt critical thinking stand to improve
their analyses.
Reference: David T. Moore (2007) . Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.ndic.edu/press/2641.htm
Introduction
•  This Phase defines critical thinking in the context of
intelligence analysis, explains how it influences the
entire intelligence process, explores how it toughens
the art of intelligence analysis, suggests how it may
be taught, and deduces how analysts can be
persuaded to adopt this habit.
Course Outline