Online Courses in Critical Thinking
Courses Inspired by Content Found on MereLiberty.com Liberty SeminarSocratic Method of Learning
The Socratic method of learning employs a time-tested method of critical thinking used by Socrates to challenge the paradigms of the people. Seminars promote productive dialogue, civil discourse, and discovery. This is a skill that is learned, and must be practiced or it is lost.
What Does it Mean to Think Well?
skills of a practicing thinker
online courses in critical thinking
Independent Thinking
incorporate new information and insight into your ideas and catch your own mistakes.
Self-Awareness
distinguishing between our reality, and our and other’s impressions of reality.
Intellectual Integrity
holding ourselves to the same standards we hold others.
Perseverance
cultivate intellectual ‘grit’ – overcoming barriers to understanding
Compare analogous & disanalagous situations
transfer insights to new contexts & distinguish un-shared contexts.
Intellectual Humility
recognizing our own limits of knowledge & when to say “I don’t know.”
Critical Feeling
self-awareness for our emotional reactions, what they indicate, & how to use them to improve your thinking
Analyze the meanings of terms and phrases
demonstrate understanding of terms through correct application
Clarify issues, conclusions, and beliefs
thinking through and articulating our ideas more clearly
Intellectual Courage
challenging paradigms and being willing to stand on unpopular positions when necessary.
Refine generalizations; avoid oversimplification
Simplifying complex ideas without misrepresentation or distortions
Exercise Fairmindedness
consider strengths of opposing views as well as weaknesses
Confidence in Reason
Reject coercion and manipulation as means of persuasion
Develop your own worldview
understanding that our views incorporate both insight and error.
what our students say
online courses in critical thinking
“Creating a dialogue where both participants exhibit mutual respect for each other and seeking to truly understand where the other person is coming from … Asking thoughtful questions, pausing to really listen, is an invaluable skill I am grateful to be cultivating in my son with Kerry’s help.”
Read Kimberly's Full Review
“We have been so thankful to find Kerry Baldwin’s zoom class. Learning about the Socratic method while reading the Tuttle Twins books every week has really been fun and helped not only my teenager but the whole family expand our knowledge of Liberty themed topics and also learn effective ways of communicating with others that have differing ideas. Creating a dialogue where both participants exhibit mutual respect for each other and seeking to truly understand where the other person is coming from is a skill we all need to develop more, especially in today’s reactive social environment. Asking thoughtful questions, pausing to really listen, is an invaluable skill I am grateful to be cultivating in my son with Kerry’s help. I absolutely recommend this class for middle school, high school, and any adult wanting to understand the concepts discussed within this course. I am positive it will pay dividends for many years to come. We will most likely take it again soon!”
“Our kids … are learning to have these discussions with peers from different backgrounds, hundreds of miles away. This is really a unique experience that isn’t taught anymore.”
Read Stephen's Full Review
“Our kids are participating in the current semester and it has opened up so many opportunities for discussion on big topics, but also assisting the entire family with learning skills to even have that discussion. As well, they are learning to have these discussions with peers from different backgrounds, hundreds of miles away. This is really a unique experience that isn’t taught anymore, but everyone can benefit from, young and old.
I would like to encourage everyone to look into these seminars for learning how to have discussions while also learning good economic and philosophical concepts.”
“It was a very intellectual stimulating and enjoyable 15 weeks. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn how to think outside the box.“
Read Thomas's Full Review
“I have been very fortunate in having the opportunity to cross paths with Kerry Baldwin. Just last weekend I finished her Socratic Seminar For a New Liberty for adults. It was a very intellectual stimulating and enjoyable 15 weeks. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn how to think outside the box. I also recommend that you become a member of MereLiberty.com.“
“I signed up for the Socratic seminar thinking I’d emerge on the other side as the American version of Jan Helfeld … What I learned instead (and to my betterment) was how to ask questions of myself & the material I was consuming.”
Read Rachel's Full Review
“I signed up for the Socratic seminar thinking I’d emerge on the other side as the American version of Jan Helfeld – able to persuade family, friends & strangers on the internet to my points of view by asking them pointed questions to get them thinking. What I learned instead (and to my betterment) was how to ask questions of myself & the material I was consuming. Almost equally important was the opportunity to spend time each week discussing important concepts like self ownership with like minded individuals. Those conversations were often bright spots in what were otherwise intellectually bleak weeks. Of course, getting to read Rothbard was really just the cherry on top of a very fulfilling time. I can’t heap enough praise on Kerry for guiding me on my unexpected journey to become a more critical thinker.“
Join me, Kerry Baldwin
as we dare to think
The mission of Mere Liberty has always been to challenge and rethink our paradigms for understanding society … in order to encourage individual freedom and responsibility within our own spheres of influence. Join me in these online courses in critical thinking.