Learning how to be critical and how to think for oneself are vital elements of becoming an independent learner. Critical thinking could be thought of as a tool box of skills which enables us to think more deeply, clearly and logically about our beliefs; providing a platform for making sound and valid decisions. Not only will this book help you to develop your students, but it will also further develop your own critical thinking. Each chapter contains an illustrative story to help apply the abstract ideas, such as rational thought and moral and ethical reflection, to concrete, everyday situations. There is also a complete children's story at the end of the book to help you introduce philosophy to children. This book explains the essential elements of critical thinking and why it is integral to the lifelong process of becoming educated.

Renaissance man for the modern age, Ryu Murakami has played drums for a rock group, made movies and hosted a TV talk show. His first novel, Almost Transparent Blue, written while he was still a student, was awarded Japan's most coveted literary prize and went on to sell over a million copies. He is also the author of In the Miso Soup and Piercing, both published in English by Bloomsbury.

Ralph McCarthy is the translator of 69, In The Miso Soup and Piercing by Ryu Murakami and two collections of stories by Osamu Dazai.