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Determining the single "most acclaimed" online critical thinking course for adults in the USA is subjective and can depend on individual learning goals, whether for academic purposes, professional development, or personal enrichment. However, based on university reputation, course ratings, and popularity on major online learning platforms, several courses consistently stand out as highly regarded:

Top Acclaimed Online Critical Thinking Courses for Adults:

  1. Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization (Duke University on Coursera):

    • Acclaim: Offered by a prestigious university (Duke) and highly rated on Coursera with a large number of positive reviews. This specialization provides a strong academic foundation in critical thinking and logic, covering the analysis of arguments and different forms of reasoning (deductive and inductive).
    • Focus: Understanding and evaluating arguments, foundational logic.
    • Suitable for: Those seeking a comprehensive, university-level understanding of critical thinking principles.

  2. Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional (University of California, Davis on Coursera):

    • Acclaim: Developed by UC Davis and specifically designed for professionals, this course receives very high ratings and positive feedback for its practical approach.
    • Focus: Applying critical thinking as a practical model for problem-solving and decision-making in a professional context.
    • Suitable for: Adults looking to directly enhance their critical thinking abilities for workplace challenges.

  3. Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age (University of Michigan on Coursera):

    • Acclaim: Offered by the University of Michigan, this course is well-regarded for its relevance in today's information-saturated world. It incorporates elements of statistics, probability, and cognitive psychology.
    • Focus: Critically evaluating information, understanding biases, and making better decisions in the context of complex information.
    • Suitable for: Individuals who want to improve their ability to analyze information and avoid common thinking pitfalls.

  4. Critical Thinking (eCornell - Cornell University):

    • Acclaim: As part of Cornell University's professional development offerings, this course benefits from the university's strong reputation. It is often geared towards enhancing leadership and strategic thinking skills.
    • Focus: Developing critical thinking for improved decision-making and problem-solving in professional and leadership contexts.
    • Suitable for: Professionals and leaders seeking to refine their critical thinking skills through a university executive education format (note: these courses may be more expensive than those on platforms like Coursera or edX).

  5. Critical Thinker Academy (on Udemy and other platforms):

    • Acclaim: Created by Kevin deLaplante, a philosopher, this series of courses (including "Learn to Think Like a Philosopher" and "Master Cognitive Biases") is highly popular and top-rated on platforms like Udemy, with a large number of enrolled students and positive reviews.
    • Focus: Practical critical thinking skills, understanding logical fallacies, analyzing arguments, and recognizing cognitive biases.
    • Suitable for: Adults looking for accessible, practical training in critical thinking from an expert in the field.

When choosing a course, consider your specific goals, preferred learning style, and budget. Many university-affiliated courses on platforms like Coursera and edX offer certificates upon completion (often for a fee), while courses on platforms like Udemy provide a certificate of completion from the platform. Audit options are sometimes available on Coursera and edX, allowing you to access course materials for free without a certificate.