Linda Elder is a contemporary educational psychologist and critical thinking theorist best known for her collaboration with Richard Paul in developing the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework. She serves as President of the Foundation for Critical Thinking and has authored numerous works advancing a systematic, standards-based approach to intellectual development. Her scholarship engages debates about the nature and generalizability of critical thinking skills, opposing domain-exclusivist positions that deny the existence of transferable reasoning competencies.
Co-developed the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework with Richard Paul
Authored and co-authored foundational texts including The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools
Served as President of the Foundation for Critical Thinking
Advanced the concept of intellectual standards and elements of reasoning as universal analytical tools
Engaged and rebutted domain-specificity arguments (e.g., McPeck) in critical thinking theory