What is Critical Thinking?No one always acts purely objectively and rationally. We connive for selfish
interests.
We gossip, boast, exaggerate, and equivocate. It is "only human" to wish to
validate our prior knowledge, to vindicate our prior decisions, or to sustain
our earlier beliefs. In the process of satisfying our ego, however, we can often
deny
ourselves intellectual growth and opportunity. We may not always want to apply
critical thinking skills, but we should have those skills available to be
employed when needed.Critical
thinking includes a complex combination of skills. Among the main
characteristics are the following: RationalityWe
are thinking critically when we- rely on reason rather than emotion,
- require evidence, ignore no known evidence, and follow evidence where it leads,
and
- are concerned more with finding the best explanation than being right analyzing
apparent confusion and asking questions.
Self-awarenessWe are thinking critically when we- weigh the influences of motives and bias, and
- recognize our own assumptions, prejudices, biases, or point of view.
HonestyWe
are thinking critically when we
recognize emotional impulses, selfish
motives, nefarious purposes, or other modes of self-deception.Open-mindednessWe
are thinking critically when we- evaluate all reasonable inferences
- consider a variety of possible viewpoints or perspectives,
- remain open to alternative interpretations
- accept a new explanation, model, or paradigm because it explains the evidence
better, is simpler, or has fewer inconsistencies or covers more data
- accept new priorities in response to a reevaluation of the evidence or
reassessment of our real interests, and
- do not reject unpopular views out of hand.
DisciplineWe
are thinking critically when we- are precise, meticulous, comprehensive, and exhaustive
- resist manipulation and irrational appeals, and
- avoid snap judgments.
JudgmentWe
are thinking critically when we- recognize the relevance and/or merit of alternative
assumptions and perspectives
- recognize the extent and weight of evidence
In sum,- Critical
thinkers are by natureskeptical. They approach texts with the same
skepticism and suspicion as they approach spoken remarks.
- Critical thinkers
areactive, not passive. They ask questions and analyze. They consciously
apply tactics and strategies to uncover meaning or assure their understanding.
- Critical
thinkers do not take an egotistical view of the world. They areopento
new ideas and perspectives. They are
willing to challenge their beliefs and investigate competing evidence.
Critical thinking enables us to recognize a wide range of subjective analyses of
otherwise objective data, and to evaluate how well each analysis might meet
our needs. Facts may be facts, but how we interpret them may vary.By
contrast, passive, non-critical thinkers take a simplistic view of
the world. - They see things in black and white, as either-or, rather than recognizing a
variety of possible understanding.
- They see questions as yes or no
with no subtleties.
- They fail to see linkages and
complexities.
- They fail to recognize related
elements.
Non-critical thinkers take an egotistical
view of the world- They
taketheirfacts as the only relevant ones.
- They
taketheir ownperspective as the only sensible one.
- They
taketheir goalas the only valid one.
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