Defining Critical Thinking

Abstract

Critical thinking is a state of higher learning used to expose and distill information down to the purest of knowledge. Although there are many methods used to think critically there are also many traits that prevent the thinker from achieving this goal. Through research and reflecting back over the week’s discussion, various strategies, methods, and environmental issues affect the thinker both positive and negatively.

Treatment

("Problem solving techniques," 2009)

Critical thinking is a detailed and higher level of thinking that is, according to Edward Glassar, ("Defining critical thinking," 2011) "applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action." At the basic level, it is opening ones mind to the world around them, expanding their knowledge through asking questions, analyzing the answers, and accepting the possibility of outside viewpoints. 

After researching various methodologies and views there seems to be a correlation between self-awareness and critical thinking. A thinker must be aware of the world around them and their own personal biases to think critically. According to Richard Paul, a leader in the critical thinking movement, there are 9 strategies that can help a thinker develop and hone their critical thinking skills. Based on the discussion and research this week, self-awareness and open-mindedness to me are the most important to grasp.

(Loddy, 2011)

From an early age we learn critical thinking skills but somewhere along the way we either forget or ignore what we have been taught. Richard Paul (2001) suggests, "Development in thinking requires a gradual process requiring plateaus of learning and just plain hard work." The brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised and part of this development is a daily work out of solving problems, keeping an open mind and self-preparation to accept solutions different than originally thought.  By listening to viewpoints different from your own, you allow yourself to accept solutions varying from your own personal biases. This will help set the egocentric thinking aside.

Being able to recognize this bias could help by allowing the thinker to keep an open mind and listen to other points of view.  Professor Dowden (2002) says:

"To be a critical thinker you need to be fair and open-minded even with people you disagree with. You need to give them a fair hearing because your goal is the truth or the best action. Your goal isn't just to confirm what you already believe."

While it is impossible to remove all bias from an argument there are methods to ensure the bias does not interfere with the results. If the thinker does not have an open mind, then they are essentially walking into the analysis with already skewed results. They are not open to receiving conflicting information that goes against their personal beliefs, leaving the question unanswered and the bias intact. The thinker needs to be prepared that when the answers to the questions they asked are answered, the answers might not match their preconceived beliefs. 

Conclusion

(Korn)

Critical thinking is an important tool for all walks of life. This type of thinking allows for the betterment of society, ones self, and knowledge. By following Paul's 9 strategies, keeping an open mind, and allowing for self-criticism the thinker will generate a more elevated way of thinking. 

Sources

Defining critical thinking. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766

Paul, R. (2001). Critical thinking in everyday life. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/critical-thinking-in-everyday-life-9-strategies/512

Silver, C. (2011, March 10). Wired. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/03/the-importance-of-logic-critical-thinking/

Dowden, P. (2002, January 20). Csus.edu. Retrieved from http://www.csus.edu/indiv/d/dowdenb/4/ct-def/def-of-ct.htm

Image References

Problem solving techniques. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.problem-solving-techniques.com/Barriers-to-Critical-Thinking.html

Loddy, M. (2011, December 13). Train the brain to think critically. Retrieved from http://loddymicucci.com/train-the-brain-to-think-critically/

Korn, D. (n.d.). Learn to prepare. Retrieved from http://learntoprepare.com/2011/06/barriers-to-critical-thinking/