CRITICAL THINKING

Critical Thinking



Critical Thinking

Introduction

Critical thinking the basic description of critical thinking would be a logical thought process that allows a person to distinguish between fact and opinion (Paul and Elder, 2006). Therefore, critical thinking could be considered a logical mental process that involves knowledge or research of specific subject matter presented to determine fact from opinion rather than taking information presented at face value and rolling with it. For a person to be able to make logical decisions based on critical thinking he or she must acknowledge the need for crucial decisions, appropriately recognize alternatives, put the time into reasoning through decisions, and develop a knowledge of ignorance to discern between fact and opinion (Paul and Elder 2006). Carter, Bishop, and Kravits (2007) stated, “Critical thinking is defined as the process of gathering information, analyzing it in different ways, and evaluating it for the purposes of gaining understanding, solving a problem, or making a decision.” Critical thinking involves more than just thinking. Critical thinking is a process that has to be practiced, to be perfected. One has to be able to set aside any personal barriers in order to make the best decision.

Critical thinking involves maintaining a questioning attitude, and double-checking both the reliability of information and the interpretation of the information. The critical thinkers are knowing of their biases and limitations, fair-minded, keenly cognizant of the powerful leverage of their own insights, values, and convictions, but seeking to heal all viewpoints alike, willing to use a attentive effort to work in a planful manner, accumulating information, checking for accuracy, and persisting, even when solutions aren't obvious or need some steps (Kirby, G.R., & Gooodpaster, J.R. 2007). They are coordinated and methodical in their approach to solving problems and making decisions. They are flexible, adept to discover and imagine ...