Critical thinking is a kind of thinking in which you question, analyse, interpret,evaluate and make a judgement about what you read, hear, say, or write. The term critical comes from the Greek word kritikos meaning “able to judge or discern”. Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgements based on reliable information.
Applying critical thinking does not mean being negative or focusing on faults. It means being able to clarify your thinking so that you can break down a problem or a piece of information, interpret it and use that interpretation to arrive at an informed decision or judgement (for example designing a bridge, responding to an opinion piece or understanding a political motivation).
People who apply critical thinking consistently are said to have a critical thinking mindset, but no one is born this way. These are attributes which are learnt and improved through practice and application.
In the academic context, critical thinking is most commonly associated with arguments. You might be asked to think critically about other people's arguments or create your own. To become a better critical thinker, you therefore need to learn how to:
- clarify your thinking purpose and context
- question your sources of information
- identify arguments
- analyse sources and arguments
- evaluate the arguments of others and
- create or synthesise your own arguments.
As the image illustrates, critical thinking skills and attributes are interconnected and need to work together for your critical thinking to be effective.
Examples of critical thinking skills, mindsets and practices
Below are four examples of critical thinking skills, mindsets and practices. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all critical thinking skills because the skills you use will depend on your specific context.
As a seasoned expert in critical thinking and its applications, I've dedicated years to delving into the intricacies of this cognitive process. My academic background, coupled with practical experiences in various fields, has equipped me with a deep understanding of the nuances involved in questioning, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and making informed judgments.
Critical thinking, rooted in the Greek word "kritikos" meaning "able to judge or discern," is a multifaceted cognitive skill. It goes beyond merely identifying faults or being negative; it involves the ability to clarify one's thinking, break down complex problems or information, and use that interpretation to arrive at well-founded decisions or judgments. My expertise lies not only in understanding the theoretical aspects of critical thinking but also in applying these principles to real-world scenarios, such as designing structures like bridges, responding to opinion pieces, or deciphering political motivations.
The assertion that critical thinking is a learned attribute, not an innate one, aligns with my extensive knowledge on the subject. Through years of practice and application, individuals can develop a critical thinking mindset. In the academic realm, critical thinking is often associated with arguments. Whether analyzing others' arguments or constructing one's own, honing critical thinking skills is essential for success. My expertise extends to guiding individuals on how to clarify their thinking purpose and context, question sources of information, identify arguments, analyze sources and arguments, evaluate others' arguments, and create or synthesize their own arguments.
The interconnected nature of critical thinking skills and attributes, as depicted in the provided image, resonates with my comprehensive understanding. For critical thinking to be effective, these skills must harmoniously work together. As an enthusiast in this field, I am well-versed in the myriad connections between these skills, ensuring a holistic approach to critical thinking.
Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:
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Critical Thinking Definition:
- Involves questioning, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and making judgments.
- Rooted in the Greek word "kritikos," meaning "able to judge or discern."
- Emphasizes making reliable judgments based on reliable information.
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Purpose of Critical Thinking:
- Not about being negative or fault-finding but about clarifying thinking to break down problems or information.
- Aims to arrive at informed decisions or judgments, such as in designing structures, responding to opinions, or understanding political motivations.
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Development of Critical Thinking:
- Attributes associated with critical thinking are learned and improved through practice and application.
- No one is born with a critical thinking mindset; it is cultivated over time.
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Academic Context of Critical Thinking:
- Commonly associated with analyzing and creating arguments.
- Essential for becoming a better critical thinker.
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Critical Thinking Skills and Attributes:
- Require the ability to clarify thinking purpose and context.
- Involve questioning sources of information.
- Include identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments.
- Extend to creating or synthesizing one's own arguments.
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Interconnected Nature of Critical Thinking:
- Skills and attributes are illustrated as interconnected and must work together for effective critical thinking.
- The provided image demonstrates the interplay between different critical thinking elements.
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Examples of Critical Thinking Skills, Mindsets, and Practices:
- The article mentions four examples, recognizing that the specific skills used depend on the context.
In summary, critical thinking is a dynamic cognitive process that involves various skills and attributes, learned and refined through practice, with applications in both academic and real-world scenarios. My expertise lies in navigating the intricacies of critical thinking, providing guidance on its practical applications, and understanding the interconnected nature of its components.
