Critical thinking is the
ability to review claims and make objective judgments on the basis of
well-supported information. It is the ability to look for flaws in arguments
that have no supporting evidence. Critical thinking fosters the ability to be
creative.
It generates explanations for
findings, and applies new knowledge to a broad range of social and personal
problems. It's only when you question what is that you can begin to imagine
what can be. To be a critical thinker, here is what you need to do:
1.
Analyze assumptions and biases: All
of us are subject to beliefs that prevent us from being impartial. Evaluate
your assumptions that lie behind arguments.
2.
Ask questions, and be willing to wonder:
Always be on the lookout for questions that have not been answered in the
textbooks by the experts in the field or by the media. Be willing to ask
questions like: "What's wrong here?”
"Why is this the way it is?” “How did it come to be this way?"
3.
Avoid emotional reasoning: Passionate
commitment to a view can motivate a person to think boldly without fear of what
others will say. When emotional
reasoning replaces clear thinking, the results can be disastrous.
4.
Consider other interpretations: Formulate
theories that offer reasonable explanations of characteristics, behavior, or
events.
“Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others
do your thinking, talking, and naming for you. It means learning to respect and
use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work.” (Adrienne Rich)
5.
Define the problem: An insufficient
formulation of a question can produce incomplete answers. Ask neutral questions
that don't presume answers.
6.
Don't oversimplify: Look beyond the
obvious generalizations, reject either/or thinking, and don't argue by what
you’ve heard (from someone else). Get the facts for yourself.
7.
Examine the evidence: Ask
yourself, "What evidence supports or denies this argument?" Just
because the experts believe it ; doesn't make it so.
8.
Tolerate uncertainty: Sometimes
the evidence merely allows us to draw cautious conclusions. Don't be afraid to
say "I don't know." Don't push for an answer (that could possibly be
wrong).
"The
philosopher Richard Paul has described three kinds of people: vulgar believers,
who use slogans and platitudes to bully those holding different points of view
into agreeing with them; sophisticated believers, who are skilled at using
intellectual arguments, but only to defend what they already believe; and
critical believers, who reason their way to conclusions and are ready to listen
to others." (Wade
and Tavris)[i]
[i] Adapted from: “How to Be a Critical
Thinker” by Carole Wade and Carol Tavris
Dedicated to my daughter,
Allena Kinker
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