Critical Thinking PDF

 A DEFINITION ▪ "Critical thinking is the process of making clear reasoned judgments"...Beyer, 1995 ▪ “Critical thinking is the ability to look at a situation and clearly understand it from multiple perspectives while separating facts from opinions, myths, prejudices, hunches (intuition) and...

 A DEFINITION ▪ "Critical thinking is the process of making clear reasoned judgments"...Beyer, 1995 ▪ “Critical thinking is the ability to look at a situation and clearly understand it from multiple perspectives while separating facts from opinions, myths, prejudices, hunches (intuition) and assumptions”….. Pearsons ▪ "It involves the ability to questions assumptions etc. in order to make logical decisions based on consideration of the options and evaluation of all facts". … Pearsons ▪ The dictionary meaning of it is- “implies an attempt at objective judgment so as to determine both merits and faults." CHARACTERISTICS of a Critical Thinker ▪ Curious ▪ Analytical ▪ Introspective ▪ Observant ▪ Ability to make inferences ▪ Open mindedness ▪ Ability to determine relevance ▪ Willingness ▪ Effective communication ▪ Problem solving ▪ Empathetic “Being bold enough to let your mind go where good arguments take you, even if it’s to places that make you feel uncomfortable, may lead you to discoveries about the world and yourself.” (Critical Thinking: The Art of Argument, by George W. Rainbolt and Sandra L. Dwyer) PROCESS OF CRITICAL THINKING 1. Identification/Observation 2. Research 3. Analysis 4. Synthesize 5. Evaluation/Reflection 6. Conclusion/Decision 7. Application ELEMENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING ▪ Identification of premises and conclusions ▪ Clarity of arguments ▪ Establishment of facts ▪ Evaluation of Logic ▪ Final evaluation STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS ▪ Engage in Reflective Practice: Make it a habit to regularly reflect on your experiences, decisions, and the outcomes they lead to. Consider what worked, what did not, and how you could approach similar situations differently. ▪ Seek Diverse Perspectives: Exposing yourself to various viewpoints and arguments enriches your understanding and challenges your preconceptions. Engage with people who think differently, read broadly across disciplines, and consider multiple sides of an issue. ▪ Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being aware of your thoughts and present in the moment. This awareness can help you identify biases, jump to conclusions less often, and approach problems objectively. ▪ Enhance Your Education: Continuous learning is crucial for developing critical thinking. Pursue formal and informal educational opportunities that challenge your intellect and introduce you to new ways of thinking. ▪ Critical Reading and Listening: Approach all information with a critical mindset. Ask questions about the author's intentions, the arguments' basis, and the evidence presented. This practice will sharpen your evaluative skills and foster deeper comprehension. ▪ Questioning and Investigating: Cultivate a habit of questioning assumptions and exploring the evidence before forming conclusions. Develop a curious mindset that encourages exploration and inquiry. ▪ Debate and Discussion: Participate in discussions and debates on various topics. This will expose you to different viewpoints and help you refine your arguments, test your ideas, and think independently. SOME OF THE GREAT CRITICAL THINKERS OF ALL TIMES Martin Luther King, Jr. ▪ Inspired millions with his talent for argument; his “I have a dream” speech—a rallying cry for equal rights—still resonates 50 years on. ▪ If you take one critical thinking tip from Martin Luther King Jr, make it… ▪ Developing a strategy, organizing an argument, and learning the art of persuasion are the keys to changing the world. Galileo Galilei ▪ Pioneering astronomer, philosopher, and—after his discoveries caused uproar in lazy thinkers within religious circles—“defender of truth in the face of ignorance.” ▪ If you take one critical thinking tip from Galileo, make it… ▪ Great critical thinkers evaluate arguments to see how they stand up, putting to one side the conclusions and assumptions of others—and filter for themselves what resonates as right or wrong Charles Darwin ▪ Darwin’s ability to see new connections in mundane situations led him to map out a new theory—evolution—that changed the way we saw the world. ▪ If you take one critical thinking tip from Darwin, make it… ▪ Sometimes the most profound discoveries are hidden in seemingly unlikely places; look where others don’t, and enjoy the sense of discovery and excitement Albert Einstein ▪ C.P. Snow put it best: “One of [Einstein’s] greatest intellectual gifts, in small matters as well as great, was to strip off the irrelevant frills from a problem.” ▪ (From Einstein: The First Hundred Years) ▪ If you take one critical thinking tip from Einstein, make it… ▪ If something looks wrong, then it’s probably worth finding out why. Trust your own judgement based on the facts, not the assumptions of others, and look for a solution within the details.