Hi there!
Today, I'm excited to explore a topic that's crucial in our ever-evolving world - critical thinking. In a time when we're constantly bombarded with information from all directions, the ability to think critically and analyze the world around us is more important than ever.
But what exactly is critical thinking, and how can we develop this skill? Join me as we delve into the basics of critical thinking and explore the ways it can benefit our lives. Let's get started!
What is critical thinking?
Well, the answer to that question is not that simple. Critical thinking is a concept that most people have some form of intuitive understanding of, but when it comes to creating a precise definition for it people run into trouble.
In fact, there are multiple competing definitions for critical thinking, but all of these have a set of elements in common that can serve as a basic definition of this concept.
Critical thinking is the process of carefully thinking toward a directed goal.
Although each conception may have a different take on what it means to think carefully, what type of thinking it involves or the goal it is aimed at, this definition seems to capture the core of what critical thinking is all about.
In this context, it is also essential to consider what critical thinking is not. This includes jumping to conclusions, not changing one’s mind in the light of opposing evidence, and critiques based on dogmatic opinions.
But I would also add that critical thinking is NOT a magical solution to any problem, it is a tool at our disposal that depends on how we use it and how skilled we are when using it.
Why is critical thinking important?
This might appear to be a little obvious, critical thinking provides options for us to deal with the challenges of our world - especially now that we live under constant strife with new information, fake news, or social media.
But I think there is something that goes deeper, critical thinking gives us the ability to live under the guidance of our own thought, to some degree; it liberates us from the influences of the world around us and our tendency to fall for them blindly.
I believe that this is the linchpin around which all the other reasons revolve. It is from this that emerges the plethora of other benefits of critical thinking, like better problem-solving skills, and becoming a better citizen of a democratic society among many others that make this such a relevant skill for people to develop.
Dispositions and Abilities for Critical Thinking
Another relevant aspect to consider is that it is a process we engage in voluntarily, by definition, this means that in order to think critically we need to be both willing and able to do it. This framework was used in the field of education to determine factors that contribute to the process of critical thinking, they called them dispositions and abilities.
Dispositions are factors that contribute to one’s willingness to think critically.
Abilities are elements that contribute to making someone capable of performing critical thinking
Here are some examples
Dispositions
Attentiveness.
A habit of inquiry.
Self-confidence.
Courage.
Open-mindedness.
Willingness to suspend judgment.
Trust in reason.
Seeking truth.
Abilities
Observation.
Questioning.
Imagination.
Inference.
Experimenting.
Consulting.
Argument analysis.
Judging & Deciding.
How to become a better critical thinker
Now this is the more fun part, and I think it can be fairly simple to start; here are a few ways in which you could develop your critical thinking
Having a better understanding of how critical thinking works can guide us through its process or can help us to improve at any specific disposition or ability.
Being aware of different biases of human thinking, as well as of what is not critical thinking can help us do a better job of avoiding them.
Being a well-informed person; as I said before, critical thinking is not a magical solution to any problem, some challenges require you to have knowledge on a particular topic.
Dialogue and mentoring, are two tested educational approaches that can improve critical thinking.
That is all I have for you today. I hope it helped.
-Alan
P.S. This is a very complex topic, I tried my best to distill the most important points, but if you want to take a deeper look into it I recommend this article.
My first thought when I think about critical thinking is "never take anything at face value", no matter how often you hear something, always try to find and underdtand all perspectives before making up your mind. I think you described quite well how it is not a state but a continuous process that one engages in. It also does not mean that you can't make errors, it's about learning from them and understanding how and based on what information you arrive at certain conclsusions.