Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

1. What is critical thinking?

   • by the definition of the miniauture guide of critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view of improving it.
     • is active not passive, solves problems well, criteria based judgement, discover truths and clearly communicate,

2. Main researchers

   • Richard Paul, Linda Elder, Gerald Nosich and Rush Cosgrove

3. A well critical thinker has to:

   • Comes to well reasoned conclusions and solutions
   • Formulates clearly vital questions and problems
   • Gathers relevant information
   • Thinks openmindedly within alternative systems
   • Communicates effectively

4. Elements of thought

   • Information
     • data, facts, observations and experiences
   • Concepts
     • theories, definitions, principles and models
   • Point of view
     • frames of reference, perspectives, orientations
   • Purpose
     • Goals and objectives
   • Interpretation and inference
     • conclusions and solutions
   • Implications and consequences
   • Question at issue
     • problem and issue
   • Assumptions
     • presuppositions, axioms, taking for granted

5. it is self-regulated, self disciplined, self-directed and self-corrected

   • meets standards of excellency and conscious control of its use
     • Implies effective communication and skill to solve problems
       • A commitment to overcome egocentrism
         • Egocentrism are intuitive perceptions

6. The intellectual standards which are clarity, accuracy, relevance, logicalness, breadth, precision, significance completeness, fairness and depth

   • Must be applied to the elements of thought
     • As we learn to develop Intellectual traits like intellectual humility, autonomy, integrity, courage, perseverance, empathy, confidence in person and fairmindedness