Define Critical Thinking

The term critical thinking refers to the thought processes used to evaluate information and the practice of using such conclusions to guide behavior. The process of critical thinking is associated with accuracy, logic, depth, fairness, credibility, and intellectual clarity. The word “critical” is not used to imply negativity or pessimism, however. Critical thinking merely means that one must not automatically accept the validity of the information he or she is given.

Regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, someone who has strong critical thinking skills has a sense of curiosity and is interested in finding innovative solutions to problems. He or she is willing to examine previously held beliefs, opinions, or assumptions and objectively weigh them against facts—admitting when a lack of understanding or information impairs the decision making process and adjusting conclusions as needed to accommodate the introduction of new information. In this way, a person with strong critical thinking skills can be described as self-directed, self-monitored, and self-disciplined.

Teaching critical thinking skills is an important goal of the modern educational system. While teachers were once content to have students simply memorize facts, figures, and dates, they now aspire to teach students how to analyze situations and suspend judgment until all available data has been gathered and considered. For example, students in history classes now spend a great deal of time discussing issues such as how propaganda was used to influence the public’s perception of events like the Holocaust. It is believed that this approach will make students more competitive in the workplace, since the ability to make logical decisions based on an analysis of all available data is an important part of success in the corporate environment.

If you are interested in learning more about how to develop your critical thinking skills, yourDictionary recommends visiting the following helpful resources:

• Defining Critical Thinking
• An Introduction to Critical Thinking
• Coaching Winners: How to Teach Critical Thinking
• Critical Thinking on the Web