Critical Thinking
Definition
Critical thinking is that mode of thinking – about any subject,
content, or problem – in which the thinker improves the quality of his/her
thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and
imposing intellectual standards upon them.
Egocentric Thinking
Comes from an unfortunate fact that Humans do not naturally
consider the rights and needs of others, nor do we naturally appreciate the
point of view of others or the limitations in our own point of view.
As humans, we live with the unrealistic but confident sense that
we have fundamentally figured out the way things actually are and that we have
done this objectively.
Most common standards in Human Thinking
Innate Egocentrism: “It’s true because I believe
it”: I assume that what I believe is true even though I have never questioned
the basis for many of my beliefs.
Innate Sociocentrism: “It’s true because we believe
it.” I assume that the dominant beliefs within the groups to which I belong are
true even though I have never questioned the basis for many of these beliefs.
Innate wish fulfillment: “It’s true because I want
to believe it”: I believe in for example accounts of behavior that put me or
the groups I belong to in a positive rather than a negative light even though I
have not seriously considered the evidence for the more negative account. I
believe what “feels good,” what suports my other beliefs, what does not require
me to change my thinking in any significant way, what does not require me to
admit I have been wrong.
Innate self-validation: “It’s true because I have
always believed it.” I have a strong desire to maintain beliefs that I have
long held, even though I have not seriously considered the extent to which those
beliefs are justified, given the evidence
Innate selfishness: “It’s true because it is in my
selfish interest to believe it.” I hold fast to beliefs that justify my getting
more power, money, or personal advantage even though these belief are not
grounded in sound reasoning or evidence.
The Result of Critical Thinking:
1. A well cultivated critical thinker:
2. Raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.
3. Gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively.
4. Comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards.
5. Thinks open mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences: and..
6. Communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined,
self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It entails effective
communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our
negative egocentrism and prejudices.
Contact Information
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