Paul Stearns: The Concepts Of Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking? The definition of critical is expressing or analyzing the merits, and or work of literature. The definition of thinking is using one’s thoughts to consider or reason something. So what is critical thinking? Critical thinking is a concept that continues to develop over the years. In “Defining Critical Thinking”, it states the multiple definitions that form a substantive, transdisciplinary conception of critical thinking. Which state definitions given by Michael Scriven along with Richard Paul, Linda Elder, and Edward Glaser.

Sociology is the research and analysis of the human society; meaning sociologist examine why we behave the way we behave, what affects our behavior, and if ordinary things are more complex than they seem. When developing a sociological perspective it makes the “familiar strange” (Conley, 3). When someone is trying to think as a sociologist it is encouraged to question aspects in your life that you thought were normal, which conveniently can make you feel unsure about what lifestyle you are comfortable living in.  A sociological perspective is gained when you learn to think through a “sociological lense” that challenges your mind to new levels of thought (Godwin, Lecture). When in rhythm with your sociological mind you reflect on new personal

In the article “Critical Thinking: What Is It and Why It Counts” written by Peter A. Facione goes in depth on the topic of critical thinking, and reasons why it can be a beneficial in our everyday lives. Although one may think, “What does critical thinking have to do with my life?” the answer is simple. Critical thinking is thinking that has a purpose, liking proving a point, or an interpretation of an idea or thought, and solving problems. Now, all successful critical thinkers have these six abilities at the core for thinking skills: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. The first three skills usually try to identify, and comprehend the issue or idea at hand. The next three make a conclusion,

Critical thinking is a process in which a person actively participates, and with skill comes to conclusions that are based on what a person has seen, experienced, and what one may believe.

They’re many ways to improve our critical thinking while watching this video I learned five important tips on how to improve my critical thinking. Number one is formulate your question which means know what you’re looking for and decide if it suits your needs. Number two is gather your information so you can have a clear idea of your question. Number Three is apply the information, something you do by asking critical questions. Number four is considering the implications, which means think about the long term effect on your decision. Finally, number five which is explore other points of view ask your yourself what others think and what they question and others values and to help you make more inform

The text defines critical thinking as “1) the careful scrutiny of what is stated as true or what appears to be true and the resulting expression of an opinion or conclusion based on that scrutiny, and 2) the creative formulation of an opinion or conclusion when presented with a question, problem, or issue.” (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2015)

The similarities I found in the definitions of critical thinking from the websites were that critical thinking explores alternative ways of thinking about something with the purpose of uncovering untold meaning. It delves into the deep layers of meaning and tries to formulate a better and holistic understanding. People should not settle with obvious and the taken for granted. They should question assumptions and ideas rather than only accepting them. They should make correct decisions independently.

Critical thinking is the use of your intelligence, knowledge, and skills to a question, carefully exploring situations to arrive at thoughtful conclusions based on evidence and reason.

Critical thinking has been defined many ways throughout time. The definition I chose to go with was from Edward Glaser who defines critical thinking as “The ability to think critically, as conceived in this volume, involves three things: (1) an attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one 's experiences, (2) knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning, and (3) some skill in applying those methods.” (Glaser 1941) Critical thinking is are ability to gather knowledge and put it to use. Critical thinking is used every day for example, problem solving, gathering, and storing information, to comprehend and use language accurately, interpreting data, and to

In my opinion, critical thinking is the ability to think about ideas clearly and logically before taking action. Critical thinking is often associated with problem-solving and decision making (Lovelace, et al., 2016). Critical thinking entails questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and testing the logic of ideas. I use critically thinking every day at home and work. I think every situation through debating the different outcomes of each action. An example of critical thinking at home would be a big purchase like a new TV or laptop. I seek the best deal for the best quality. I search differents sites for the best price with good reviews from other customers.

Critical thinking is the analysis of an issue or a certain event in which we objectively look over it in order to form a logical judgment or a conclusion. It is an important skill to have because by using it, we can avoid situations which can harm us or cause us to be fooled by people who present wrong information in a way which is appealing to the general public. An example would be when someone who you meet in the streets tries to sell you a drink that can “help you become smart”. Before buying it, do your research on its ingredients and try to find out if this product has been tested or not. Critical thinking is a great tool and if we do not use it, then we will fall prey to ignorance and superstitions.

According to Foundation for Critical Thinking (2015), “Critical thinking is that mode of thinking— about any subject, content, or problem— in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.” (A Definition).

While watching the video I learned many ways people can be critical thinkers and what it means to be to be a critical thinker. Valuing your opinion over others is very important for critical thinking. When it comes to the question does it matter what others think of you? The critical thinking video answered it best when talking about what critical thinking is. Critical thinking is valuing your opinion, being an independent thinker, not relying on others, being open minded and many other things.

Critical thinking is defined by Victor-Chmil as “the cognitive processes used for analyzing knowledge” (2013, para.1). Critical thinking is knowledge based and

According to Supon, one of the fundamental purposes of teaching critical thinking is to enhance the abilities of students to become critical thinkers. Corporate leaders, educational researchers, employers, and parents have continually pushed teachers to assist their students in the development of critical thinking ability. Critical thinking is a skill that ?involved not only knowledge of content by also concept formation and analysis, reasoning and drawing conclusions, recognizing and avoiding contradiction, and other essential cognitive activities? (Supon, 1998).