Critical Thinking
Originally uploaded by kmichaels97
The definition of “critical thinking” is defined at dictionary.com as “the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.” Regular thinking is just rational thought and reasoning. The separation of the two could be simply be that critical thinking is reflective thought, a higher level of thinking. Critical thinking is combining everything you know mentally and formulating a synthesized, well thought out conclusion. The importance of the critical thinking leads us to the saying “Think before you speak.” I believe that critical thinking is very important for a professional. Communicating with others using critical thought will change the way people communicate to you. People will respect what you have to say and know that what you said has value.
Critical thinking is a skill that needs to be practiced and taught to others. I did an internet search on using keywords “learn critical thinking” and I found a website that is a “How to” on critical thinking. (criticalthinking.org) they offer books, articles, conferences, events, testing and online learning to help others learn the skill. I would like to learn more about “Distinguishing Between Inferences and Assumptions”
“Rational decisions maximize the quality of your life and your chances of happiness, successful living, and fulfillment.” (criticalthinking.org) Critical thinking enables you to take control of the thinking you are doing in every part of your life. You are able to solve problems more effectively, make better decisions and bring your decisions to life. Global Citizenship is becoming a citizen of the world and to achieve that status you must use critical thinking to understand everything that is thrown at you from a global perspective.
