Critical+Thinking

=Defining Critical Thinking=
 * //Critical thinking...the awakening of the intellect to the study of itself.// ||  ||
 * ** A Brief Conceptualization of Critical Thinking **
 * ** A Brief Conceptualization of Critical Thinking **
 * ** A Brief Conceptualization of Critical Thinking **

Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, empathically. They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking

** Why Critical Thinking? **

** The Problem ** Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.

** A Definition ** 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 taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them.

** The Result ** **A well cultivated critical thinker:**  Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism. (Taken from Richard Paul and Linda Elder, //The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools,// Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008)
 *  raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
 *  gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
 *  thinks openmindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
 *  communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

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