CRITICAL THINKING

“The ART of taking charge of your own MIND.”

What is critical thinking?

“Critical thinking is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. A critical thinker uses broad analysis of evidence to

make decision and communicate his/her beliefs and accurately.”

Defining Critical Thinking

“like Leadership, it is widely observed and known but few understand.”

“critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to

believe and do.”

Characteristics of a critical thinker (accdg to Ennis):

Open-minded and mindful of alternativesTries to be well-informed

Judges credibility of sources wellIdentifies conclusion, reasons, and

assumptionJudges well the quantity of an argument, including the acceptability of its reasons,

assumptions, and evidence

Can well develop and defend a reasonable positionAsks appropriate clarifying questions

Formulates plausible hypotheses; plans experiments well

Defines terms in a way appropriate for the contextDraws conclusions when warranted, but with

cautionIntegrates all items in this list when deciding what to

believe or do

Critical thinking is “active, persistent, and careful consideration of any beliefs”

1.) An attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects2.) Knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning, and3.) skill in applying those methods. Critical thinking calls for a persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the evidence

Critical thinking is “the ability to judge the plausibility of specific assertions, to weigh evidence, to assess the logical soundness of interference, to construct counter-arguments

and alternative hypotheses”

Critical thinking is “the careful, deliberate determination of whether we should accept, reject, or suspend judgment about a claim, and the degree of confidence with which we accept or

reject it.”

“the art of being right.” Or“the skillful application of a repertoire of validated general techniques for deciding the

level of confidence you should have in a proposition in the light of the available evidence”

“the intellectual disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing applying, analyzing, synthesizing and

evaluating information gathering from, generated by, observation, experience,

reflection, reasoning, or communication, as guide to belief and action.”

Critical Thinking includes a complex combination of skills.

Among the main characteristics are the following:

Rationality.

SELF AWARENESS

HONEST

OPEN MINDEDNESS

DISCIPLINE

JUDGMENT

ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF CRITICAL THINKING

DispositionCriteriaArgumentReasoningPoint of view

Thank you