critical thinking
Defining Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is defined in many different ways. There may possibly be as many definitions of the phrase as there are ways of thinking. Definitions of some objects are interpretive. The base idea of critical thinking is that two people given the same problem with the same facts, when asked to interpret the scenario, will sometimes draw slightly different conclusions (Dictionary.com). The definition of critical thinking can be varied. There are a few definitions and I have one of my own.
American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey wrote this as description of critical thinking; "Active, persistent and careful consideration of a belief or supposed form of knowledge in light of the grounds that support it, and the further conclusions to which it tends." (John Dewey, 1909). Renowned thinkers, educators and writers Brown and Keely define critical thinking as a process that begins with an argument and progresses toward evaluation (Browne and Keeley, 2000). Can also be defined as, “a set of conceptual tools with associated intellectual skills and strategies useful for making reasonable decisions about what to do or believe (Rudinow and Barry 2004, p. 9).
The definitions attached to the term critical thinking listed above are different in some ways. The similarities in the various definitions exist because the basic concept is the same. The difference in the perception of the term itself, is created by the person interpreting the concept and how they understand and apply the phrase and what they believe.
Critical thinking means not always accepting basic things. Critical thinking requires open-mindedness. It means taking a problem or an argument and breaking it down. From there, you look at the facts and evidence on all sides. In order to think critically you have to broaden your focus and bend your normal ways of thinking. Instead of just accepting the answer in front of you, you have to consider possibilities that
Critical thinking is defined in many different ways. There may possibly be as many definitions of the phrase as there are ways of thinking. Definitions of some objects are interpretive. The base idea of critical thinking is that two people given the same problem with the same facts, when asked to interpret the scenario, will sometimes draw slightly different conclusions (Dictionary.com). The definition of critical thinking can be varied. There are a few definitions and I have one of my own.
American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey wrote this as description of critical thinking; "Active, persistent and careful consideration of a belief or supposed form of knowledge in light of the grounds that support it, and the further conclusions to which it tends." (John Dewey, 1909). Renowned thinkers, educators and writers Brown and Keely define critical thinking as a process that begins with an argument and progresses toward evaluation (Browne and Keeley, 2000). Can also be defined as, “a set of conceptual tools with associated intellectual skills and strategies useful for making reasonable decisions about what to do or believe (Rudinow and Barry 2004, p. 9).
The definitions attached to the term critical thinking listed above are different in some ways. The similarities in the various definitions exist because the basic concept is the same. The difference in the perception of the term itself, is created by the person interpreting the concept and how they understand and apply the phrase and what they believe.
Critical thinking means not always accepting basic things. Critical thinking requires open-mindedness. It means taking a problem or an argument and breaking it down. From there, you look at the facts and evidence on all sides. In order to think critically you have to broaden your focus and bend your normal ways of thinking. Instead of just accepting the answer in front of you, you have to consider possibilities that