Critical Thinking: Systematic Breakdown, Evaluation And Reasoning
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking, in essence, is the systematic breakdown, evaluation and reasoning we should employ when problem solving. Critical thinking is the method we use to make sure we have examined all aspects of an issue prior to developing a solution. Critical thinking requires that we not just view our own point of view but also the views of others. Critical thinking involves questioning, research and deep evaluation of what is being considered prior to approaching a potential solution. By examining the subject in a deeper manner, we are able to ensure our approach to the solution is far more comprehensive and therefor more effective. After we have made sure all the information is being examined we can begin to …show more content…
focus on a solution. Critical thinking in finding solutions is just as important in finding a solution as it is in fact finding. When finding a solution we must make sure we use the information found surrounding opposing points of view to provide the best possible solution. After a solution is reached, our critical thinking is not done. We must then use critical examination to find any errors in our solution. As described, critical thinking is an end-to-end thought process which helps us to find better solutions and better avenues of thought. What are the three most significant concepts you learned about critical thinking during this class?
There are many concepts which significantly impacted my critical thinking skills. Narrowing it down to three is a bit of a challenge. One of the more impactful concepts would have to be identifying and changing bad habits in thought. More specifically, identifying and removing self-deception from thought. Self-deception is the thought habit of denying or “forgetting” details which do not serve to further or reinforce our position. By allowing this bad habit to continue, we have a tendency to overlook important information in an effort to convince ourselves we are right. Another impactful concept is identifying problems versus issues. When I began this course, I used the words interchangeably. I believed a problem and an issue were the same thing and no distinction needed be made. After discussing it in detail I realize now the distinct difference. A problem is a something which everyone can agree needs to be fixed; however, no clear solution to the problem is evident. An issue is a situation which in which there is a great deal of tension surrounding it. Some see it as a problem, while some see it as unacceptable and not to be discussed. The third concept carrying the strongest impact would be identifying errors in solutions. While I always took the time the identify spelling and grammar errors, I did not always stop to look for errors in truth or errors in validity. These errors are error in fact and errors in logic respectively. It is very important to catch these errors prior to accepting a solution as the best course of action.
How has your critical thinking changed since starting this course?
My critical thinking has changed a great deal since beginning this course.
As I stated in week one discussion question one, I came in to this course thinking that critical thinking was nothing more than considering other points of view when reasoning through a situation. To an extent, my previous knowledge was correct, but this was a very basic view of critical thinking. At the start of the course I had no clear distinction between problems and issues. Understanding the differences between the two will help me to identify how to approach the situation when attempting to reach a solution. If I am facing a problem, I now understand I must begin asking many questions to understand the conflicting points of view when identifying a solution. When facing an issue, I understand the emotionally charged nature of the topic. I now know I must ask many questions to find the solvable problems buried in the issue. Another major change that has occurred is letting go of bad habits. Early in the course I learned what the common bad habits in thought are and how to let go of these habits. Learning to overcome bad habits in thought has been a fantastic way to improve my critical thinking …show more content…
skills.
How will critical thinking help you throughout your remaining course work to achieve your degree and thereafter into your professional career?
Critical thinking skills are invaluable to furthering our capabilities in thought in all aspects of our lives.
It helps a great deal in our academic and professional lives in many ways. In our academic life, critical thinking is tremendously important to our success. When we face new challenges, as we will in every class, it is important to remember the critical thinking skills we have learned. This will help us to not only learn more from information provided but will also serve to help us in providing the best possible work. In our professional lives, critical thinking helps in a wide range of ways. Going in to Information Technologies, critical evaluation will be a toll necessary for success. Firstly, it is important to critically evaluate obstacles as they arise. In order to provide comprehensive solutions, I must ensure all aspects of the obstacle have been considered. This allows me to make sure new problems do not arise from my solution. Secondly, there is a great deal of interaction involved with the end user of the technology. For this reason, it is important to consider the impact my solution will have on them and how it may conflict with the work they need to
perform.
How will application of critical thinking concepts impact you from here on after completing this course? Please provide examples (i.e. on a job interview, in an argument, debating topics, etc…)
Application of critical thinking concepts will impact my life in many ways after completing this course. The first change that comes to mind will be the increase in effective resolutions. When attempting to overcome an obstacle we face, be it in school or at work, it is important to find comprehensive and effective ways to overcome these challenges. By applying the critical thinking skills I have learned in this course I will be able to find these comprehensive solutions. In return for this extra effort I will be rewarded with better grades and will set myself up for promotion more quickly by impressing my bosses. Another way it will benefit me is by helping me to be more open and persuasive when discussing various topics with friends and coworkers. By utilizing my critical thinking skills, I will be able to listen, process and adapt my point of view to satisfy all parties involved while still reaching a logical and effective solution. This will help me to come to conclusions which will be more lasting and beneficial to all. By finding these stronger conclusions, I strengthen the bond between myself and others, making me an effective friend and leader. These are just two of the many ways in which critical thinking will impact my life after this course is finished.
Critical thinking, in essence, is the systematic breakdown, evaluation and reasoning we should employ when problem solving. Critical thinking is the method we use to make sure we have examined all aspects of an issue prior to developing a solution. Critical thinking requires that we not just view our own point of view but also the views of others. Critical thinking involves questioning, research and deep evaluation of what is being considered prior to approaching a potential solution. By examining the subject in a deeper manner, we are able to ensure our approach to the solution is far more comprehensive and therefor more effective. After we have made sure all the information is being examined we can begin to …show more content…
focus on a solution. Critical thinking in finding solutions is just as important in finding a solution as it is in fact finding. When finding a solution we must make sure we use the information found surrounding opposing points of view to provide the best possible solution. After a solution is reached, our critical thinking is not done. We must then use critical examination to find any errors in our solution. As described, critical thinking is an end-to-end thought process which helps us to find better solutions and better avenues of thought. What are the three most significant concepts you learned about critical thinking during this class?
There are many concepts which significantly impacted my critical thinking skills. Narrowing it down to three is a bit of a challenge. One of the more impactful concepts would have to be identifying and changing bad habits in thought. More specifically, identifying and removing self-deception from thought. Self-deception is the thought habit of denying or “forgetting” details which do not serve to further or reinforce our position. By allowing this bad habit to continue, we have a tendency to overlook important information in an effort to convince ourselves we are right. Another impactful concept is identifying problems versus issues. When I began this course, I used the words interchangeably. I believed a problem and an issue were the same thing and no distinction needed be made. After discussing it in detail I realize now the distinct difference. A problem is a something which everyone can agree needs to be fixed; however, no clear solution to the problem is evident. An issue is a situation which in which there is a great deal of tension surrounding it. Some see it as a problem, while some see it as unacceptable and not to be discussed. The third concept carrying the strongest impact would be identifying errors in solutions. While I always took the time the identify spelling and grammar errors, I did not always stop to look for errors in truth or errors in validity. These errors are error in fact and errors in logic respectively. It is very important to catch these errors prior to accepting a solution as the best course of action.
How has your critical thinking changed since starting this course?
My critical thinking has changed a great deal since beginning this course.
As I stated in week one discussion question one, I came in to this course thinking that critical thinking was nothing more than considering other points of view when reasoning through a situation. To an extent, my previous knowledge was correct, but this was a very basic view of critical thinking. At the start of the course I had no clear distinction between problems and issues. Understanding the differences between the two will help me to identify how to approach the situation when attempting to reach a solution. If I am facing a problem, I now understand I must begin asking many questions to understand the conflicting points of view when identifying a solution. When facing an issue, I understand the emotionally charged nature of the topic. I now know I must ask many questions to find the solvable problems buried in the issue. Another major change that has occurred is letting go of bad habits. Early in the course I learned what the common bad habits in thought are and how to let go of these habits. Learning to overcome bad habits in thought has been a fantastic way to improve my critical thinking …show more content…
skills.
How will critical thinking help you throughout your remaining course work to achieve your degree and thereafter into your professional career?
Critical thinking skills are invaluable to furthering our capabilities in thought in all aspects of our lives.
It helps a great deal in our academic and professional lives in many ways. In our academic life, critical thinking is tremendously important to our success. When we face new challenges, as we will in every class, it is important to remember the critical thinking skills we have learned. This will help us to not only learn more from information provided but will also serve to help us in providing the best possible work. In our professional lives, critical thinking helps in a wide range of ways. Going in to Information Technologies, critical evaluation will be a toll necessary for success. Firstly, it is important to critically evaluate obstacles as they arise. In order to provide comprehensive solutions, I must ensure all aspects of the obstacle have been considered. This allows me to make sure new problems do not arise from my solution. Secondly, there is a great deal of interaction involved with the end user of the technology. For this reason, it is important to consider the impact my solution will have on them and how it may conflict with the work they need to
perform.
How will application of critical thinking concepts impact you from here on after completing this course? Please provide examples (i.e. on a job interview, in an argument, debating topics, etc…)
Application of critical thinking concepts will impact my life in many ways after completing this course. The first change that comes to mind will be the increase in effective resolutions. When attempting to overcome an obstacle we face, be it in school or at work, it is important to find comprehensive and effective ways to overcome these challenges. By applying the critical thinking skills I have learned in this course I will be able to find these comprehensive solutions. In return for this extra effort I will be rewarded with better grades and will set myself up for promotion more quickly by impressing my bosses. Another way it will benefit me is by helping me to be more open and persuasive when discussing various topics with friends and coworkers. By utilizing my critical thinking skills, I will be able to listen, process and adapt my point of view to satisfy all parties involved while still reaching a logical and effective solution. This will help me to come to conclusions which will be more lasting and beneficial to all. By finding these stronger conclusions, I strengthen the bond between myself and others, making me an effective friend and leader. These are just two of the many ways in which critical thinking will impact my life after this course is finished.