What is Critical Thinking?

What Is Critical Thinking?
In this essay we are going to define what critical thinking is, we will also identify some tools and methods that can be used in Critical thinking. It is highly important to have a wide knowledge of critical thinking in order to be a successful University student.
The first method that is used in critical thinking is to analyse everything in depth. To analyse is to examine something in great detail, breaking it down into smaller sections and then questioning everything. (Dictionary.com (2013.) It is important to be able to recognise analytical writing from descriptive writing. Descriptive writing is usual written within novels and creative writing, also, descriptive writing is writing about a subject and analytical writing is pulling everything apart examining and then questioning it all.
One method that is used in critical thinking is to weigh up arguments, or to recognise an argument within a piece of text. In order for there to be a fair argument within academic writing there needs to be apposing opinions/reasons -but backed up with clear evidence. (S. Cottrell (2005). By using critical thinking effectively and analysing the writing you are looking at, you should be able to determine when an author is using persuasive language or trying to produce arguments without any evidence to support. You should also be able to pick apart the text more by trying to examine the cause and effect of an argument, by doing this it should enable you to come to a logical conclusion. (S Cottrell (2005)
When using critical thinking effectively one should be able to identify a line of reasoning within a piece of text. A line of reasoning is an author’s set of reasons presented in a clear formation; enabling the reader to come to a conclusion in which the author intended. (S. Cottrell (2005) Whilst working on the essay: 'In what ways does English literature reflect or challenge dominant social attitudes to region and identity?’ I used a line of reasoning in order to reflect and challenge racism, sexism and dominant social attitudes throughout history. I did this by presenting clear reasons for certain opinions, then backing it up with pieces of literature. I presented the reasons in a structured manner; hopefully leading the audience into my conclusion.
It is highly important to be able to evaluate what you are analysing. To evaluate is to determine the positives and the negatives within the literature you are studying. It is important to evaluate because in all academic areas there will be good and bad points to be made. By identifying these positives and negatives, it can help one to come to a more natural conclusion and can help one gain a clearer angle in which to present information in an academic piece of work. When working on the above mentioned English Literature essay, I used evaluation in order to argue good and bad points about social attitudes in the Midlands. This enabled me to build a solid structure for my essay. When you are analysing any evidence used in support of an argument or piece of text, it is also important to use evaluation. Being able to identify reliable/good sources of information, comparing how relevant the evidence is and recognising incorrect and inconsistent sources.
Another important tool in critical thinking is how you emotionally approach the subject you are studying. In academic writing one should be objective (making a statement based on fact) rather than subjective, as trying to create an academic piece of work through personal opinion will not produce an effective academic piece of work. De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats idea presents a metaphor on how one can approach critical thinking. The different hats represent particular angles used in critical thinking. Breaking down the various ways in which one can approach studying can help one to be a successful critical thinker. I have not yet used this approach, but I do believe it could help me be a more successful academic writer in the future, as it helps put ideas in sections, almost like a mind map. Although most academic arguments are approached by objectivism, there can be the approach of subjectivism, which is –two people can argue on something of personal opinion as long as, again, it is backed up by strong reasoning. There is also relativism, e.g. two people from completely different cultures can have opposing opinions, but can also be backed up by facts relevant to their situation. (Moore, B, Parker, R.(2004)
Reflection is a very important in critical thinking. Once you have finished an essay or any other piece of academic work you can use reflection to diagnose where one might have gone wrong. If you can correctly identify where problems may have occurred, then you can ensure not to make these certain mistakes again. Reflection can also be used to examine where one might have done particularly well, i.e. a certain approach or method used may have been very successful, perhaps saving time or presenting facts in a clearer way.
In examining the different areas of critical thinking, it is clearly visible that by using the various tools associated, one will become a very successful academic student. It is important to keep researching and practising these skills to help you develop a deeper understanding, which will be needed in higher levels of education. BY using correct forms of critical thinking, higher standards of work will be produced, resulting in higher grades. The continual practice of critical thinking will also allow an easier flow when studying.