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What is Critical Thinking?

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Critical thinking is the disciplined, systematic analysis of evidence that arrives at an opinion, judgement or critique. This is often misunderstood as being a process of finding fault. However critical thinking can also arrive at positive opinions. Critical thinking is a process of intellectual engagement whereby evidence and assumptions are carefully reviewed to achieve an in-depth understanding before developing an opinion based on a reasoned process.

Overview

In practice, critical thinking is used to describe the many modes of thinking that are useful in an academic context. This includes skepticism, questioning assumptions, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, comparison, explanations, modeling and problem solving. Critical thinking is objective and systematic.
Summary: Critical Thinking
Function
Value
Providing an educated opinion that can be used to improve something, solve a problem or make a decision.
Related Techniques
Common Pitfalls
Allowing logical or personal biases to influence a critique.
Next: Examples of Critical Thinking
More about critical thinking:
Cognitive Strengths
Conclusions
Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Feedback Loop
Flow
Peer Review
Practical
Pragmatism
Problem Solving
Realism
Skepticism
Support Opposite
Synthesis Of Information
Thinking
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Conclusions

An overview of conclusions with examples.

Pragmatism

The definition of pragmatism with examples.

Realism

The definition of realism with examples.

Skepticism

The definition of skepticism with examples.

Decision Making

A list of decision making techniques.

Abilene Paradox

The observation that groups may make collective decisions that are viewed as wrong or irrational by each individual member of the group.

Decision Making Process

A complete guide to the decision making process.

Rational Thought

The difference between rational thought and logic.

Uncertainty

The common types of uncertainty in decision making and strategy.

Information Costs

A definition of information costs with examples.

Reverse Brainstorming

A definition of reverse brainstorming with examples.

Decision Fatigue

The definition of decision fatigue with examples.

Devils Advocate

Taking a position that you do not necessarily agree with for the purposes of argument.

Paradox Of Choice

The definition of paradox of choice with examples.

Cognitive Biases

A list of common cognitive biases explained.

Curse Of Knowledge

Why experts have trouble communicating.

Optimism Bias

An overview of optimism bias, including its surprising benefits.

Decoy Effect

A cognitive bias that is well known in marketing circles.

Biases vs Heuristics

The difference between biases and heuristics.

Information Cascade

A definition of information cascade with examples.

Functional Fixedness

A definition of functional fixedness with examples.

Boil The Frog

A definition of boil the frog, with examples.

Anecdotal Evidence

The definition of anecdotal evidence with examples.

Scientism

The definition of scientism with examples.
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