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Critical thinking is thinking that questions itself. That is to say, it is a process of thinking that self-corrects errors using evidence and systematic elimination of biases, unstated assumptions, motivated reasoning and logical fallacies. The following are illustrative examples of critical thinking.
ObjectivityFirst and foremost, critical thinking requires objectivity, the process of seeking authoritative evidence and weighing such evidence in an honest way that is not motivated by an agenda. For example, a news reporter who reports on an environmental problem using authoritative scientific publications as a source without giving much weight to non-authoritative and biased sources.Open-MindednessCritical thinking requires open-mindedness such that you form a judgement as a process of exploration as opposed to starting with a conclusion and seeking to prove it based on selected evidence.
SocializationCritical thinking does not hide from criticism but instead seeks validation of ideas by socializing them. For example, a researcher who seeks peer review of a theory in order to find the flaws in their thinking. Emotion & CultureCritical thinking need not be robotic thinking that is emotionless and cultureless. For example, a film reviewer may suspend disbelief to see an film much as the audience sees it. Otherwise, a film critic many end up being overly focused on technical execution and miss the point of a film altogether.
LogicApplying logic such as inference. Another critical aspect of logic is the detection of logical fallacies. Fallacies can be extremely difficult to spot and can often be found in the work of highly intelligent individuals. As such, a critical thinker may study known fallacies in order to improve their thought processes.
SkepticismSkepticism is a questioning attitude that bravely challenges ideas that aren't well supported by evidence. A purely skeptical attitude doesn't tend to be creative and a purely optimistic attitude isn't conductive to identifying errors. As such, critical thinking may use both optimistic and skeptical frames of mind in order to both generate non-obvious ideas and validate them.
Developing and applying abstract ideas. For example, using an analogy to model a problem.Thought ExperimentThe use of abstractions to experiment with ideas. For example, Einstein used a thought experiment about a street car moving away from a clock tower at the speed of light to develop his theory of special relativity. This thought experiment resulted in a moment of serendipity as Einstein realized that time would appear to be stopped from the perspective of people on the street car looking back at the clock.
AnalysisAnalysis is the systematic process of breaking information down into its component parts to develop knowledge. For example, a salesperson who carefully analyses the content of conversations that result in a no and yes answer from the customer to determine where they are going right and wrong.Formal MethodsThe use of formal methods such as mathematics to calculate values or estimate future probabilities.Design ThinkingDesign thinking is the application of design to solve problems that aren't traditionally considered design. Design is a process of synthesis that creates what didn't previously exist. For example, a critical thinker may design a set of decision criteria in order to make a decision.Systems ThinkingSystems thinking is the process of considering the broad impact of things. For example, an engineer who is not lost in technical details but can consider complex systems in their designs such as society, culture, human factors, ecosystems, risk and business operations. First PrinciplesUsing foundational principles that you know to be true or that you hold to be true in order to infer new knowledge from them. For example, a designer who uses the principle of least astonishment to make design decisions for a user interface.|
Type | | Definition (1) | Thinking that questions itself. | Definition (2) | A process of thinking that self-corrects errors using evidence and systematic elimination of biases, unstated assumptions, motivated reasoning and fallacies. | Related Concepts | |
Thinking
This is the complete list of articles we have written about thinking.
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An overview of thinking with examples.
The definition of introspection with examples.
The definition of skepticism with examples.
The definition of abstract thinking with examples.
The definition of imagination with examples.
The definition of visual thinking with examples.
The definition of abstract concept with examples.
The definition of realism with examples.
The definition of pragmatism with examples.
Rational thought is often somewhat logical but includes factors such as emotion, imagination, culture, language and social conventions.
The definition of benefit of doubt with examples.
The definition of intrapersonal with examples.
The definition of paradox with examples.
An overview of logical arguments with examples.
The definition of rational choice theory with examples.
The definition of reflective thinking with examples.
The definition of reason with examples.
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