- raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
- gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively;
- comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
- thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
- communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.
Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored and self-corrective thinking. It requires rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.
Critical
thinking is a desire to seek, patience to doubt, fondness to meditate, slowness
to assert, readiness to consider, carefulness to dispose and set in order; and
hatred for every kind of imposture.
Francis
Bacon (1605)
Source:
Richard Paul and Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools. The Foundation for Critical Thinking. UC-Berkeley, July 23-26, 2007. www.criticalthinking.org.
