I agree. I teach a critical thinking class and we spend some time discussing the relevance of individual and cultural values in determining "right" or "wrong." Human behavior and social interaction very rarely has a "right" and "wrong" answer. It depends on what value priorities you hold and the way they rank in that given situation. I like to use the example "It is wrong to kill people." Most people agree immediately; then we begin to discuss situational differences (war, self-defense, the death penalty, etc.), cultural differences, etc. and students begin to see where the grey area arises. Yes it is wrong, but is it _always_ wrong? That question needs to be answered individually, because it is based on individual values. I think one element of good critical thinkers is that they can not only dissect information and arrive at a logical conclusion, but that they can admit that their conclusion is not always the _only_ conclusion, and sometimes might not even be the only _right_ conclusion. It could be right for them, but not necessarily right for someone else. They can admit that some problems have more than one relevant, logical answer.
John,
Concise and comprehensive. All three components contribute significantly to Critical Thinking in any circumstance. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe that a critical thinker should be analytical and knowledgeable; as well as open-minded.
Michael,
One of the best uses of Critical Thinking is using it to make proactive decisions - to judge the effects of one's actions, before taking action. - Very true!
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
To me a critical thinker is someone who can look at a problem and ask questions based on that problem. In life people need to think about what problems could arise from their actions, ask themselves is it safe to cross the street now. A critical thinker will stop analyze the situation and go based of past experiences or what was taught in the past.
Ann,
This approach is straightforward and thorough. Very nice. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
A person who investigates the situation/problem from different perspectives, adds the proven facts, and comes up with a logical assessment and/or solution. Being a full-time graphic designer and adjunct professor, I recommend this process and work to incorporate it into my courses.
Dani,
It is, no doubt, a tough exercise. I contend that most of us continue to "work on it." Hang in there.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dani,
This is a good description of the characteristics as a brief overview. However, dissecting the information into secondary/contextual (which is still important) and primary/central is another key. I agree it often develops with maturity and sometimes that is seen as developing with the discipline to focus effort, since critical thinking requires effort and discipline. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This, for me, is the tough part. I am STILL working on it.
I've always had trouble with critical thinking, and that seems to be genetic! I think critical thinking has developed along with maturity, and I always envied the students who "got it" in high school.
The main characteristic of a critical thinker, in my opinion, is someone who is able to dissect information in a timely manner and retain only what is necessary for use in the future.
Juan,
That is a very important point. Often situations are complicated by a great deal of extraneous information. Sometimes it is a great deal of work to filter what is important. Thank you for your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
One important characteristic is the ability NOT to get overwhelmed with irrelevant information or data. The ability to filter what is important is key.
A critical thinker is one who gathers information from all sides of an issue. Then reasons through that information while testing it against fact and finally coming to an independent conclusion.
In one sense, we are living in an imperfect world, right or wrong takes on time, or value taken; Critical thinking is not a pure science matter but also a social taken, the latter could well be on a vary different or opposite value base and level.
Hello Yi,
Yes, one very helpful characteristic is an efficient discernment of fact from fiction. The refinement of this is a life-long pursuit. I'm not sure I understand the intent of your second statement. Please elaborate on your phrase "or absolute needed is dubious." Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I felt that one of outstanding characteristics of critical thinkers is the ability to quickly discern the fallacy from the most credulous details. However, whether the characteristics of critical thinkers will naturally lead to a positive or pleasant outcome, or absolute needed is dubious.
Kim,
This is an excellent "nutshell" description. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
