Philosophical Reflection - is a more profound examination of the underlying meaning or causes of problems regarding human existence

Elements of Critical Thinking

• Understanding - having a proper and clear understanding of a particular situation

  Has three elements:

  • context - it may be social, political, religious, economic, or scientific. an issue or a subject matter therefore must be understood and interpreted according to its context.

  • knowing the opposite views - to philosophize and think critically is also to know the opposing views or the contrary ideas

  • knowing the whole subject matter - one must have a comprehensive understanding of the whole range of ideas, opinions, and views involved in the discussion of the subject matter.

• Thinking by and for oneself - it is with the use of one’s power or the ability to think or reason out

• Thinking Proactively - means that one has to think in advance and anticipate certain consequences of his/her actions

• Being Open Minded - open to the ideas and opinions of others

• Considering Different Perspectives - one considers different possibilities and perspectives

• Questioning and Challenging Beliefs - to question constructively is simply to ask for clarification, a reconfirmatio,n or an old interpretation that has been accepted or believed in