What is CT

What is Critical Thinking?

Historical Background

  • John Dewey (1859 – 1952)

    • American philosopher, psychologist, educator

    • Regarded as the 'father' of modern critical thinking tradition

    • Defined reflective thinking (1910):

      • ‘Active, persistent, and careful consideration of a belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds which support it and the further conclusions to which it tends.’

Key Definitions of Critical Thinking

  • Edward Glaser (1911 – 1993)

    • First to use the term 'critical thinking'

    • Definition (1941):

      • ‘An attitude being disposed to consider problems thoughtfully; knowledge of logical enquiry methods; skills in applying those methods.’

  • Recent Definitions:

    • Ennis (1987):

      • Reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding beliefs or actions.

    • Paul (1993):

      • Art of thinking about your thinking to improve it.

    • Bensley (1998):

      • Reflective thinking evaluating evidence to draw sound conclusions.

    • Halpern (2003):

      • Purposeful, reasoned, goal-directed thinking for problem-solving.

Comprehensive Definitions

  • Dwyer (2011):

    • Metacognitive process for reflective judgment composed of sub-skills leading to logical solutions or valid conclusions.

  • Facione (1990):

    • Delphi Report:

      • Purposeful, self-regulatory judgment involving interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and explanation of considerations for that judgment.

  • Consensus on Core Skills (Delphi Panel):

    • 95% agreed on core skills: Analysis, Inference, Evaluation, Explanation, Self-Regulation.

Core Critical Thinking Skills (From the Delphi Report)

  1. Analysis:

    • Ability to connect relationships of ideas and clarify intended meanings.

  2. Evaluation:

    • Assess propositions for credibility, relevance, and logical strength; gauge argument strength or weakness.

  3. Inference:

    • Identification of evidence, alternatives, and conclusions; ability to understand necessary elements to draw firm conclusions or hypotheses.

    • Example: A sales manager determining causes of declining sales figures.

  4. Explanation:

    • State and justify conclusions based on reasoning and evidence; present convincing arguments.

  5. Self-Regulation:

    • Self-examination and correction of cognitive activities; critical self-monitoring of reasoning and results.

Importance of Critical Thinking Skills

  • Essential in academic, social, and interpersonal contexts for effective decision-making and problem-solving (Ku, 2009).

  • Example:

    • Students engaging in debates and discussions become informed and active citizens (Andolina et al., 2003; Barton & McCully, 2007).

Reflection Exercise

  • Identify instances where the six skills from the Delphi Report were used to critically analyze a problem and develop a solution.