BCSM 212

Page 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking

Thinking: Action of using one's mind to produce thoughts; involves generating and manipulating thoughts and ideas.
- Human mental activity, includes various activities like counting and dreaming.

Contemplation: Thinking to obtain knowledge (theoretical thinking).
Deliberation: Thinking to make decisions or effect specific outcomes (practical thinking).

Defined as thinking that interrogates information to evaluate its truthfulness and justification.
A higher quality of thinking aimed at deeper understanding, empowering learners to think independently.
Derives from Greek word kritikos, meaning "able to judge or discern".

Robert Ennis (1987): Reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do.
Michael Scriven & Richard Paul (1987, 2004): Intellectually disciplined process of evaluating information as a guide to belief and action.
John Dewey (1910): Active, persistent consideration of any belief in light of supporting grounds.
Edward Glaser (1941): Involves thoughtful consideration, knowledge of logical inquiry methods, and skill in applying them.
Matthew Lipman (1991): Responsible thinking that relies on criteria for good judgment.
Peter Facione (1990): Purposeful, self-regulatory judgment leading to explanation and evaluation.
Diane Halpern (1998): Use of cognitive skills or strategies to achieve successful outcomes.

Domain-general thinking skill valuable in any career.
Essential in the new knowledge economy, demanding quick and effective intellectual skills.
Enhances language and presentation skills, making expression clearer.
Promotes creativity by evaluating new ideas and selecting the best ones.
Crucial for self-reflection and justifying personal values and decisions.
Essential for science and democracy, requiring critical reasoning and informed governance.
A metacognitive skill requires self-awareness in reasoning and decision-making.

Creative Thinking: Formation of new solutions or ideas, innovation.
- Demonstrated by:
  - Inventing something new or new processes.
  - Developing new perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Testing and evaluating proposed solutions.
- High-quality critical thinking is grounded in fairness and intellectual integrity, promotes higher-order reasoning.

Clarity: Aim for clear language and thought.
Precision: Importance of precision in various fields and daily life.
Accuracy: Valuing true and accurate information for sound decision-making.
Consistency: Avoid holding inconsistent beliefs to uphold the integrity of thinking.
Logical Correctness: Reasoning accurately from well-supported beliefs.
Completeness: Preference for thorough thinking over superficial thinking.
Fairness: Open-mindedness and impartiality in reasoning.

Intellectual Humility: Understanding the limits of one's knowledge and being open to differing views.
Intellectual Courage: Facing challenging beliefs and ideas openly.
Intellectual Empathy: Understanding others' perspectives without bias.
Intellectual Perseverance: Commitment to rational principles despite challenges.

Employers value problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication skills, which critical thinking entails.

-Common Barriers:

Lack of background information, poor skills, biases, egocentrism, socio-centrism, peer pressure, and close-mindedness.

Viewing reality from a self-centered perspective, leading to self-interested thinking and self-serving bias.

Group-centered thinking that distorts rationality through group bias and conformism.

Drive for clarity and accuracy, sensitivity to biases, understanding complex arguments, intellectual honesty, and independence.

The effort put into critical thinking effects the outcomes—may result in improved habits and thinking skills for life.