Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking

Implementing the hypothesis Implementing the hypothesis and supporting evidenceand supporting evidence

What is Critical Thinking?What is Critical Thinking?

Multiple definitions of critical thinkingMultiple definitions of critical thinking It is:It is:

Self-directedSelf-directed Self-disciplinedSelf-disciplined Self-monitoredSelf-monitored Self-corrective thinkingSelf-corrective thinking

Two Components of Critical Two Components of Critical ThinkingThinking

Critical thinking can be seen as Critical thinking can be seen as having two components:having two components:

1.1. A set of information-and-belief-A set of information-and-belief-generating and processing skillsgenerating and processing skills

2.2. The habit, based on intellectual The habit, based on intellectual commitment, of using those skills to commitment, of using those skills to guide behaviorguide behavior

Elements of ThoughtElements of Thought(Used with Sensitivity to Universal Intellectual (Used with Sensitivity to Universal Intellectual

Standards)Standards) PurposePurpose Questions at issueQuestions at issue InformationInformation Interpretation and InferenceInterpretation and Inference ConceptsConcepts AssumptionsAssumptions Implications and ConsequencesImplications and Consequences Point of ViewPoint of View

Universal Intellectual StandardsUniversal Intellectual Standards ClarityClarity AccuracyAccuracy PrecisionPrecision RelevanceRelevance DepthDepth BreadthBreadth LogicLogic SignificanceSignificance FairnessFairness

Intellectual Traits or VirtuesIntellectual Traits or Virtues

Intellectual integrityIntellectual integrity Intellectual humilityIntellectual humility Confidence in reasonConfidence in reason Intellectual perseveranceIntellectual perseverance Fair-mindednessFair-mindedness Intellectual courageIntellectual courage Intellectual empathyIntellectual empathy Intellectual autonomyIntellectual autonomy

How Critical Thinking Relates to the How Critical Thinking Relates to the Scientific MethodScientific Method

Critical thinking can be described as Critical thinking can be described as the scientific method applied by the scientific method applied by ordinary people to the ordinary ordinary people to the ordinary world.world.

Critical thinking involves the same Critical thinking involves the same elements as the scientific method.elements as the scientific method.

ReferencesReferences Foundation for Critical Thinking. Foundation for Critical Thinking. The Miniature The Miniature

Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools.Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. 2007.2007.

Foundation for Critical Thinking. “Defining Critical Foundation for Critical Thinking. “Defining Critical Thinking”. Thinking”. http://http://www.criticalthinking.orgwww.criticalthinking.org. 2008. . 2008. 19 June 2008.19 June 2008.

Schafersman, Steven D. “An Introduction to Schafersman, Steven D. “An Introduction to Critical Thinking.” Critical Thinking.” http://freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.htmlhttp://freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.html. 1991. . 1991. 23 June 2008. 23 June 2008.

Houghton Mifflin College. “Critical Thinking.” Houghton Mifflin College. “Critical Thinking.” http://college.hmco.com/instructors/ins_teachtechhttp://college.hmco.com/instructors/ins_teachtech_foundations_module_critthink.html_foundations_module_critthink.html. 26 June 2008.. 26 June 2008.