What Is Critical Thinking ------III
Definitions
In a narrow n, critical thinking has been described as “the correct asssing of statements.” It has also been described popularly and narrowly as "thinking about thinking." It has been described in a much more comprehensive n as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, obrvation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action" More recently, critical thinking has been described as "the process of purpoful, lf-regulatory judgment, which us reasoned consideration to evidence, context, conceptualizations, methods, and criteria." Within the critical social theory philosophical frame, critical thinking is commonly understood to involve commitment to the social and political practice of participatory democracy, willingness to imagine or remain open to considering alternative perspectives, willingness to integrate new or revid perspectives into our ways of thinking
and acting, and willingness to foster criticality in others. Within a critical Africentric philosophical frame, it has been described as a philosophical model for thinking and acting guided by traditional African philosophical assumptions for the purpo of furthering African American interests. History and Etymology
The critical thinking philosophical frame traces its roots in analytic philosophy and pragmatist constructivism, as well as the Greek Socratic tradition that dates back over 2,500 years in which probing questions were ud to determine whether claims to knowledge bad on authority could be rationally justified with clarity and logical consistency. The one n of the term critical means crucial or related to core criteria and derives from the ancient Greek kriterion, which means standards; a cond n derives etymologically from kriticos, which means discerning judgment.[8] While John Dewey introduced the term critical thinking to American education in the early 1900s, the critical thinking movement gained momentum in America only in the 1980s.” The movement reprented a pragmatic respon to expectations and demands for the kind of thinking required of the modern workforce.” The critical theory philosophical frame has
its roots to the Frankfurt School of Critical Social Theory that attempted to amend Marxist theory for applicability in 20th century Germany. Critical thinking within this philosophical frame was introduced by Jurgen Habermas in the 1970s, was brought to American adult education theory by Jack Mezirow and Stephen Brookfield in the 1980s. The Africentric philosophical frame has its roots in historical, cultural and philosophical assumptions of African people. Introduction to American adult education of critical thinking within this philosophical frame is credited to Na'lm Akbar.
Critical thinking clarifies goals, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions, and asss conclusions.
"Critical" as ud in the expression "critical thinking" connotes the importance or centrality of the thinking to an issue, question or problem of concern. "Critical" in this context does not mean "disapproval" or "negative." There are many positive and uful us of critical thinking, for example formulating a workable solution to a complex personal problem, deliberating as a group about what cour of action to take, or analyzi
ng the assumptions and the quality of the methods ud in scientifically arriving at a reasonable level of confidence about a given hypothesis. Using strong critical thinking we might evaluate an argument, for example, as worthy of acceptance becau it is valid and bad on true premis. Upon reflection, a speaker may be evaluated as a credible source of knowledge on a given topic.
Critical thinking can occur whenever one judges, decides, or solves a problem; in general, whenever one must figure out what to believe or what to do, and do so in a reasonable and reflective way. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening can all be done critically or uncritically. Critical thinking is crucial to becoming a clo reader and a substantive writer. Expresd most generally, critical thinking is "a way of taking up the problems of life."
"Fluid Intelligence" directly correlates with critical thinking skills. You are able to determine patterns, make connections and solve new problems. When you improve your critical thinking skills you also improve your fluid intelligence which also helps increa yo
ur problem solving skills and deep thinking elements. All of the skills relate to one part of the brain, and the more you u them the easier it will be to put your skill to the test.
Meaning
Critical thinking clarifies goals, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions, and asss conclusions.
"Critical" as ud in the expression "critical thinking" connotes the importance or centrality of the thinking to an issue, question or problem of concern. "Critical" in this context does not mean "disapproval" or "negative." There are many positive and uful us of critical thinking, for example formulating a workable solution to a complex personal problem, deliberating as a group about what cour of action to take, or analyzing the assumptions and the quality of the methods ud in scientifically arriving at a reasonable level of confidence about a given hypothesis. Using strong critical thinking we might evaluate an argument, for example, as worthy of acceptance becau it is valid and bad on true premis. Upon reflection, a speaker may be evaluated as a credible s
ource of knowledge on a given topic.
