Defining Critical Thinking – A Concise and Practical Perspective
To my understanding, critical thinking revolves around posing inquiries, particularly those pertinent to assessing the meaning and importance of assertions and debates. It facilitates the examination of evidence, the appraisal of arguments, and the flexibility to adjust one’s perspective in various contexts. Critical thinking entails stepping back from a scenario to gain a comprehensive perspective before forming a conclusion or choice. This process involves identifying key points, scrutinizing information sources, considering diverse evidence akin to a judge in a courtroom, and then synthesizing it with an independent viewpoint. It’s not solely about pinpointing flaws in others’ ideas but emphasizes creativity, reflection, and adaptability. It involves scrutinizing evidence to independently determine the accuracy, relevance, or adequacy of data for decision-making.
The authors view chapters 12, 13, and 14 as the “heart of the matter” because it is here that they get to the core or essence of critical thinking. By using these phrases, I think they mean to imply that these chapters cover various topics to help one understand the fundamental aspects of critical thinking. The first is how analogies and pattern recognition are powerful cognitive tools that shape our thinking and influence our perceptions in various ways, for instance, cognitive efficiency, whereby analogies help us understand complex concepts by relating them to familiar ideas. They streamline cognitive processes by simplifying information processing. When we encounter a new situation, we often rely on analogies to quickly make sense of it based on our prior knowledge and experiences. The second aspect is ideological reasoning can indeed reinforce prejudices and preconceptions, leading to unwarranted metaphysical and moral certitude. When individuals or groups adhere rigidly to a particular ideology, they often interpret new information or events through the lens of that ideology, filtering out contradictory evidence and reinforcing existing beliefs. This can lead to polarization, dogmatism, and conflict as differing ideologies clash and compete for dominance. Thirdly, these chapters also cover how the human endeavor to understand the universe is characterized by the interplay of hypotheses, evidence, and the recognition of our inherent fallibility. Science, with its iterative process of hypothesis testing and evidence evaluation, allows us to gradually approach a more accurate understanding of the complexities of the universe. However, it also necessitates humility, acknowledging that absolute certainty is elusive and that our current understanding is subject to revision based on new evidence and insights.
Further, the two concepts emphasized in these chapters are inference and explanation accordingly. Inference refers to the process of drawing logical conclusions or making educated guesses based on available evidence, reasoning, and prior knowledge (Facione & Gittens, 2016). Notably, inferences can be deductive, where conclusions logically follow from premises, or inductive, where conclusions are generalized from specific instances. Explanation involves providing reasons or justifications for why something is the way it is or why something happened (Facione & Gittens, 2016). Explanation involves breaking down complex concepts or processes into simpler components and elucidating their relationships. Done effectively, explanations help enhance understanding by providing insights into the underlying logic or rationale behind a phenomenon or observation. I think the authors find these two concepts crucial for critical thinking because they are foundational to the process of reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding.
What I see to be my greatest challenge for this class is how to eliminate confirmation bias so that I can think critically. I can use the concept of truth-seeking to meet the challenge of confirmation bias as it involves possessing intellectual integrity and a brave commitment to actively pursue the most accurate knowledge available in any circumstance. A truth-seeker poses probing inquiries and pursues reasoning and evidence regardless of where they may lead, even if it challenges their deeply held convictions. A second concept I can use against my confirmation bias is open-mindedness, which entails being receptive to diverse perspectives and acknowledging the potential for personal biases. An open-minded individual respects others’ rights to hold differing opinions.
References
Facione, P. A., Gittens, C. A. (2016). Think Critically. United Kingdom: Pearson
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Question 
The journal is an essential assignment that is meant to sum up the conclusions you come to after having reflected on the readings in the text, the online lecture, discussion posts, including your own and those of your peers, and any outside material you consult. You will probably find that you do as much or more thinking than you do writing in responding to the journal prompts – and that is perfectly okay. In general, the weekly journal should meet the noted length requirement – not including the space needed for the prompts.
Defining Critical Thinking – A Concise and Practical Perspective
You may feel the need to write out longer reflections – and that is also okay. If you do feel the need for longer reflections, then, once you have written them out, try to edit them, reducing them to their essence.
Part of this course is a process – training ourselves to think critically. Part of it is learning to understand how we think and why we think or believe what we think or believe. While the journal prompts will occasionally address the process, it will more often ask you to reflect on the hows and whys of what you know and believe – or what you think you know and believe.
Instructions
For this journal assignment, briefly answer each of the following prompts:
Critical Thinking
After reading the required resources for this week and participating in the discussion, how do you define critical thinking? You will want to carry this definition with you, so keep it brief – perhaps 4 to 6 lines. You will find many definitions online – don’t be tempted to just quickly copy one; try to form your own so that it is meaningful to you.
Heart of the Matter
Considering just what you read in Chapter 2.3 “Looking Ahead” why do you think the authors see Chapters 12, 13, and 14 as the “heart of the matter”?
What do you think they mean by that?
What two concepts do the authors say these chapters emphasize?
How do you define these concepts?
Why do you think the authors find these concepts important to critical thinking?
Challenges & Insights
What do you see as your greatest challenge for this session in general? For this class in particular?
How do you think you can use the concepts in these first three chapters to help you meet these challenges as well as challenges in your personal life as a member of your family and your community?
If you include references to outside sources (beyond the textbook), make sure you cite them properly.