Introduction: Why does critical thinking matter?
During the first week of class each semester, I
ask, “Have you heard of critical thinking?”
In response, nearly every hand goes up.
Next, I ask, “Have any of your professors
used the term ‘critical thinking’ in classes?”
Most hands go up. Finally, I ask students to
write their own definition of critical thinking in
their notes without looking up anything on
the Internet, and I call on individuals to read
their definitions. Most or all are at a loss to say anything specific.
My point is that the term “critical thinking” is often used but seldom defined, and it becomes a “buzz word” like terms such as “green,” "natural," and “ethically sourced.” Yet, critical thinking skills are essential for any participant in our society, and the importance of critical thinking is magnified by the fact that it is essential to the practice of ethical behavior. (For discussion of this symbiotic relationship, see The Thinker’s Guide to Ethical Reasoning: Based on Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, by Richard Paul and Linda Elder.) Therefore, I am writing this essay to provide ground for conversations about it. I will begin with an introductory definition and discuss several essential characteristics and practices of critical thinkers.
Defining critical thinking
Recently, a friend asked me “What is critical thinking?”, and I responded with a brief statement about its characteristics while acknowledging that I cannot give a succinct, universally-recognized definition. Upon reflection, I decided that it would be helpful to respond to her question in an essay. As background for my perspective, I have read a several books and taken a weeklong workshop about critical thinking with Dr. Richard Paul, founder of the of the Center and Foundation for Critical Thinking.
During the first week of class each semester, I
ask, “Have you heard of critical thinking?”
In response, nearly every hand goes up.
Next, I ask, “Have any of your professors
used the term ‘critical thinking’ in classes?”
Most hands go up. Finally, I ask students to
write their own definition of critical thinking in
their notes without looking up anything on
the Internet, and I call on individuals to read
their definitions. Most or all are at a loss to say anything specific.
My point is that the term “critical thinking” is often used but seldom defined, and it becomes a “buzz word” like terms such as “green,” "natural," and “ethically sourced.” Yet, critical thinking skills are essential for any participant in our society, and the importance of critical thinking is magnified by the fact that it is essential to the practice of ethical behavior. (For discussion of this symbiotic relationship, see The Thinker’s Guide to Ethical Reasoning: Based on Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, by Richard Paul and Linda Elder.) Therefore, I am writing this essay to provide ground for conversations about it. I will begin with an introductory definition and discuss several essential characteristics and practices of critical thinkers.
Defining critical thinking
Recently, a friend asked me “What is critical thinking?”, and I responded with a brief statement about its characteristics while acknowledging that I cannot give a succinct, universally-recognized definition. Upon reflection, I decided that it would be helpful to respond to her question in an essay. As background for my perspective, I have read a several books and taken a weeklong workshop about critical thinking with Dr. Richard Paul, founder of the of the Center and Foundation for Critical Thinking.
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