critical thinking

What is thinking?
Thinking is purposeful, organised process that we use to make sense of the world.
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Types of thinking?
There are 2 types of thinking:
1. Creative thinking:
Right brain
Random, Intuitive, Holistic, Synthesizing, Subjective, Looks at wholes
2. Critical thinking
Left brain
Logical, Sequential, Rational, Analytical, Objective, Looks at parts
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What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is general term given to a wide range of cognitive and intellectual skills needed to:
-Effectively identify, analyze and evaluate arguments.
-Discover and overcome personal prejudices and biases.
-Formulate and present convincing reasons in support of
conclusions.
-Make reasonable, intelligent decisions about what to
believe and what to do.
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Critical Thinking Standards?
Universal intellectual standards are standards which must be applied to thinking. To think critically requires having command of these standards
- CLARITY
Clarity is the gateway standard. If a statement is unclear, we cannot
determine whether it is accurate or relevant. In fact, we cannot tell
anything about it because we don't yet know what it is saying.
- ACCURACY
A statement can be clear but not accurate
- PRECISION
A statement can be both clear and accurate, but not precise.
- RELEVANCE
A statement can be clear, accurate and precise, but not relevant to the question at issue.
- DEPTH
A statement can be clear, accurate, precise and relevant, but superficial.
- BREADTH
A line of reasoning may be clear, accurate, precise, relevant and deep, but still ignore another side of the argument.
- LOGIC
When the combination of thoughts are mutually supporting and make sense in combination, the thinking is "logical."
- FAIRNESS
We do not naturally consider the rights and needs of others on the same plane with their own rights and needs, but to be a good thinker you should apply “Fairness” in your thinking.
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Benefits of Critical Thinking
- Helps us avoid making foolish decision.
- Helps us become a good citizen capable of making good
decisions on important social, political and economic
issues.
- Helps us in developing good thinking skill capable of
examining our own assumptions and dogmas.