Critical Thinking

Critical thinking can occur whenever you make a judgement, decision, or solve a problem. It will help you with solving complex problems.

If you are figuring out what to believe or do in a reasonable and reflective way, you are using critical thinking. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening can all be done critically or uncritically.

Using critical thinking means you can make an accurate judgement and create a solution to a problem by thoroughly taking into consideration all the available evidence.

Characteristics of Critical Thinking

Critical thinkers can:

• Recognise problems

• Find workable means for meeting those problems

• Gather relevant information to recognise unstated assumptions and values

• Understand and use language with discrimination,

• Interpret data to appraise evidence and evaluate arguments.

Uses of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is useful because:

• It raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely

• Gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively

• Helps you come to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards

• Enables you to think open-mindedly so you can recognise and assess other people’s assumptions

• Gives you the tools to communicate effectively with others when figuring out solutions to complex problems; without being overly influenced by others’ thinking on the topic.

Why is critical thinking important?

It gives you the ability to analyse, evaluate, explain, and restructure your thinking, so you are less likely to act on a false belief. Critical thinking includes identification of prejudice, bias, propaganda, self-deception, distortion, and misinformation.

This content comes from The University of Essex