6.14 : Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves reflective and productive thinking and the evaluation of evidence. Critical thinkers seek to understand the deeper meaning of ideas, question assumptions, and make independent decisions about what to believe or do. Scientists, for instance, are often critical thinkers. Critical thinking also requires humility about what we know and don't know and the motivation to look beyond the obvious. It is essential for effective problem-solving.

Colleges and universities are increasingly emphasizing critical thinking. However, in elementary and high schools, high-stakes testing often leads teachers to focus on getting students to provide the correct answers ("teaching to the test") rather than encouraging new ideas. This environment promotes superficial rote learning and can discourage critical thinking. Many people naturally prefer to stay on the surface of problems, which requires less effort rather than stretching their minds.

Mindfulness involves being alert and mentally present in everyday activities. A mindful person actively observes and responds thoughtfully to their environment. According to Ellen Langer, mindfulness is crucial for critical thinking.

Open-mindedness involves being receptive to different perspectives. People often fail to realize that there are other sides to an issue or evidence that contradict their beliefs. Simply being aware of and open to other viewpoints can prevent premature conclusions. Socrates emphasized that recognizing what you do not know is the first step toward wisdom.

Being mindful and open-minded can be challenging because it requires moving beyond automatic behaviors. However, critical thinking is valuable because it enables better predictions, demands objective evaluations of situations, and demands appropriate changes. Engaging in critical thinking involves risk, as it may challenge our assumptions, but it also presents opportunities for positive change. Ultimately, critical thinking requires courage, as it often involves confronting uncomfortable truths.