Critical Thinking

What I think critical thinking is...

Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, empathically. They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking when left unchecked. They strive to diminish the power of their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies. They use the intellectual tools that critical thinking offers – concepts and principles that enable them to analyze, assess, and improve thinking. They work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, intellectual sense of justice and confidence in reason. They realize that no matter how skilled they are as thinkers, they can always improve their reasoning abilities and they will at times fall prey to mistakes in reasoning, human irrationality, prejudices, biases, distortions, uncritically accepted social rules and taboos, self-interest, and vested interest. They strive to improve the world in whatever ways they can and contribute to a more rational, civilized society. At the same time, they recognize the complexities often inherent in doing so. They avoid thinking simplistically about complicated issues and strive to appropriately consider the rights and needs of relevant others. They recognize the complexities in developing as thinkers, and commit themselves to life-long practice toward self-improvement. They embody the Socratic principle: The unexamined life is not worth living, because they realize that many unexamined lives together result in an uncritical, unjust, dangerous world.

 

I think the most important part of critical thinking it not to be bias and to not let emotions interfere with rational thought. Very few people from my observation have the ability to make decisions without calculating how they'll be viewed for their decision. Judgments should be made based off evidence not based on how we feel.

 

I didn't disagree with you, I don't even know your explanation. I asked because I was curious.

 

Taxation would only be remotely voluntary if there was: a livable place on earth where one could live without any form of taxation, and everybody had the resources to get there.

 

There is no where on this earth you can live without being taxed I believe correct me if I'm wrong. So taxation is never voluntary.

I believe critical thinking is a way to re-evaluate your thoughts within your thoughts. To help gain a better understanding of the situation at hand helping you make a more rational and clearer thought.

I grew up in the USA education system and believe it or not I never heard them discuss what critical thinking actually was.

 

Somalia?

 

well shit okay then lol but i doubt it's a good place to be

edit: tyro said it