What should critical thought be?

[Upchurch]

I don't think that I have a good definition readily available and it seems that there is some confusion toward what critical thought is.

I think critical thought should be dispassionate, objective, open-minded, and methodical evaluation of given premises to form a conclusion. Further, in order to be performed properly, I think the reasoning involved in reaching the conclusion should be included in the presentation of the conclusion that potential flaws in the reasoning can be brought to light by others.

Ultimately, the goal of critical thought should be to find the right answer, not to prove an answer right.

 

[Gestahl]

Some more thoughts...

I would agree with most of your sentiments, but I would like to add to, Upchurch. Critical thinking is important, but a crucial part of it is the data you have to work with when you are thinking. As preparation for critical thought, one should be constantly learning new ideas, and thinking critically about how those new ideas conflict with/support/modify older information. Thinking critically is an ongoing process in how you absorb information, not necessarily just the forming conclusions from premises. The difference between great thinkers and the masses is not so much due to the thought processes behind it, but to the quality of information they process. A lot has to be said about information gathering, as critical thought shapes what you read, and what you read shapes your thoughts...

/brain twisted...

 

[csense]

I think critical thought should be dispassionate, objective, open-minded.....

Well, that certainly disqualifies the vast majority of this forum...

 

[Upchurch]

Re: Re: What should critical thought be?

Well, that certainly disqualifies the vast majority of this forum...

Dispassionate is a hard one. Everyone slips from time to time. The goal should be to recover, apologise for any mistakes made in the head of debate, and move on. Same goes for objective and open-minded. They're all something to strive for. Sometimes it is a hard thing to let go of preconceived notions.

I disagree that it disqualifies the vast majority of this forum, at least, all the time. Like I said, it's an ideal. Pobody's Nerfect. I think this board does a fairly good job most of the time.

edited for spelling

 

[Iacchus]

I don't think that I have a good definition readily available and it seems that there is some confusion toward what critical thought is.

I think critical thought should be dispassionate, objective, open-minded, and methodical evaluation of given premises to form a conclusion. Further, in order to be performed properly, I think the reasoning involved in reaching the conclusion should be included in the presentation of the conclusion that potential flaws in the reasoning can be brought to light by others.

Ultimately, the goal of critical thought should be to find the right answer, not to prove an answer right.

Lighten up dude!

 

[Upchurch]

Re: Re: What should critical thought be?

Lighten up dude!

uh, okay. While I wasn't being jockular, I wasn't being angry serious either. It was just an honest question/assertion.

 

[hgc]

In the spirit of frivolous Friday...

Critical thought is: "Look at that silly woman wearing white shoes, what with Memorial Day still three days away."

 

[RandFan]

Ultimately, the goal of critical thought should be to find the right answer, not to prove an answer right.

Not as it applies to politics .

All kidding asside I think you are right as to the approach and the goal. It is not always easy though. Humans are emotional creatures with egos.

 

[Upchurch]

Re: Re: What should critical thought be?

Not as it applies to politics .

Well, in politics, the other Golden Rule applies.

It is not always easy though. Humans are emotional creatures with egos.

Too true, but we also have self-control and oversized frontal lobes to help balance our emotions and egos.

 

[COCT]

There's an excellent PDF document called "Critical Thinking: What it is and why it counts" available here:

http://www.insightassessment.com/pdf_files/what&why98.pdf

COCT

 

[Kopji]

From COCT's linked article:

The approaches to life and living in
general which characterize critical thinking
include:

* inquisitiveness with regard to a wide range of
issues,
* concern to become and remain well-informed,
* alertness to opportunities to use critical thinking,
* trust in the processes of reasoned inquiry,
* self-confidence in one's own abilities to reason,
* open-mindedness regarding divergent world views,
* flexibility in considering alternatives and opinions
* understanding of the opinions of other people,
* fair-mindedness in appraising reasoning,
* honesty in facing one's own biases, prejudices,
stereotypes, or egocentric tendencies,
* prudence in suspending, making or altering
judgments,
* willingness to reconsider and revise views where
honest reflection suggests that change is
warranted.