Critical Thinking

Worth Weller

A definition…

• Critical thinking is about discovering and applying meaning

• to what you see,

• hear, • and read.

How it’s done…Critical thinking involves,

among other things, actively looking at an issue, examining what you have

already experienced about the issue,

and comparing and contrasting that to what other authentic sources have researched and said about this issue.

Characteristics of critical thinkers…

• Critical thinkers are flexible – they can tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty

Characteristics of critical thinkers…

• Critical thinkers identify inherent biases and assumptions

Characteristics of critical thinkers…

• Critical thinkers maintain an air of skepticism

Characteristics of critical thinkers…

• Critical thinkers separate facts from opinions

Characteristics of critical thinkers…

• Critical thinkers don’t oversimplify

Characteristics of critical thinkers…

• Critical thinkers examine available evidence before drawing conclusions

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers…

• They accept change• They remain open to the need

for adjustment and adaptation throughout the inquiry cycle

• They are willing to examine even their most deeply held values and beliefs, and to modify these beliefs when evidence and experience contradict them.

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers…

• They empathize.

• They appreciate and try to understand others' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers…

• They welcome divergent views.

• Critical thinkers value examining issues from every angle.

• They know that it is especially important to explore and understand positions with which they disagree.