1.2.1: Critical Thinking
- Page ID
- 261360
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Critical thinking is one of those things that most people are in favor of – especially in colleges and universities. But people in different fields and traditions have varying definitions, and it is not obvious that all are in favor of the same thing. How should we decide on a definition?
The American Association of Colleges and Universities came up with a definition of critical thinking that we will use as a starting place:
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“Critical Thinking is a habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas and artifacts before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion” (AAC&U, 2017)
Here are a few things to notice about this definition as we begin exploring this topic:
- Critical thinking is characterized as a habit of mind. This book will introduce you to some component skills of this habit. Your routine and daily decisions will determine whether you develop (or deepen) the habit, or not.
- Readers of this book are likely to vary with respect to critical thinking habits. Some readers will already have strong critical thinking skills. For them, our discussion about critical thinking will offer ways to think about and double-check their current habits. Others will begin reading believing they are already critical thinkers — already skilled in the habits of thoughtfulness — but will be exposed to vocabulary and ideas that challenge that pre-existing belief.
- The basic value judgment involved in critical thinking, as this field has grown out of the European philosophical tradition, is this: when issues are important, reflective opinions are more valuable than opinions of the moment. When an issue is important, it is worthwhile to have the skills available to think deeply and well. Those are the skills we will be focusing on in this book.
Sources
AAC&U. (2017). VALUE rubrics - critical thinking. AAC&U.
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