Critical thinking is the general term given to a wide range
of cognitive skills and intellectual dispositions need to effectively identify,
analyze, and evaluate arguments and truth claims; to discover and overcome
personal preconceptions and biases; to formulate and present convincing reasons
in support of conclusions; and to make reasonable, intelligent decisions about
what to believe and what to do.
Benefits of Critical
Thinking
1.
Thinking In The Classroom- you use critical
thinking when higher-order thinking is needed. In college there is a lot of
higher-order thinking that occurs.
There are also courses in college
you can take in college to become a better critical thinker. Here are some of
the things you learn in these courses
·
Understanding arguments and beliefs of others
·
Critically evaluating those arguments and
beliefs
·
Developing and defending one’s own
well-supported arguments and beliefs
2.
Critical Thinking In The Workplace- People who
are hiring people for jobs are always looking for people who are critical
thinkers. They are never looking for people who just think. Also a reason why
people want to hire a person with a college degree is because of the things you
learn in the classroom.
·
Understanding arguments and beliefs of others
·
Critically evaluating those arguments and
beliefs
·
Developing and defending one’s own
well-supported arguments and beliefs
3.
Critical Thinking In Life- Critical thinking is
valuable in many contexts outside of the classroom and the workplace. First,
critical thinking can help us avoid making foolish personal decisions. It can
help us avoid mistakes such as buying things we do not need. Second, critical
thinking plays a vital role in promoting democratic processes. Third, critical
thinking is worth studying for its own sake, simply for the personal enrichment
it can bring to our lives. Critical thinking is one of those things that
benefits us in any situation.
