9A Thinking Critically

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.