Digital Library: Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking allows you to make better decisions. It consists of mental processes of the ability to judge well, analysis and evaluation. It includes possible processes of reflecting in order to form a solid judgment that reconciles evidence with common sense. Critical thinking clearly involves synthesis, evaluation, and reconstruction of thinking, in addition to analysis. Critical thinkers gather information from all senses, verbal and/or written expressions, reflection, observation, experience and reasoning. Critical thinking has its basis in intellectual criteria that go beyond subject-matter divisions and which include: clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance and fairness.

Thinking critically does not mean being blind we accept all the knowledge gained, but that we know how to evaluate them properly. Is something true or good just because most believe it to be true or good? Critical thinking is the search for a deeper truth. The critical thinker asks, “Is that true?” Critical thinking is the search for deeper reasons for certain actions. It refers to one of the basic lifelong competencies - learning to think.

Critical thinking and learning is one of the most important activities in adulthood. During this period, critical thinking is connected with our whole life, with the whole the spectrum of different areas in which we demonstrate critical thinking with originality, intransigence and the ability to find new alternatives.

We often associate or confuse critical thinking with logical, creative, or lateral thinking. However, the process of critical thinking is different from those listed shape. It contains many components, including mental and emotional, which, for example, significantly separates it from logical thinking.

Above all, the purpose of critical thinking is important in this: we are trying to see that our thinking, acting or behaving so far (or thinking and behaving others) is not necessarily the only correct or even the most appropriate. Through critical judgment, we discover new alternatives, from which we then choose the most appropriate option for us, depending on the goals we want to achieve.

In general, we can talk about two types of thinking:

•  convergent and
• divergent thinking.

Convergent thinking is characterized by the verticality of thinking, the item of which is integrity and goal-orientation, usually from several options to the only correct solution.

Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is equated with creative thinking, which is characterized by flexibility and a multitude of ideas in a short period of time. Such thinking is lateral or horizontal, which could be said to be a conscious, deliberate trigger of intuitive thinking.

How do we find out that this is critical thinking? What processes are taking place then?

l. Critical thinking is a productive and positive activity

When we think critically, we perceive different behaviors, values, social structures, and other forms of occurrence, while being aware that other people are also convinced of the correctness of their actions and thinking.

2. Critical thinking is a process, not a result

Critical thinking is a constant questioning of predictions; we always doubt, even about whether we have reached the highest level of critical thinking.

3. The occurrence of critical thinking depends on the circumstances in which it takes place

Critical thinking emerges primarily as thinking (expressed in writing or speaking) or as concrete action that has different outcomes in the environment.

4. Critical thinking can be triggered by positive and negative events

The prevailing view is often that critical thinking is the result of traumatic or tragic events we experience, and in doing so we question the correctness of our previous thinking. It is true that such events are more often a cause for reflection, but it is precisely the development of critical thinking that allows us to reduce the number of such cases.

However, critical thinking is also triggered by pleasant events, during which we also wonder about the appropriateness of our previous performances.

5. Critical thinking is emotional and rational

Although critical thinking can be understood as a strictly rational process, emotions are actually essential in it. Namely, we often start solving problems differently when something happens that makes us sad, angry, and we feel resentment, joy, resentment and the like.

The process of critical thinking always takes place through stages, stages that lead the individual to the end result - a change in behavior, thinking or some other decision.

The stages of critical thinking can be called differently, but they are mostly the same activities. Stephan Brookfield named them as follows:

 

Characteristics of critical thinkers

- they are independent

- they trust in themselves and in their thinking

- they are future-oriented

- often use alternative approaches to experimentation

- they look at the problem from different angles

- they are interested in different areas

- reject established ways of solving problems

- have developed lateral thinking

Critical thinking is important in all areas of our lives. It gives us new perspectives on already known phenomena, raises doubts about generally accepted truths and opens new paths for us. Based on this, we can say that in today's age of rapid change, it is especially important on issues of socio-political aspect.

Significance in Times of Crisis (e.g. pandemic)

By thinking critically – examining all sides of an issue, event or circumstances, reflecting on past experiences, and listening to what client (user) or other group members have to say – you could arrive at a breakthrough that moves your personal development forward in new and exciting ways. Critical thinking is a necessary important  personality skill in volunteering in the times of crisis.