Importance of Critical Thinking

¶ … Individuals and researchers should never underestimate the importance of critical thinking. Critical thinking affects each and every individual's life, as well as society in general, both in the short-term and long run. Examples of decisions involving critical thinking include economic choices, educational decisions, occupational choices, political decisions, religious choices, social choices, etc. What makes critical thinking so invaluable is that decisions made with little or no critical thinking frequently backfire, creating greater difficulties. In order to avoid potential difficulties and unexpected surprises, individuals and organizations must continually engage in critical thinking, adapting their ways as time and other factors dictate.

This paper analyzes and examines the multitude of issues related to the importance of critical thinking. Part II discusses the importance of critical thinking. In Part III, the essential elements of critical thinking are outlined. Part IV reviews tactics individuals use to guide their thinking process. Lastly, this paper concludes with recommendations for improving how individuals utilize critical thinking.

II. IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING

There are many ways to define critical thinking. According to Francis Bacon,

For myself, I found that I was fitted for nothing so well as for the study of Truth; as having a mind nimble and versatile enough to catch the resemblances of things... And at the same time steady enough to fix and distinguish their subtler differences; as being gifted by nature with desire to seek, patience to doubt, fondness to meditate, slowness to assert, readiness to consider, carefulness to dispose and set in order; and as being a man that neither affects what is new nor admires what is old, and that hates every kind of imposture. (Van Gelder).

According to Robert H. Ennis, "Critical thinking, as the term is generally used these days, roughly means reasonable and reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do." (Van Gelder). Dianne Halpern defines critical thinking as "The use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome - in the long run, critical thinkers will have more desirable outcomes than 'noncritical' thinkers (where 'desirable' is defined by the individual, such as making good career choices or wise financial investments)." (Van Gelder). According to Moore and Parker, critical thinking is "the careful, deliberate determination of whether we should accept, reject, or suspend judgment about a claim, and the degree of confidence with which we accept or reject it." (Van Gelder).

Critical thinking is important for numerous reasons. First, in order to select the best course of action among different options available, individuals and organizations need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. By engaging in critical thinking early in the process, individuals and organizations will be less likely to encounter unexpected difficulties and will be more likely to be prepared should trouble arise. Next, critical thinking enables groups and individuals to potentially view situations in new ways, perhaps discovering more efficient and stronger alternatives than those previously considered.

III. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING

There are several essential elements of critical thinking. First, individuals and organizations should identify the issue or problems that needs to be addressed. Next, groups and individuals need to identify and outline all possible courses of action in response to the issue or problem. Third, individuals and organizations must outline and evaluate the various advantages and disadvantages associated with each potential option. Fourth, groups and individuals should weigh the severity and urgency of the issue or problem as well as the costs and benefits of the most desirable course of action.

Fifth, individuals and organizations need to select one to two options and decide how and when to implement such alternatives in view of their needs. Sixth, upon the selection and implementation of the chosen options, groups and individuals must decide whether to alter their chosen alternatives, eliminate their course of action in favor of another, or to devise new solutions. Seventh, individuals and organizations must react to any unanticipated issues or problems that arise out of the implementation of their chosen course of action. Lastly, groups and individuals need to maintain sight of their original goals as well as their long-term goals and how to balance their needs with the available options.

IV. TACTICS INDIVIDUALS USE TO GUIDE THEIR THINKING PROCESS