Notes from Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
According to Dr. Richard Paul, an internationally recognized authority on critical thinking:
“Critical thinking is that mode of thinking about any subject, content, or problem – in which the
thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the elements of
thought and imposing intellectual standards upon them.”
The Problem
Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased,
distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudices. Yet the quality of our life and that of
what we produce, make, or build depend precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy
thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be
systematically cultivate.
The Result
A well-cultivated critical thinker:
Raises vital questions and problem formulating them clearly and precisely.
Gathers and assesses relevant information using abstract ideas to interpret it.
Effectively, comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against
relevant criteria and standards.
Thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing,
as need be their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
Communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.
Critical thinking is, in short: self-direct, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective
thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of
their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities and a commitment to
overcome our native egocentrism and socio-centrism.
Importance of Raising A Question Today
Raising questions was the pedagogy of Socrates.
Questions were used as a key learning tool.
Questions also were the most important teaching tool.
Critical Thinking
According to Dr. Richard Paul, an internationally recognized authority on critical thinking:
“Critical thinking is that mode of thinking about any subject, content, or problem – in which the
thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the elements of
thought and imposing intellectual standards upon them.”
The Problem
Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased,
distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudices. Yet the quality of our life and that of
what we produce, make, or build depend precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy
thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be
systematically cultivate.
The Result
A well-cultivated critical thinker:
Raises vital questions and problem formulating them clearly and precisely.
Gathers and assesses relevant information using abstract ideas to interpret it.
Effectively, comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against
relevant criteria and standards.
Thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing,
as need be their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
Communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.
Critical thinking is, in short: self-direct, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective
thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of
their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities and a commitment to
overcome our native egocentrism and socio-centrism.
Importance of Raising A Question Today
Raising questions was the pedagogy of Socrates.
Questions were used as a key learning tool.
Questions also were the most important teaching tool.
