Critical thinking is an ability to analyze and evaluate claims and arguments in order to make a reasonable conclusion or decision. Critical thinking encourages taking arguments apart, analyzing the parts (premises), and evaluating whether a given proposition or a conclusion follows from its reasoning. Thinking critically means asking questions, requesting clarifications if needed, examining evidence or any information we receive, and finding the best possible conclusion. It is often referred as a scientific method of thinking because such actions are the basis of the scientific method (“Critical Thinking & the Scientific Method,” n.d.). Moreover, critical thinking is an essential part of scientific progress.
In today’s world, the amount of information available to us is enormous. It is no longer acceptable to just passively accept information that is given to us. It is very important to be able to analyze and evaluate this information before accepting it. Being able to think logically and solve issues systematically is very valuable in professional settings as well as when dealing with everyday responsibilities, questions, and issues.
It would be wrong to assume that a Rottweiler dog does not require a training and is a gentle and friendly breed, based on a neighbor Rottweiler that appears to be gentle and friendly. When considering getting a dog, it is important to think critically, analyze, and evaluate information about its breed. It would be wrong to conclude that all Rottweilers are gentle and friendly based on the neighbor’s dog. Such fallacy is called Hasty Generalization. If we do not think critically, we can fall for such generalization. Without thinking critically, the person can end up with a strong-willed and a potentially aggressive dog if it is not trained and socialized properly.
References:
Critical Thinking & the Scientific Method (n.d.). PSY 201. Lumen Scholar Institute. Retrieved from https://lumen.instructure.com/courses/170090/pages/critical-thinking-and-the-scientific-method
Anya Kozhemyakov 