Critical thinking Important – Critical thinking is a necessary skill that is emphasized in life, whether in study or work. In a group, individuals with these skills often have outstanding opinions and are highly appreciated. So do you really understand what critical thinking is? How to properly criticize science? Find out with Good Deeds right in this article!
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What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is a rich concept and has been developed over the years. However, up to now there is still no common and unified definition to explain clearly. Most definitions explaining critical thinking emphasize the importance of clarity and sound reasoning.
Critical thinking, also known as Critical Thinking, simply refers to the ability to think clearly and have correct arguments to defend certain beliefs, opinions or viewpoints. To be able to criticize scientifically and rationally, we need to apply many different skills, including the ability to use independent thinking and reflective thinking.
Characteristics of critical thinking
To understand it in the simplest way, critical thinking is a process that includes steps such as analysis and evaluation. Based on the information received, you will ask questions and question the hypothesis of the initial problem. People with this mindset are often able to:
- Understand the logical coherence between perspectives
- Identify, develop, and evaluate arguments
- Find common inconsistencies and errors in reasoning
- Solve problems systematically
- Identify the relevance and importance of ideas
- Consider the reasoning and correctness of other people’s opinions and beliefs
A person with a good memory and a lot of knowledge does not necessarily mean that person can argue well. In addition to accumulating information, good critical thinkers must also be able to deduce consequences from what they know and use information to solve problems. At the same time, also look for relevant information sources to increase your understanding of that issue.
Many people confuse criticism with arguing or criticizing others. Both are quite similar in nature, but critical thinking skills can be used to expose shortcomings and mistakes in arguments. This skill plays an important role in creating correct and constructive arguments rather than arguing and criticizing others. It can also be said that critical thinking helps promote individuals’ thinking processes, improving each person’s abilities. Besides, it also helps us acquire new knowledge, increase the level of understanding of known theories, thereby strengthening our reasoning style, helping to improve the efficiency of handling work and solving problems. .
Why is critical thinking Important?
In life, whether in study or work, critical thinking is gradually considered essential. People with this mindset are often able to work independently or in groups very effectively. When working independently, you will tend not to rely on other people’s opinions, but you will observe and give your own personal opinions. Thanks to that, you gain confidence and the ability to learn from mistakes, thereby bringing high efficiency at work.
Stimulates the spirit of learning
People with the ability to think critically will constantly learn new things in life. They are always curious, eager to discover things they do not know by asking a series of why questions, and criticism will also stimulate them to find answers.
Ability to make quick and accurate decisions
Sometimes in life you have to make thousands of big and small decisions yourself. There are difficult decisions that force you to make choices. At this time, critical thinking will be based on your own experience to help you think more independently and wisely, thereby making decisions easier.
Form convincing arguments
When arguing or persuading someone, counterargument will allow you to create a convincing argument based on factual evidence. It allows you to present an objective perspective through multiple perspectives. And arguments that only express opinions without evidence are often dismissed.
An example of critical thinking
After learning about the concept and meaning of critical thinking , let’s look at the example below to understand better!
For example:
Two friends A and B talk to each other. Friend A says 1+1=2, friend B says 1+1=3, then in this conversation, this is not critical thinking.
Friend A said: “This month, B has not completed the assigned tasks well.” Friend C said: “B is a new employee, but he is very exemplary and tries to complete the job well even though he does not have much experience, so his working speed may not be fast. It can be verified by the results and products that B produces.” This is called critical thinking because Mr. C speaks based on real arguments and evidence.
Critical thinking skills
It can be seen that critical thinking includes extremely important small skills. These skills connect and support each other to help you improve and give direction to think more intelligently. Let’s find out how to practice these small skills!
Observation skills
The starting point for critical thinking is observation skills. Usually observant people will sense and identify problems more quickly. When they have observation skills, they also have the ability to answer where the problem is and why. They can even predict when problems may occur based on their own experience.
You can practice and improve your observation skills by slowing down your information processing speed and paying more attention to your surroundings. Listen more, think more carefully about things and events. Then, select useful data and information that can help you solve the problem.
Analytical skills
After you have identified the problem, the next skill you need to have and cultivate is analytical skills. This is quite an important ability. This skill also includes gathering research, asking questions to ensure accuracy, and evaluating objectively.
To improve your analytical skills, you can do it by acquiring new experiences and knowledge. For example, you can read a book about a concept you don’t know about, pushing yourself to think in new ways and come up with novel ideas. It also helps you build your skills in interpreting information and making sound decisions.
Reasoning skills
A skill that involves drawing conclusions about the information you receive is the skill of inference. You must have technical or industry-specific knowledge or experience. When you make an inference, you are developing an answer based on limited information.
You can improve your ability to reason by focusing on making educated guesses rather than jumping to conclusions without any information.
Communication skills
When criticizing, analyzing, and explaining an issue, communication skills are indispensable. This skill not only helps you in discussions but also makes it easier for you to convince customers or partners.
You can improve your communication skills based on critical thinking by participating in debates such as in situations where you and the other participant have different views. In addition, you should also maintain communication habits such as listening and respecting the other person. If you want to present an opposing opinion, explain your point in a calm, reasonable manner.
Problem-solving skills
Finally, once you have identified and analyzed a problem, you will develop your solution. Critical thinking will help you implement the best solution and consider its effectiveness.
Solving the problem will become easier if you have all the relevant information. Therefore, to improve this skill, you need to set clear and reasonable goals.
Through learning information about critical thinking , we can see that this is a great and equally important skill for self-improvement, contributing to creating turning points in life and career. Not everyone has the same ability to criticize, nor the same ability to criticize. Therefore, find a suitable style and practice this ability over time.