Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a path to intellectual adventure.

• Why am I considering this issue?
• What are various points of view on this issue?
• Define terms.
• Look for assertions.
• Look for at least three viewpoints
• Practice tolerance
• How well is each point of view supported.
• Look for logic and evidence.
• Consider the source.
• Understand before criticizing
• Watch for hot spots.
• Be willing to be uncertain.
• What if I could combine various points of view or create a new one?
• Create a critical thinking "spreadsheet."
• Write about it.
• Accept your changing perspectives.

Critical Thinkers share the following attitudes:

• Truth-seeking: "Let us follow this idea and see where it leads, even if we feel uncomfortable with what we find out."
• Open-minded
• Analytical
• Systematic
• Self-confident
• Inquisitive
• Mature

For more handy implements, see Becoming a Critical Thinker by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero.