Importance of Critical Thinking

Tap to Read ➤ Maya Pillai

Critical thinking has been practiced for thousand of years.The Socratic Method is one of the earliest critical thinking tool known to us. Critical thinking has been practiced by many great scientists and leaders such as Albert Einstein , Martin Luther King Jr., Galileo and countless others.

What is Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze, reason, evaluate, make a decision and solve a problem by understanding the logical connection between various points is known as critical thinking.

Critical thinking is about questioning ideas, and assumptions instead of being a passive recipient of information.

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact ;everything we see is a perspective, not the truth - Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius

Critical thinkers look at an argument or an idea from an analytical angle and follow a systematic set of rules to solve problems instead of using their instincts or intuition.

In brief, critical thinking is self-disciplined, self-directed, self-monitored as well as self-corrective thinking. Using critical thinking mindfully will enhance effective communication and problem solving skills.

Ability to Analyze Problems without Bias

Critical thinking helps you collect and assess relevant information for a solving a problem. It gives you the ability to interpret the gathered data effectively for drawing a well-reasoned conclusions and solutions.

Ability to Foresee and Predict Future Outcomes

Critical thinkers have the ability to analyze a current issue in an objective and critical way. They use their understanding to establish a logical links between ideas and arguments. Critical thinking skills are used in business, economics, marketing and sales and in countless other fields.

Ability to Solve Critical and Complex Problems

When you are able to analyze problems, solve them systematically rather than by instinct or gut feeling, your thoughts are considered to be valuable. Applying critical thinking will give you answers to complex questions.

Ability to Think Independently

When you apply critical thinking, you are formulating your own opinions and drawing your own conclusions. This is something that is beyond outside influence because its your discipline of analysis and logical connections between your ideas.

Improved Communication

When you evaluate an issue critically, you set aside your emotions and express your thoughts to your colleagues or superiors with a practical view. Applying critical thinking on any issues will enhance your communication skills as your thoughts and ideas are backed by consistent and appropriate data.

Try this Simple Exercise

Think of something that someone recently discussed with you. Now ask yourself the following questions. Who said it? What did he/she say? Did he/she give the complete picture Where did he say it? Was it in public or private?

When did he say it? The timing. Why did he say it? Did he explain the reasoning behind his opinion. How did they say? was it written or spoken. was he happy or sad? This is could be the beginning of applying critical thinking.