What Is Critical Thinking?

In this article, I'd like to delve into a topic of immense significance—one that individuals should begin mastering early in their education: critical thinking. We've likely encountered the term "critical thinking" before, along with related concepts like problem-solving, time management, and self-improvement. Often, we quickly dismiss these ideas, believing they don't apply to us. Yet, we fail to realize that incorporating critical thinking into our daily lives can yield profound benefits. This skill is not a mere option; it's an essential tool for individuals, teams, companies, and societies to effectively navigate the complexities of our current world.

Allow me to share a personal anecdote about one of my high school peers back in Iran—let's call him Ali for privacy reasons. Ali possessed a remarkable kindness, making him a delightful friend to converse and spend time with. He exhibited a warm and courteous demeanor, often openly expressing his thoughts. His interactions were marked by a refreshing honesty and directness. Unfortunately, in our conservative society, such authenticity occasionally led to teasing. In an environment where conformity was prized, Ali's outspokenness and unconventional viewpoints made him a target.

Beyond his sincerity, Ali demonstrated a creative mind, frequently posing unconventional queries to our teachers. Some questions bordered on the nonsensical, while others left instructors grappling for coherent responses. Often met with defensive retorts, Ali's inquiries challenged the norm. As a current teacher myself, I appreciate the complexities of engaging with creatively inclined students. I must stress that, in my view, Ali never aimed to appear superior or provoke our educators. His curiosity was apparent, a natural inclination to perceive the world from diverse angles.

Our school was renowned in the city, fostering an intense academic environment. We dedicated ourselves to studying diligently after school, committing vast amounts of information to memory—formulas, definitions, demonstrations, names—spanning subjects from math and history to physics and geography, not to mention literature and language studies. The daily routine revolved around reading and memorization.

This traditional educational approach demanded adherence and perfection, with grades hinging on precise regurgitation. However, Ali's proficiency in memorization lagged. He gravitated toward crafting his unique solutions and approaches during exams. Understandably, his struggles were evident within this framework, and by the school's standards, he wasn't regarded as a high-achieving student. His grades typically ranged from average to below-average, and he didn't garner the label of a 'bright' student.

Reflecting on Ali nearly two decades later, what stands out is his innate inclination to view everything from distinct perspectives. This attribute, sadly undervalued within Iran's educational structure, has proved a widespread phenomenon across the globe. Having taught in Italy and interacted with numerous international students, I'm inclined to believe this is a shared experience.

Definition

Critical thinking, as defined, is the capacity to thoroughly analyze information and formulate judgments.

Upon closer examination, critical thinking is fundamentally about discerning what influences your decision-making for the better. If you contemplate this deeply, you'll realize that from the moment you awaken to your daily commute, interactions with loved ones, book choices, Netflix preferences, and bedtime rituals, you are constantly making choices, both minor and significant. The fact of the matter is that we often have immense faith in our brain's innate abilities, often disregarding the possibility of glaring errors that could lead us astray. Have you ever pondered why you suddenly started consuming a bottle of soda daily, harbored initial mistrust for your foreign neighbor, pursued a job unrelated to your life goals, settled in your current city, spent time with specific friends, or adopted trekking as your favored weekend pursuit?

While the prevailing perception suggests these preferences are innate, reconsidering reveals that they are outcomes of past decisions shaping our present identities. In essence, altering decisions in the past would entirely transform who you are today.

I share this insight to underscore the enormous impact the decision-making process holds over the quality of our future lives. It's undoubtedly worthwhile to invest time in comprehending how to refine and nurture this process, ensuring increased confidence when confronting dilemmas.

Redefining the Problem

Before embarking on any decision-making journey, it's imperative to delve into whether we are tackling the right question. Few things are as detrimental as ascending a summit that was never meant for us. While I acknowledge that life inevitably carries traces of regret, the gravest misstep is dedicating a lifetime to a peak not aligned with your calling.

It astonishes me when individuals opt for work they loathe or partners with whom they share no common ground, yet show little inclination to transform their circumstances. Whether knowingly or subconsciously, they often begin with the wrong question. For instance, they might focus solely on making money without contemplating the how. For these individuals, the question centers on generating income to meet basic needs, cover bills, and facilitate annual vacations. Consequently, they settle for a secure job that aligns with their immediate needs. The ensuing consequence is a monotonous 9-to-5 routine devoid of personal relevance.

What if they were to awaken and shift their query from "How can I make money?" to "How can I secure a challenging role that fosters personal growth, while ensuring financial stability?" I firmly believe those who pose the latter question pave the way for an enriched life over the long run. Though the initial economic challenges might be daunting, aligning with the right question empowers them to realize their dream job eventually. Opting for the right vocation not only spares them agony but infuses every day with the joy of sharing beauty and passion with the universe.

More Evidence is Better

Now that we have established a clear perspective on the challenge at hand, it's time to amass robust evidence in order to arrive at the optimal solution. Consider the analogy of solving a math problem. As you've learned in school, you identify hypotheses that have previously been proven—essentially, accepted as facts. This approach is particularly evident in mathematics, where established theorems serve as a foundation. Your task is to select the most relevant theorems to guide you toward the final solution. Consequently, you methodically draw conclusions to reach the ultimate answer.

However, real-life predicaments are often more intricate, and discerning which information holds truth can be trickier. Let's take a moment to delve into this concept and explore how one can gain a clearer perception of genuine evidence before formulating conclusions.

Imagine you're residing in Milan, Italy, and it's a Friday. You're planning a weekend birthday party and pondering whether to invite Clara. Consider these two scenarios:

1. Clara is currently in Boston, rendering her unable to attend the party.

2. Clara is exceedingly introverted, thus unlikely to partake in social gatherings.

Both scenarios yield the same outcome—Clara won't be present at the party. However, what differentiates them? In the first case, the impossibility of Clara's physical presence in Milan within hours makes her absence certain. The second case, though, introduces a potential twist. While Clara's track record indicates a preference for avoiding social events, it's conceivable that recent therapy sessions could have bolstered her confidence to participate. This is only a possibility, yet it underscores that she remains a potential attendee.

This simple example underscores the contrast between deductive and inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning yields definitive outcomes based on established premises. On the other hand, inductive reasoning, while offering a high likelihood of accuracy, accounts for the possibility of opposing outcomes.

Critical thinking encompasses two primary objectives: first, distinguishing between deductive and inductive propositions; second, amassing a wealth of valuable evidence to cultivate a comprehensive view of potential conclusions.

For instance, if a colleague fails to return to work after a two-week vacation, it doesn't necessarily imply a disregard for responsibilities; perhaps they are hospitalized due to a severe car accident.

In essence, critical thinkers exercise patience. They await sufficient evidence before drawing conclusions and refrain from hasty judgments. Instead, they allow their decision-making process to explore alternative scenarios. Reflect upon this transformation—this minor adjustment significantly minimizes conflicts and unnecessary disputes.

Seek Others' Opinions

A practical strategy for enhancing your application of critical thinking in daily life involves soliciting opinions from others on particular matters. Personally, I've often been astonished by the transformative impact of gaining two or three additional perspectives on a problem. I recall a time when I faced financial struggles and sought ways to augment my income. Consulting a couple of friends led to a remarkable suggestion: reading Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad." This recommendation provided invaluable insights into economic freedom and the avenues to attain it. Candidly, it was the first time someone had recommended a book as a solution, and it profoundly shifted my mindset. Subsequently, gifting books on various occasions became a cherished practice in my life.

Of course, not all opinions are equally valuable, but the act of broadening your outlook with diverse perspectives can be immensely beneficial. It's a cost-free endeavor, and people are often eager to share their thoughts, making you more endearing to them. It's worth noting that while we've emphasized the importance of useful evidence, amassing evidence isn't the sole focus—evaluating their effectiveness is equally vital. In fact, at times, flawed evidence can lead to erroneous conclusions.

Conclusion

Regrettably, critical thinking is a skill sorely absent from contemporary education systems. The emerging generation increasingly gravitates towards seeking prefabricated solutions, revealing a gradual erosion of diligence. This trend finds resonance in a world dominated by platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where influencers portray a glossed-over facade of perpetual happiness. Yet, the crux isn't merely happiness itself; it's the intricate path to its attainment. 

Authentic success emanates from a narrative laden with peaks and valleys, a story worth sharing. An odyssey bereft of struggles holds minimal allure. Consequently, we must instill in the youth the courage to diverge from the norm, fostering creativity and proactive engagement.

For me, critical thinking isn't an abstract or monotonous concept to grasp. Rather, it serves as an invaluable toolkit, capable of transforming challenges into captivating opportunities. It imbues me with strength to confront life's complexities. Picture this: arising early, gazing into the mirror, and inquiring, "What novel challenge awaits?" Whenever I've harnessed the power of this problem-solving toolbox during tough junctures, the outcome has been a profound joy in acquiring fresh knowledge. I've embarked on a journey of growth, sculpting a more resilient version of myself.

Let us anchor critical thinking as an integral facet of our decision-making process, yielding superior outcomes. Perhaps, set aside half a day, armed with paper and pen, to reevaluate the pivotal life quandaries we face today. Remember, creativity holds the potential to usher in transformative change!

I'm Amin Sediqi, and I extend my gratitude for reading this article.

Note: I employed ChatGPT to enhance the quality of this article by correcting its grammar.