Studying the inherent structure of questioning has molded me into a more critical thinker. Since the reasoning of every problem requires at least one question to emerge, it is my goal to learn how to ask the right question. Questioning has become a useful element of my thought process. By allowing my beliefs to be questioned, I also allowed my mind to be opened to new possibilities and accepted the complexities of a problem to be solved. Previously, I had a remarkably narrow agenda in my thought process; however, I’m growing to a more open-minded process of thinking as I develop questions of which will focus and lead the direction of my thoughts. I’ve also learned to be aware of the point of view from which I’m viewing the problem, and to look at different point of views for the problem.
Because critical thinking involves solving a problem or answering a question rationally and reasonably, it is important to understand the importance of taking a point of view fair to everyone. The first challenge, for me, is to recognize the point of view I have initially taken, and to step back and consider the different view points for the situation. Only then, am I able to address the same question from different point of views and essentially I will often come to different conclusions. For example, as a wife, I view the same situation differently than I do as a mother.
Egocentric Thinking
Egocentric and selfish thinking is a huge obstacle toward critical thinking because it limits one’s ability to be open-minded; it creates tunnel vision; and it confines ones thoughts to a selfish purpose. The egocentric mind limit’s one’s ability to be open minded by making the assumption that there is only one way which is black and white. The egocentric thinker cannot see a grey area, and believes his/her view is the only view that is correct.
Egocentric thinking creates tunnel vision and often proves to be the pitfall of progress. When one becomes overcome with the task of convincing people to agree with what he/she believes, one quickly looses focus on the task at hand and becomes restricted to making a point rather than finding a solution or a way to move forward. This tunnel vision causes the person to ignore or disregard significant information.
Egocentrically thinking restricts a person’s point of view to a self centered and self serving line of thinking. This often causes the person to be negative and counterproductive. People who develop the “my way or the highway” way of thinking, are far better off on the highway than with a team trying to make progress.
Essential Intellectual Traits
I feel that fair mindedness is the most important intellectual trait one needs to be able to think about a situation in an unbiased way. If one can be fair-minded and make an attempt to relate to the other point of views relevant to that situation, one will truly be able to think critically. By putting aside all biases and prejudices, a fair minded thinker will use humility, autonomy, and integrity in discussions and decisions because they will truly understand where the other parties are coming from in their thoughts, feelings, and arguments.
Intellectual Standards
When writing a paper, reading a paper, and especially when seeking information on the internet it is essential to use certain intellectual standards to avoid using wrong information. In this age of technology, we have a great wealth of information to choose from; however, it is often difficult to determine the credibility of the source of that information. We also have access to a world of ecommerce and can literally purchase anything from anywhere in the world to have shipped to our door. Critical thinking could be contrasted with smart shopping. Those who shop on the web are able to read feedback and ratings for online companies, search for the lowest prices, and note which websites offer the best policies. It is very important for one to determine the source of his/her information as well as any biases, prejudices, and point of views the author may have when thinking critically as well.
Determining the accuracy of information is sometimes difficult but completely necessary. Inaccurate information can be extremely dangerous; one might say, “That’s how rumors get started.” It’s very important to state accurate information that is backed by credible documentation, rather than opinions stated as facts.
Many times, articles are written without precision which can be a dangerous thing. When an article is vague and nonspecific, it lacks precision; therefore, it may not be credible. The depth of an article is also a very important standard to consider because it shows the difficulties and complexities associated with the problem. An article with precision, depth, and accuracy will be a useful tool for the reader; however, without even one of the three standards, the article may seem useless.
TRUE – It is not easy to become a good critical thinker. It takes practice and constant willingness to re-think and re-evaluate one’s position or thought.
