Critical thinking is a complex multifaceted term concerning the ability to perceive ambiguity or to examine one’s own assumptions. One of the concept’s definitions is “the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment” (Doyle, 2022, para. 1). Ryan (2022) proposes a similar explanation, “Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment” (para. 1). Lastly, Patel (2018) provides a more complex definition, “Critical thinking is <…> a way of approaching whatever is presently occupying your mind so that you come to the best possible conclusion” (para. 2). In summary, most authors indicate the significance of effective analysis and decision-making in their explanations, showing the utmost significance of critical thinking in most areas of life.
Clarity, correctness, precision, consistency, relevance, solid evidence, excellent arguments, depth, breadth, and fairness are all qualities that are fundamental to critical thinking and which transcend disciplinary boundaries. Thinking critically involves investigating the underlying structures and components of all valid reasoning. In its ability to adapt to new contexts, problems, and goals, critical thinking belongs to a group of related mental processes. The sciences, mathematics, history, anthropology, economics, ethics, and philosophy are all part of this family of ways of thinking.
Based on the examined definitions and my personal understanding of the concept, I think that it is only possible to define critical thinking through a combination of skill sets that involve some form of knowledge processing. In other words, the explanation should encompass various terms for application, reasoning, and reflection of information. Ultimately, my synthesized definition of critical thinking is the disciplined process of conceptualizing, analyzing, applying, and evaluating knowledge obtained or created by observation, experience, reflection, and reasoning.
References
Doyle, A. (2022). Critical thinking definition, skills, and examples. ThoughtCo. Web.
Patel, D. (2018). 16 characteristics of critical thinkers. Entrepreneur. Web.
Ryan, E. (2022). What is critical thinking? | Definition & examples. Scribbr. Web.