Critical thinking is an essential ability that helps people investigate the environment, find information, and make decisions. Not all people have this skill, which denotes that individuals are encouraged to develop it to succeed in daily and professional spheres. People need input data to apply their critical thinking, and individuals obtain this information through perception. The five senses help people perceive the world, while critical thinking determines whether these perceptions are adequate.
One should admit that all five senses significantly affect how individuals perceive the environment. Turgay and Sarıberberoğlu (2022) admit that taste, hearing, eyesight, smell, and touch are primary means that help infants learn information about the world, its phenomena, and objects. While a person becomes older, they accumulate specific knowledge based on previous experiences obtained with the help of their senses. This information is important for life since it allows individuals to make appropriate decisions and, for example, avoid danger. For instance, when a child touches fire, they develop a vivid image that will prevent them from doing the same in the future.
The scenario above is an example of critical thinking that is essential for individuals. According to Bezanilla et al. (2019), oral or written reflection and reading and synthesis of sources are the most effective strategies for teaching and learning the skill under analysis. Thus, it is evident that hearing and eyesight are directly connected with acquiring critical thinking competence. The other three senses are also significant because they allow individuals to accumulate experience that will help them analyze situations and make correct decisions.
Consequently, the essay has commented on perception and critical thinking. There is no doubt that all five senses are critical to perception because people from early childhood rely on them to study the world. Based on these senses, individuals gain knowledge and experience, which allows them to engage in critical thinking. This phenomenon is beneficial because it helps people analyze information, find mistakes, and make decisions. Consequently, no one can deny the importance of perception for critical thinking.
References
Bezanilla, M. J., Fernández-Nogueira, D., Poblete, M., & Galindo-Domínguez, H. (2019). Methodologies for teaching-learning critical thinking in higher education: The teacher’s view.Thinking Skills and Creativity, 33, 100584.
Turgay, Z. T., & Sarıberberoğlu, M. T. (2022). The Role of the senses in children’s perception of space.ICONARP International Journal of Architecture and Planning, 10(1), 70-96.