Critical thinking is a mental process that is used to analyze and evaluate statements that are considered to be true. This process also includes the tool of definition of specific meaning and the one of summarizing in order to make a judgment.
Nosich defines critical thinking as “reasonably reflective thinking, which is focused on deciding what to do. The thinker asks the question, solves it, then applies the occurred result”.
In other words, it means obtaining information with its following evaluating and reaching a definite conclusion. In general, critical thinking goes far beyond informal logic and involves identification of basis, prejudice, propaganda, distortion, self-deception, misinformation and assessment of belief. Critical thinkers collect information from written or verbal expression, observation, reflection, reasoning and experiences. But they need to follow certain principles, such as: accuracy, clarity, precision, depth, relevance, significance, logic, breadth and fairness.
Misconceptions about critical thinking
“It is wholly a negative process-it tears down ideas and puts nothing in their place (Vs: it is a positive process to put an object in a more realistic perspective) Critical thinking will lead to inability to make commitments to people, ideas, structures. (Vs: these commitments are informed ones.) It seems to involve traumatic change – one is expected to abandon old assumptions continually. (Some beliefs stay the same-they are simply more informed) It is dispassionate and cold. (Vs: it is highly emotive and liberating to be free of past assumptions and the anxiety of self-scrutiny)
Emotions and Critical Thinking
Emotions have projective power over thoughts. Emotions have the capacity to act as a filter to form the desire and, in some degree, rule over our immediate thoughts. When people face new problems, situations or innovatory ideas emotional responses to these issues work as accelerator for the mobilization of their mental resources to face it. In other words, the first reaction to new ideas, situations, or problems is always based on their feelings, emotions and attitudes. Thus, the emotions five base to critical thinking. Critical thinkers, generally, don’t reject or overlook emotions; but they try to control and manage it.
Major Impediments for Critical Thinking
One of the major barriers for critical thinking is torpor. Some other major impediments are religious and spiritual ideas. Informative ciphers also can be the barriers of critical thinking. The missing of any fact from the informative chain can ruin the hole process of thinking something over.
Obesity in United States
The obesity, which tends to be the US up-to-date problem, is sometimes thought provoking. Researchers observe a steady growth of obesity level in United States during the past 20 years. For example, in 1991, the rate of obesity prevailed in almost 50 states of US was less than 20 percent; but in 2005, only four states had the obesity level up to 20 percent, meanwhile 17 states overwhelmed the 25 percent of obesity rate. It is interesting to note that obesity rate increases among adults aged 20 to 74 years; it has increased from 15 percent during 1976-80 to 32 percent in 2003-04. These data is shocking for the American public as its implications have huge impact on American health care system. It needs to be completely revised and special diets and, in some grade, law projects should be elaborated.
Work Cited
EKU brief review of literature (2007) Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, and Communication: A Brief Literature Review of The Most Fundamental and Powerful Concepts. Web.
James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance Messina, Ph.D. (2007) Tools for Coping with Life’s Stressors. Web.