10 Elements Of Critical Thinking – And How To Develop Them
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10 Elements Of Critical Thinking – And How To Develop Them
ByEli Amdur,
Former Contributor.
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
Leadership professor, job market journalist-analyst, business advisor.
Jun 13, 2024, 01:58pm EDT
This article is more than 2 years old.
creative idea.Concept of idea and innovation
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My 6/7/24 post here – “Your Three Most Important Career Skills” – focused on the importance – and paucity – of critical thinking, critical listening, and critical reading.
Predictably, it prompted much reader response, mostly asking for elaboration.
Certainly.
What Comprises Critical Thinking
1. Open-mindedness
Malcolm Forbes postulated, “The role of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” Critical thinking needs receptivity to new ideas and perspectives, and willingness to reconsider one’s beliefs or opinions – no matter how fundamental – when new evidence or arguments arise.
2. Curiosity
“I’m not necessarily smarter than anyone else,” explained Albert Einstein. “I’m infinitely more curious.” He had a natural inclination – from early childhood – to ask questions, seek information, and explore various viewpoints. His favorite question: “What if…?”
3. Mental Stamina
Critical thinking is difficult, rigorous, almost always takes time and patience, and can be exhausting. That’s OK, but you should never let a conclusion be the place where you got tired of thinking. Push on.
4. Analysis
Analysis breaks down complex information into smaller parts, to understand its components and how they relate. It’s our left brain at work: linear, logical, methodical, sequential, rational, and objective. It engages in deductive thinking. Computers also do this.
5. Interpretation and Inference
Interpretation makes meaning out of data, relying not just on the brain, but also on experience. It’s our transcendental right brain having fun: creative, intuitive, random, holistic, and playful. It engages in inductive thinking, which today’s computers can’t do, but which A.I. is trying. Through inference, we make sensible deductions based on available information; reach reasonable, workable conclusions; and assess the viability of those conclusions.
6. Evaluation
What’s it worth? To make better decisions, we must accurately assess the credibility, relevance, and significance of information, arguments, and/or evidence.
7. Articulation
“If you can’t explain something to a six-year-old,” declared Albert Einstein, “you probably don’t understand it yourself.” Critical intake and critical output are one and the same.
8. Problem-solving
Both sides of our brains solve problems, just differently. Critical thinking is about the ability to do both with equal aplomb.
9. Self-Accountability and Reflection
Bertrand Russell advised, "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you’ve long taken for granted." In this case – our own thinking processes, biases, and assumptions – “now and then” should mean “always and ever.”
10. Metacognition
Avid self-awareness of one's own thinking processes, cognitive strategies, and sphere of awareness can insure ongoing improvement of critical skills.
Developing Your Critical Thinking
1. Think Creatively
“Curiosity is the key to creativity,” said Akio Morita, founder of Sony. Cultivate your creativity by exploring the unknown and the ambiguous. Welcome different perspectives, alternative solutions, and new thinking. Always be looking for the spark. Listen to the new guy.
2. Ask Questions
Nothing starts until there is a question – or better, multiple questions. Cultivate a curious mindset by asking probing questions. Question assumptions, biases, and implications. Nothing is off the table.
3. Seek Diverse Perspectives
Diversity is much more than demographics. “Diversity,” explained Malcolm Forbes, “is the art of thinking independently together.” Welcome a variety of viewpoints and opinions, especially those different from your own. Engage in active discussions with people who hold different beliefs. Constantly challenge what you know or believe.
4. Evaluate Information
Learn to critically – and objectively – evaluate the credibility, relevance, and reliability of sources of information. Today’s chaotic media circus, further manipulated by special interests, elevates this challenge.
5. Practice Analytical Thinking
As analytical thinking is more orderly than creative thinking, it can be practiced every day. Good idea.
6. Develop Logical Reasoning Skills
Practice deductive and inductive reasoning to draw logical conclusions from what you already have. But remember, logic and creativity are often at odds.
7. Reflect
Things look different in the rear-view mirror, and a day (or more) later.
8. Learn Different Problem-Solving Techniques
Different problems can be solved different ways. Conversely, many problems can be solved many ways.
9. Learn Active Listening
Identify the barriers to active listening – presuppositions, for example – and eliminate them. Fast.
10. Read. Read. Read!
Reading is the most proactive and stimulating way of taking in the world, not by clicking on little blue links, but by real reading: wide, deep, and time-consuming reading, which has a positive effect on thinking. Great leaders are great readers. This we know.
None of this happens in a day, but starting it happens any day.
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