In our first discussion on critical thinking, we established that there are some serious flaws in our patterns of thinking. We even supported the idea that much of our non-assessed thinking is biased, partial and prejudiced. Consider some of the ramifications of this reality. Remember that our thinking affects every aspect of our life including our personal relationships, level of success at work, and even how we view the world, others and even ourselves.
Note on the bottom of the page titled, Why Critical Thinking? in the Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking that a higher level of thinking (i.e., critical thinking) is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective. In other words, each of us individually becomes ultimately responsible for how we think! We cannot and should not allow others to do our thinking for us. In addition, we should often critique our thinking and try to improve it (some of the ways we can do this are detailed in the bullets under the Result section).
I believe critical thinking is not necessarily an easy thing to do. Indeed, it can be very trying and difficult. For example, how comfortable are we admitting that we are potentially wrong in our ideas and beliefs about self, others, or the worlds issues? Most of us not only want to believe we are right, we actually believe we are right without question!
Lets skip ahead a few pages in the Miniature guide to critical thinking by going to the page titled, The problem of egocentric thinking. As before, please thoughtfully and thoroughly read this page and provide us your thoughts and feelings. Before responding in a forum posting, consider if any of the Its true because statements have or currently apply to YOU and your thinking? If so, why? Also, what if anything will you do about it from this point forward?
