Different Approaches to Critical Thinking

Different approaches to critical thinking

As we look into critical thinking and start to explore the different meaning and

approaches to critical thinking we realize that there are many different approaches and meaning

for critical thinking ranging from thinking about it is merely a thought process to viewing it more

dramatically and in detail . even though there is defiantly a right and a wrong definition to

critical thinking but within that realm there are many interpretations.

One view of critical thinking is that it is " The ability to engage in reasoned discourse

with intellectual standards such as clarity, accuracy, precision, and logic, and to use analytic

skills with a fundamental value orientation that emphasizes intellectual humanity, intellectual

integrity, and fair mindedness" ( Professor. Dowden, 2002). This is the view of critical thinking

that I support because in order think critically about a given subject there has to be some form of

reasoning in that process of thinking critically. Clarity also play a tremendous role in the thought

process to get a basis of what you are thinking about or trying to figure out. Clarity also helps

one came up with not only logical but precise derision. This of course is based on a solid

foundation of values and the ability to sometimes think outside the box.

One approach is that " Critical thinking is the process of thinking clearly, With accuracy

and precision; of thinking carefully, with logic and depth; and of thinking open-minded, by

examining points of view and acknowledging assumptions and biases within a given viewpoint."

Introduction to Critical Thinking. This approach to critical thinking though similar and in my

own words mean to get to the bottom of the story before assumptions or decisions are made

when applying critical thinking. This definition adds the Intellectual standard of depth which

critical in some situations in which the process of research or investigation has to be thorough to

come up with a balanced decision similar to police and investigative work. The result of their

critical thinking has to be Clear, accurate, precise, and logical.

The last approach to critical thinking is that" Critical thinking is about using processes to

evaluate and select information in order to improve one's judgment and make better decisions." (

Colonel Charles D. Allen and Colonel Stephen J Gerras, 2009, November to December). This is

a kind of loose interpretation of critical thinking but at times such as in the heat of battle or when

making