An Introduction to Critical Thinking

Everyday each of us can face hundreds of problems. We have problems at home, problems at work and problems everywhere in between. Because of the potential amount of problems that one can face in a day it is very important that we learn how to deal with problems and difficult situations. We have various ways that problems can be dealt with. At work we can ask a coworker or supervisor, or maybe consult a policy manual. A home we may ask our significant other for help. In instances where assistance is available we are usually able to cope with the situation. People may run into trouble, however, when they must face a difficult situation on their own. How can we make the best decisions in difficult times? Using critical thinking techniques based on your principles and personal knowledge can lead you to making the best possible decision.

According to CriticalThinking.org, "Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action." I like to think of critical thinking as a process of unbiased, disciplined thinking that can help you develop the most correct rationale to work your way through a problem. I have refined my critical thinking process to five steps.

For an example of a situation requiring critical thinking, the brakes stopped working on my car. My first step in solving this problem would be actually defining the problem. This should be done without bias and with clarity. I would note to what extent did the brakes on my car not work. Do the brakes provide any stopping power to the car or do the brakes provide absolutely no stopping power to the car?

Once the problem has been correctly identified the second step in my critical thinking process would be to evaluate factors that may be contributing to the problem. In the case of my car's brakes I would then examine my car in an attempt to find what may be causing my brake problems. This step would also require some personal knowledge about a car's braking system. I would examine the car's brake fluid level, brake lines, brake pad wear, and brake master cylinder. At this point it might also be helpful to do some research, if time permits, to make sure you have properly examined the car's brake system. When I examined my car's brake system I immediately noticed that there was no brake fluid in the system and that there was brake fluid leaking from a brake line. This also brought up another problem of why the brake line began to leak in the first place. I also discover that a clip that holds a break line had broken, allowing the brake line to fall into a pulley on the car, which put a hole into the break line. The problem with the clip is now an additional reason why my car's braking system failed.

Now that all problems with my braking system have been identified, my third step would be to plan a course of corrective action to fix the problems that I identified. In the example with my car's brake I would have to replace the broken brake clip, replace the leaking brake line, fill the brake system with brake fluid, and then bleed the brake system. The fourth step is to execute the plan developed in step three. In step four I physically performed the corrective actions previously listed. The final step would be to review the execution of the plan. The review is also to determine whether the original problem or problems have been solved. The review of the problem with my car's brake system consisted of test driving the car to see if the brakes worked properly and an inspection of the brake lines for leaks and the brake fluid levels to ensure that proper levels were maintained. If the plan was executed properly and the original problems have been solved then you have effectively dealt with your problem. If the problems were not solved then my entire critical thinking process begins again at step one.

As we go throughout our daily lives we must know how to deal and cope with our problems and how to make decisions. Developing and refining critical thinking skills and personal knowledge is one of the best ways to help confront everyday situations. Mind Tool, Ltd. states, "Critical thinking is the discipline of rigorously and skillfully using information, experience, observation and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions and beliefs" (Mind Tools Ltd). I challenge people to research and develop their own critical thinking skills to help them evaluate everyday situations.

Sources:

CriticalThinking.org. Dillion Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2008. 19 Oct. 2008.

Mind Tools Ltd. London: Mind Tools Ltd, 2008. 19 Oct. 2008.