Generally, we can say that thinking is both spontaneous as well as controlled mental activity. If the thinking is purposeful or intentional, we call such mental exercise as controlled. But, if the mental exercise loses control, it becomes automatic or spontaneous act like day dreaming. Critical thinking is an example of controlled thinking. So, unravel the difference between thinking and critical thinking processes.
How do we understand thinking process?
It may be automatic or controlled. If it is natural, uncontrolled, or routine based, we can call this mental exercise as “Thinking”. Simple and basic thinking involves generating, general ideas, beliefs and opinions relating to any topic. It may be just day dreaming without conscious motive. In short, much superficial mental activity compared to other deliberate one.
What does critical thinking mean?
Unlike natural thinking, critical thinking is a systematic, controlled, intentional, and goal oriented conscious mental exercise. It involves analysis, synthesis and evaluation of given information to guide actions or beliefs.
In other words, it is a specific type of thinking by which one could make correct judgement of things he observe in the world he interact. If learners gain such thinking skills, they can’t be one way receiver of dead facts, or information. Instead, they become used to:
- To raise counter questions,
- Able to interpret properly,
- Can analyse systematically,
- Do better application,
- Can evaluate effectively,
- And, make proper judgement at the end.
What should be done to become critical thinker?
If you want to become a critical thinker, you should consider following prerequisites:
- You should be impartial,
- Objectivity is highly essential while dealing with information,
- You need to question assumptions before accepting,
- Emphasizes on root cause analysis,
- Consider multiple viewpoints and perspectives,
- Accept opposing viewpoints (intellectual flexibility)
- Master reasoning skills ( deductive and inductive reasoning)
- Open mindedness and curious attitude,
- Fluent communication skills,
- And, you should have well crafted thought process (metacognition)
Importance of critical thinking skills
Really, critical thinking skills are much essential for learners to analyze and evaluate information, allowing them to make informed decisions. In short, critical thinking is a way to judge world as it is without bias and partiality.
- To conduct research,
- Develop argument,
- Cultivate curiosity and root cause analysis,
- Design better thought process,
- Decision making and solving complex problems,
- Academic success,
- Leadership development, etc.
Finally, it is much easier to conclude that thinking and critical thinking are different in terms of depth and purpose. Thinking is more superficial and automatic. Whereas, critical thinking is more deeper, conscious purposeful mental exercise.