Some critical thinking strategies
1. Reflection
2. Rationality
- rely on reason rather than emotion
- require evidence, ignore no known evidence, and follow evidence where it leads
- be concerned more with finding the best explanation than being right
- analyse apparent confusion and ask questions.
3. Self-awareness
- weigh the influences of motives and bias
- recognise our own assumptions, prejudices, biases, or point of view.
4. Honesty
- to think critically we must recognise emotional impulses,
selfish motives, disreputable purposes, or other modes of
self-deception.
5. Open-mindedness
- evaluate all reasonable inferences
- consider a variety of possible viewpoints or perspectives
- remain open to alternative interpretations
- accept a new explanation, model, or paradigm
because it explains the evidence better, is simpler, or has fewer
inconsistencies or covers more data
- accept new priorities in response to a reevaluation of the evidence or reassessment of our real interests
- do not reject unpopular views out of hand.
6. Discipline
7. Judgment
- recognise the relevance and/or merit of alternative assumptions and perspectives
- recognise the extent and weight of evidence.
|