I would define critical thinking as using reasoning to make judgments that are both
logical and well-thought out.With critical thinking, one does not simply accept any
argument or conclusion but rather questions them. Some characteristics of a critical
thinker are inquisitiveness about a wide range of topics, concern to always be well-
informed, attentive for chances to use critical thinking, confidence in one’s ability to
reason, and open-mindedness about views which differ from one’s own.Some
common barriers to critical thinking include being self-centered, group thinking,
social conditioning, bias or prejudice, pressure from others, and stubbornness. I think
that the simplest way for people to overcome such obstacles to critical thinking is to
strive to remain open-minded. Basically, if we think for ourselves without regard to
the expectations of others we are more likely to practice critical thinking.However,
by keeping an open mind, we must also entertain the thoughts and opinions of
others. I think that the thing that struck me the most this week is that I am already a
critical thinker, at least part of the time. Critical thinking is not an exercise that is
reserved for philosophy or math problems, but rather it can be successfully used in
normal daily life.
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