Critical Thinking: Warrior Mind Podcast #450

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In this episode of the Warrior Mind Podcast I’m going to discuss the importance of critical thinking, when to use it and how it helps with your personal success.

The Importance of Critical Thinking Important

Critical thinking is not just a concept. It is a real-life technique which one can build successful and dependable problem-solving skills. It refers to being able to think clearly and derive solutions basing on the understanding of the logical connections between ideas. Since the time of early philosophers, the likes of Plato and Socrates, this module has been eliciting strong views and opinions. And even now, people are still debating about it especially when it comes to the ability to distinguish between fake and credible news.

When a person is able to think reflectively, and independently then he or she is said to be a critical thinker. Critical thinking requires one to rationally and clearly analyze the logical ideas and connections before making a decision. This way, a person does not just receive and accept information given to them, but instead sifts through the contents and learns something. A critical thinker will question ideas and assumptions before accepting them right away. Often, the ideas to do not represent a clear picture. That is why critical thinkers will, first of all, analyze the ideas to see if there are any loopholes.

Qualities of a Critical Thinker

Rational thinkers are self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored and self-corrective individuals who use their thinking to solve problems systematically rather than rely on their intuition or instincts. They possess qualities such as:

• Ability to notice an argument, build it and defend it to what is right according to the logistics
• Ability to connect concepts between ideas
• Solve problems in a systematic and reliable manner
• Pinpoint errors and inconsistency in the flow of ideas
• Flexible to consider alternatives and opinions
• Willing to reconsider and change their views in cases where change is wanted
• Zeal to become and remain well informed

Critical thinking will require one to think deeper and rationally to give the best problem-solving solutions possible. It requires one to be inquisitive about the information provided to them and separate facts from fictions, to come up with the best judgment for the wide range of issues.

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With rational thinking, one thinks about a particular topic at a specific time. It is not something that you can learn just once and apply to all problems. Every situation is unique, and as a critical thinker, you should approach it in a manner that will give the best solution for it.

Important Skills for Critical Thinking

There are many skills which are useful for critical thinking. The main ones are analysis, observation, reflection, interpretation, explanation, and evaluation as well as problem-solving and excellent decision-making skills. For one to qualify as a critical thinker he or she needs to be able to;

• Be and remain objective throughout his/her thinking
• Analyze an issue intensively to discover the different arguments that it presents
• Pinpoint strengths as well as weaknesses of a particular statement or argument
• Evaluate a theory or ideas and determine how valid or invalid it is
• Recognize any implications in a report or a case

The Process Involved in Critical Thinking

When it comes to critical thinking one does not just make decisions out of the blues. It is a process that takes time analyzing the issue and evaluating the consequences it may have before giving judgment. But even when someone is a critical thinker, it does not mean that they will think critically all the time. Some issues, particularly those involving emotions, such as anger, grief or joy may force one to make an irrational decision.

But the good news is that since our logical thinking is dependent on our current mindset, we can improve our abilities to think clearly by developing some certain practices and applying them to all the problems we face. Improving your rational thinking skills takes time, persistence and practice. But once you have the understanding of the critical thinking theory, then with time, you can better yourself. Here is an exercise you should try, to help you think critically and give the best problem-solving approach.

Start by thinking of something that someone told you recently. Then from it, find out the following:

1. Who told you?

Was it someone you know? What was your relationship with them? And is it important for you to know them?

2. What information did they tell you?

What were the contents of the message? What topics did they touch on and were they crucial?

3. Where was that person telling you the information?

Was it a private or a public gathering? And did people have the chance to react or provide an alternative opinion?

4. What was the timing of the information?

Which day or month did they tell you the issue? Find out if it was before, during or after an important event. And also determine if the timing was correct and if it was important.

5. What led them to say the information?

Determine why they said that information and what their reasoning was. Was it to correct or to praise? Was the message to warn?

6. How did they say it?

Were they calm, angry, sarcastic? Did they write it or speak it? Did you comprehend what they said?

7. What are you hoping to achieve?

It is essential that you determine what your goals are at the end of critical thinking as they will help you make the correct decision. Clarifying the aim is a good starting point towards solving the problem. And if need be, you can share with your family, friends or workmates about your objectives. You must then remain focused towards your mission until the end of the decision-making process.

But, there are things such as our likes and dislikes, behaviors and preferences that may hinder us from making the right judgment. We, therefore, should be aware of these hindrances and avoid using them when making decisions, so as not to make biased judgments. A good critical thinker is one who is aware of their strength and weakness and does not let his personal feelings and preferences get in the way of making judgments.

Why is Foresight Important in Critical Thinking?

Foresight is essential when it comes to critical thinking. It involves thinking of the repercussions, after making your conclusions that is, your decision will have on the people and activities surrounding you. Of course, every decision brings out many consequences, but you should ensure that the positive implications surpass the negative ones. Foresight, therefore, is the act of looking to and thinking about the future. And it is crucial in decision making.

Conclusion

Critical thinking is vital as it helps us to provide the best solutions to any situation. The process involves analysis of the logical connections of ideas to bring out the best problem-solving approach. Critical thinkers ought to, therefore, analyze their strengths and weaknesses as well as preference and determine if they affect the decisions they make.

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