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Nazia Ali
Critical Thinking
Batch 5
12-10-2025
Pause, Reflect, Decide: The Skill of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the process of analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to reach conclusions. The goal of critical thinking is to form a judgment through the application of rational, skeptical and unbiased analyzes and evaluation. [1] Another definition of critical thinking is "Disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence." [2]
Psychologists and philosophers have debated the exact definition of critical thinking for decades but most definitions of critical thinking include thinking that is logical and free of bias. In her book, Thought and Knowledge, Halpern defined critical thinking as:
“The use of those cognitive skills and abilities that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is used to describe thinking that is purposeful, reasoned and goal directed such as the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions.” [3]
Critical thinking involves a balance between reason and reflection on one’s thought. It requires self-awareness, recognizing the limitations of one’s own knowledge and intellectual humility, acknowledging that our beliefs may be incomplete or flawed. The attributes of critical thinking enable individuals to approach problems thoughtfully rather than reactively.
References:
1. Edward M. Glaser. "Defining Critical Thinking". The International Center for the Assessment of Higher Order Thinking (ICAT, US)/Critical Thinking Community. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
2. "critical thinking". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
3. Halpern, D. F. (2014). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking (5th ed.). Psychology Press.
