Meaning of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking refers to the ability of a person to think in a clear and rational way, and to understand the logical connection between ideas. It entails being able to reason and make appropriate and objective decisions in life. Critical thinkers often question common beliefs and ideas rather than accepting them as given.
In life, we often face numerous ideas, some of which are contradictory and challenging. Thus, it is important to analyze every situation quite critically to make the best decision. Critical thinking also involves inquiry of the mind, ensuring that you examine things deeply to make rational decisions.
Risky Situations
There are various risky situations that require critical thinking. They include:
- Peer pressure and influence: The youth might plunge into risky behaviors that will destroy their lives through peer pressure. One requires to think critically about how to live and avoid peer influence and risky behaviors.
- Media influence: There are things that the media presents that look good or appropriate at the face value – e.g. beauty and sex. However, when one examines critically, they will realize that such things may not be appropriate.
- Internal conflicts: people also need to consider how they relate with people critically to avoid conflicts.
- Arguments: when people engage in discussions, they might get into arguments. You need to think critically when arguing your case to convince people and avoid problems.
- Educational matters: You also need to think critically about matters to do with education such as examinations and choice of careers. You should be able to identify the pros and cons of various courses before choosing your career.
Evaluating ideas or Issues Objectively
Critical thinkers always identify, analyze and evaluate decisions systematically instead of simply relying in instinct or intuition. Evaluating ideas or issues objectively involves the following steps:
- Identifying ideas, issues or problems
- Weighing options in terms of ideas and solutions
- Evaluating ideas and identifying the best options
- Selecting appropriate ideas/alternative choices
- Making rational choices.
Consequences of Making Choices before thinking critically
Someone who thinks critically is able to understand the relationship between ideas, determine the importance and relevance of their ideas, make appropriate and consistent decisions, minimize errors in judgment, and build strong arguments.
On the other hand, if you do not think critically when making choices you will encounter the following negative consequences:
- Falling victim of drug and substance abuse
- Increased chances of getting unplanned pregnancies
- Higher chances of early marriages
- Possibility of HIV/AIDS infection
- Physical and psychological abuse
Values Associated with Critical Thinking:
- Tolerance
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Simplicity
- Humility
