Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Application
What is critical thinking and how does it affect our lives, the term critical thinking will be defined.   The importance of critical thinking along with its benefits will be detailed.   Finally, a personal work example will be given.   In this paper, I will discuss what critical thinking is along with providing a personal experience in critical thinking and the importance and benefits of the process, then I will conclude.
Critical Thinking
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary the definition of critical is "of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially important juncture ," while the thinking is "the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts."   Therefore, critical thinking would be using ones mind to make decisions at important junctures.   According to our text “Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking (Paul & Elder, 2006).”   Critical thinking involves phases that require a person to analyze, evaluate and improve on his or her thinking process.   To be a critical thinker one must be able to communicate and use problem-solving skills.   This includes taking ones thinking apart, indentifying the weaknesses in his or her thinking and creatively reconstructing their thinking.   Characteristics critical thinkers should demonstrate are intellectual humility, integrity, courage, autonomy, empathy, perseverance and confidence (Paul & Elder, 2006).
Importance and Benefits
According to the article “Critical Thinking Skills” written by Schlick (1992):
Critical thinking skills are essential for several reasons: 1. Solving problems and making decisions require critical thinking skills. 2. Critical thinking skills are essential for problem prevention. 3. Effective teamwork requires critical thinking skills. 4. Problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the associated responsibilities, are critical for empowerment.
The first and most important part of critical...