What Is Critical Thinking?

Описание: In this clip from Maciej Winiarek's March 2024 interview with Dr. Linda Elder, Dr. Elder briefly discusses the term "critical thinking" and its core components. We thank Mr. Winiarek for his excellent questions throughout this interview!

On certain key terms in this video:
Elements of reasoning (AKA parts of thought, structures of thinking, etc.) are the eight the parts of thinking embedded or pre-supposed in all reasoning. They include purposes, questions, information, inferences, assumptions, concepts, implications, and points of view.

Intellectual standards are standards which must be applied to thinking whenever one is interested in checking the quality of reasoning about a problem, issue, or situation. To think critically entails having command of these standards. Some of the most important intellectual standards include clarity, accuracy precision, depth, breadth, fairness, relevance, significance, and logicality.

Intellectual virtues (AKA valuable intellectual traits or dispositions) are the interdependent traits of mind and character necessary for frequently and systematically engaging in reasonable, ethical thinking and action. These virtues are developed over time through routine, high-quality analysis and evaluation of thought - e.g., by consistently applying rational intellectual standards to the elements of reasoning over time, while also identifying and intervening in the many manifestations of egocentric and sociocentric thinking that are natural to all humans. Intellectual virtues include, but are not limited to, intellectual sense of justice, intellectual perseverance, intellectual integrity, intellectual empathy, fairmindedness, and intellectual discipline.

Egocentricity (AKA egocentrism) is the natural human tendency to view everything in relationship to oneself, to confuse immediate perception (how things seem) with reality, to be self-centered, or to consider only oneself and one’s own interests. It entails selfishness and the inclination to distort reality in order to maintain a particular viewpoint or perception. Egocentricity is a primary barrier to critical thinking.

Sociocentricity (AKA sociocentrism) is the natural human tendency to assume inherent superiority of one’s own group or culture. It entails the inclination to judge “alien” people, groups, or cultures from the perspective of one’s own group, and often involves holding other groups to stricter standards than one’s own. Sociocentricity is a primary barrier to critical thinking.

This video touches briefly on one or a few aspect(s) of an overarching body of theory known as the Paul-Elder Framework for Critical Thinking, and its content must be understood in the broader context of this framework. You can become more familiar with our approach to critical thinking through other videos on this channel, and through our websites (see below).

For over 40 years, the Foundation for Critical Thinking – along with its sister organization, the Center for Critical Thinking – have worked toward the advancement of critical societies. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that seeks to promote essential change throughout education and society by cultivating fairminded critical thinking. We are releasing educational videos on YouTube to supply the mainstream internet with substantial content on critical thinking; you can help our channel by subscribing to it, and by liking and commenting on our videos.

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