Critical thinking is not quite second nature to me yet, but I am aware of its necessity when posed with an issue or question. I pause to ask myself, “How am I thinking about this? How should I be thinking about this?” When thinking things through, I consider the elements and standards of thinking. I wonder if there is anything causing an impediment to my thinking processes. More recently, I consider whether or not I’m growing in the area of intellectual virtues. My current state of critical thinking competencies is one of an improved understanding of critical thinking: its definition, its parts, how to implement it, and its value to me and those around me.
When I began this course, my best definition of critical thinking was “deep thinking.” That was much too simplified. I have since learned that depth is a standard of critical thinking, and so are breadth, and clarity, and accuracy, and so on. Critical thinking was something I had been told was important, but I was never really educated about it to this level. I now recognize the importance of going around the circle on an issue and shutting down impediments that would keep me from thinking reasonably and completely.
I feel that I’m advancing out of a beginner’s level of internalizing the techniques and concepts we’ve learned. In The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools, there is a chart that lists the stages of critical thinking development (Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 10). From that chart, I’d place myself between beginning thinkers and practicing thinkers, striving toward advanced thinking. I do pause to reflect on whether or not I’m thinking about something as I should. But since I have to pause, it doesn’t seem fully internalized. It’s not something that happens instinctively yet. The knowledge I’ve gained in relation to critical thinking is now part of who I am, even if it’s in baby steps of implementation. With anything, improvement comes with practice and the more I practice critical thinking, the more naturally it will happen and help me to internalize the techniques and concepts.
Some interventions I will take to make lasting changes to my thinking habits include, as I mentioned before, practicing critical thinking; taking an honest look at where I am now and what I need to do to improve and form better habits of critical thinking; developing as a critical thinker takes time, so I won’t rush the process as I internalize the techniques and concepts; and I will make an effort to engage with other critical thinkers. It matters to me that I grow in this area and I’m willing to do the work needed to fully develop my critical thinking skills. When we were asked to write “The Virtuous Leader,” the example I gave opened my eyes to the value of intellectual virtues. Without development of critical thinking, I won’t achieve goals I have set for myself to become a virtuous leader through the cultivation of intellectual virtues.
Considering intellectual virtues and my desire to develop them, I must also consider barriers to thinking that would impede my growth. Paul and Elder (2020) state, “A useful concept of critical thinking includes the disciplined analysis and assessment as one cultivates intellectual virtues. The process entails concern for two primary barriers to criticality – egocentric and sociocentric thinking” (p. 11). Humans tend to be egocentric and sociocentric naturally and we also lean toward irrational thinking. It’s important to develop rational capacities to counteract the irrational (Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 37). Otherwise, egocentrism and sociocentrism deceive us “into believing what we want to believe.” (Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 38). Humans do not naturally think of others first and when we engage in egocentric thinking, we have a “self-serving perspective” (Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 39). Sociocentric thinking keeps us “culture bound” and doesn’t allow us to develop our thinking in relation to others and cultures different than our own. This is perpetuated by “groupishness, group validation, group control, and group conformity” which are based in selfishness, belief that the group’s way is the right way, group expectations, and fitting in with the group (Paul & Elder, 2020, pp. 41-43). These barriers lead to uncritical societies and can only be “replaced by cross-cultural, fair-minded thinking – critical thinking in the strong sense” (Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 41). When people, and their societies, focus on themselves and their own cultural beliefs without considering others, critical thinking can’t come to the forefront. If critical thinking isn’t utilized, intellectual virtues can’t be developed and people and their societies suffer because thought leaders are scarce.
Paul, R, & Elder, L. (2020). The miniature guide to critical thinking: Concepts and tools (8th ed.). London, UK: Roman & Littlefield.
Cynthia Puckett | MSLD 500 | Dr. Rietsema | February 10, 2021 | Becoming a Critical Thinker
Cynde Puckett-Valenti 