WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The elements of critical thinking are what lead to a deeper way of thinking. Through them, the thinker improves the quality of his thought and does not fall into groupthink.

According to authors Richard Paul and Linda Elder, critical thinking is the process of analyzing and evaluating thinking for the purpose of improving it.

Critical thinking

Thinking critically means being able to develop your own criteria and have the ability to make decisions for yourself. Do not unreasonably accept opinions or statements without submitting them to an analysis and your own consideration.

The decisions that are made in life, big and small, range from choosing friends, work or career, political candidates to support, what to eat, where to live….

Main elements of Critical Thinking

1- Purposes and goals

Every thought has a goal. Those who know it clearly are more likely to reach it. A purpose must be identified that is real, consistent and fair.

For example, it must be possible to clearly and precisely explain the purpose of reasoning any matter: life problems, subject matter studied.

2- Questions and questions

It is intended to solve a problem or situation. A clear and precise question is asked and an answer is sought that considers different points of view.

3- Information and data

Critical thoughts must be based on hard data, evidence, experience, or research, to be credible and sensible.

The information collected is verified to be accurate, real, and that used by other people is also analyzed. Evidence is sought to support and also contradict your thoughts.

4- Interpretation

Conclusions are obtained based on the data and questions made. The logic of the interpretation must be checked. It must be clear and related to what was investigated.

5- Assumptions

They are the beliefs we take for granted. Some are justified and some are not. We must distinguish those that have not been examined in detail and critically. It is a difficult task because beliefs are at the unconscious level.

6- Concepts

Concepts are the ideas that form thought and are expressed through other previously acquired concepts. Concepts and words must be able to be explained by examples and statements.

7- Implications

They are the consequences that critical thinking can have. You must think carefully, as they will later influence the actions and decisions that are taken. The implications can be negative or positive, probable or unlikely.

8- Points of view

There may be more than one way to see or understand an issue. An attempt should be made to examine a matter in a comprehensive way, with a broad, flexible and non-judgmental perspective. Avoid subjectivity.

A point of view can include time, culture, religion, gender, profession, discipline, emotional state, economic interest, or age.

Critical thinking must be aware of these differences or points of view and be able to understand an issue from different angles, whether you agree or not.

References

1. Richard Paul and Linda Elder (2005) Critical Thinking. 12/01/2017. Critical Thinking: Standards and Principles. www.criticalthinking.org
2. Editor (2014) The 8 elements of the critical thinking process. 12/01/2017. Education Technology and Mobile Learning. www.educatorstechnology.com
3. Antonio Vega (2017) Critical Thinking: Indispensable at school? 12/01/2017. Ele Sapiens. www.elesapiens.com
4. Pm King (1994) Developing Reflective Judgment: Understanding and Promoting Intellectual Growth and Critical Thinking in Adolescents and Adults. Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series and Jossey-Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series.
5. S Brookfield (2007) Developing critical thinkers. Mankato State University. www.mnsu.edu.