Critical Thinking Application Paper 2
Critical thinking is the most important form of thinking when it comes to decision making and problem solving. Our thought process has to be broken down from our natural thinking to start thinking critically in order to determine the best non-bias solution within any conflict or situation. When it comes to thinking critically, we think about our thinking while taking control of our emotions. Egocentricity is scrutinized in critical thinking because we are not looking for an argument to win or to protect our ego. Merely, we are looking for a more logical and reasonable, truth based solution towards any decision effecting us and the people around us. Critical thinkers do not associate their personal beliefs with their thought process and are known to practice strong traits in their thinking, which comes to the term of “fair-mindedness”. At times it is difficult to switch our natural thought into critical thinking where one has to open themselves up to challenge. Challenges of personal beliefs, morals, ethics, and even thought processes. There are a few strong traits that a critical thinker may have that are conducive to fair-mindedness such as; intellectual humility, intellectual courage, intellectual empathy and confidence in reason.
Intellectual humility is striving to discover what you do not know while being aware of bias's and limitations. Humility is important to critical thinking because it is the opposite of intellectual arrogance and gives you the opportunity to learn thus practicing fair-minded problem solving. Intellectual courage is when you do not allow yourself to become defensive about your beliefs. In all cases, it is of a stronger mind to be proud of your beliefs but to also be open to to discussion and debate in order to gain new knowledge. In essence, we avoid using our skills of manipulation to gain advantage over others. The key word is “courage”, the courage to face and fairly confront...