A Paper On Critical Thinking
Critical thinking can be defined as the process of determining the authenticity, accuracy or value of something; characterized by the ability to seek reasons and alternatives, perceive the total situation and change one's view based on evidence." (Kalnoskas (2004, 2) These reasons or alternatives help to create our perceptions of our friends, family, religious beliefs, ourselves and the world in general. Perception is the key to the understanding of the world that surrounds us. Many times the perceptions we develop are not an accurate account of "real-time." Understanding the complex reasons why uncritical reasoning is so commonplace is due to the many external influences that aid in the distortion of one's logical thinking.
For example, some reasons why uncritical thinking is so common are: wishful thinking and self esteem; letting our emotions and wishes over ride our reason. Ethno-centricity and cultural conditioning; the tendency to incorporate into our belief structure, the ideas, attitudes and values of our group. Hasty moral judgments; quick to put down persons and acts as immoral and to approve and admire those we consider good and right. Judging people by their appearance, background or associations. These are just a few of the barriers that impact our views. Many of these barriers are imbedded deep within ourselves. Understanding these barriers helps but understanding alone not will make anyone a better critical thinker. Patience, practice, mental discipline and hard work are needed to acquire effective critical thinking skills. Self-awareness, firm moral and ethical values coupled with the ability to be honest with one's self are all prerequisites for achieving success in critical thinking.
Looking back almost thirty years ago when I just began working in the prison system, I realize now that many of my thoughts were judgmental and stereotypical. I thought inmates were mean spirited, belligerent, volatile, arrogant and...
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