Critical
Thinking About Critical Thinking
My
ability to think critically in a formal method utilizing specific
standards and elements (Nosich, 2012) prior to MLSD500 was
non-existent to my conscious mind then. Subconsciously, I feel I have
been using this method to a much lesser degree, but nonetheless, to a
degree. At some point, while growing in my awareness to thought, I
began asking why. Once I realized the truth that came from asking
that question many times, I became aware that in typical daily
conversations about a wide variety of topics, the truth of it all is
usually buried down deep within the pile of assumptions,
presumptions, false information, skewed perceptions, disinformation,
other people's experiences that did not match my own, and my own
beliefs based on irreconcilable issues, or what I have yet to
completely and critically think through for myself.
When
this course introduced me to a formal method of thinking critically
(Nosich, 2012), I realized that there was a process, a thorough,
logical process in which I can follow and be clear of my decision to
think, say and, or do what I want. If it passes this sniff test, so
to speak, I can be rest assured that my decisions have been purposely
and logically reasoned out. Based on this new awareness, it brings on
the confidence for me to build new information and truths upon. With
that, a search for truth would not have to be accessed by working
through all that once buried it.
In
processing this newly acquired information, I have to admit, it has
been difficult to assimilate this new method of thinking, primarily
due to the obvious fact that I have been wired (by myself) to think a
certain way for a very long time. However, quite the fan of wanting
to change the way I think to better myself, and thus others, drives
me with excitement to want to employ this new method in many areas in
my life, not just professionally. It will take, first, a strong
desire to change the way I think in order to be consistent enough for
the change to occur. Otherwise, as with any other attempts to create
a new habit, it will fall back into the recesses of the mind, and be
forgotten. Since I've been thinking about my thinking already for
quite some time, and the fact that I am reminded of this new critical
method of thinking when I do self-reflect on my thoughts, it will be
very easy (over time) to remain aware, practice, improve and
successfully employ the art of thinking critically.
Nosich,
G. M. (2012). Learning to think things through: A guide to
critical thinking across the curriculum. (4th Ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson.
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