Summary
The speaker in the first video tells us that Critical Thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating our thinking, with a mindset geared towards improving how we think. This is a rather general, all-encompassing definition that I’ve no doubt we will flesh out much more throughout the duration of this course. The second speaker elaborates that Critical Thinking is a creative mechanism by which innovation comes about, hence why it is so important that students are taught how to think. Further, Critical Thinking is more about design, rather than art. But our brains have a design flaw, and these are cognitive biases. Therefore, he urges us that we shouldn’t ever trust ourselves, and should be open to determining that we are wrong. Although I agree, I admit that oftentimes, I do trust my own judgment and don’t question it all that often, unless a friend calls me out on my judgment. I think, in this sense, we have relied on others to help us think critically, rather than being a self-critic. What is ultimately key, in my opinion (which the Ted talk speaker somewhat hints at), is that one learns to be a self-critic and makes it a routine. This of course, would come with practice, as the speaker of the first video rightly points out that this would be the only way that one improves at introspective critical thought.
2 thoughts on “Maryam Wasef – Critical Thinking”
I see your points. Being a self-critic is definitely a good quality to have, naturally on a healthy level of course. Interestingly enough I go into that a bit as well in my post. Critical thinking definitely has those humbling qualities where we look at one conclusion we may have and say “hmmm this may not be fully correct” and allows us to explore new ways to come up with points for that topic. It is awesome that you have that trust in your judgement! Moving through and exercising this skill that (as you said) I am sure we willl go much more into as the semester progresses, will only strengthen that level of trust you do have in your judgement I imagine. Highly informative post Maryam im looking forward to reading more from you!
I love that you have the correct amount of words. Also, I think including your own opinion on critical thinking might have been better too. Also, it would have been better to refer who is the speaker in the first video. And introducing would have better since you are now having to repeat everything as “first speaker” and “second speaker” which can be again confusing to your audience. But other that I love your definition’s you explained for the speakers. And I love the points you make, these points you made in your summary are making me somewhat aware about things I never actually thought about.