Critical thinking is a thought process that involves analyzing and questioning things to achieve an accurate, objective, and comprehensive understanding of them. Critical thinking involves purposefully raising questions, analyzing and questioning those questions, attempting to solve problems, and arriving at new perspectives.
Both speakers believe that critical thinking is the art of solving problems and mastering it takes time.
According to the two speakers, critical thinking is important because it encourages children to question issues, leading to self-directed learning, an understanding of how to think, and the development of innovative abilities. Possessing critical thinking skills enables individuals to adapt better to new environments and become better people.
I wholeheartedly agree with their viewpoints. Critical thinking indeed helps us analyze and solve problems more objectively and rationally, thereby avoiding being led astray by others and enabling us to make wiser decisions. People with critical thinking skills typically have independent perspectives, can make objective judgments, possess empathy, and often demonstrate the ability to discover and innovate. These are highly valuable skills that can be immensely beneficial in various contexts. It also necessitates maintaining an open and humble attitude, and listening to others’ perspectives in order to solve problems.
Finally, I believe that critical thinking can be cultivated through reading, writing, and engaging in discussions, all of which require continuous practice in our daily lives.
5 thoughts on “Minna Weng Conversation 1”
Hi Carlo! I totally agree with your points. Both speakers emphasized the importance of critical thinking in developing problem-solving skills, self-directed learning, and adaptability. These skills are certainly invaluable in today’s rapidly changing world.
So, Are there specific methods or approaches that you think work best in nurturing this skill among children and adults alike?
I agree critical thinking is important when it comes to decisions and understanding. In fact, critical thinking can be used even in the things we may consider small.
I very much agree with your take on what critical thinking is. This part, “Critical thinking indeed helps us analyze and solve problems more objectively and rationally, thereby avoiding being led astray by others and enabling us to make wiser decisions” really stood out to me. Critical thinking DOES in fact help us solve problems rationally. Solving problems or arguments without analyzing and trying to understand what the problem is and how it can be resolved would ruin a lot of relationships in our personal and work lives. Without it, we would keep coming across the same problems and wouldn’t know how to fix it which is why critical thinking is important to use on a daily basis even though we already do it subconsciously.
I agree that critical thinking with the points that you made on how and why critical thinking is important. Especially when it comes to children since it leads to them asking more questions about issues that need questioning.
I wanted to emphasize when you stated, “People with critical thinking skills typically have independent perspectives, can make objective judgments, possess empathy, and often demonstrate the ability to discover and innovate” which I certainly agree with. People who are closed minded and avoid putting their selves in the shoes of others- I’ve found, tend to have to learn the hard way. In an age where advancements in technology are rapid, leaving many people feeling outdated- our ability to continue expanding our knowledge is ceaseless and imperative for us to thrive with the other beings on this planet, and as you said “possess empathy”