What is Critical Thinking?

Most of us associate the word critical with fault-finding. However, the actual root of the word is in the word skeri, which means to cut, separate, or sift. It also has origins in the Greek criterion, which means a standard for judging or evaluating. Combining these two ideas, we can say that the word critical means analyzing according to a standard. So, we can say that critical thinking utilizes conscious awareness, skills, and standards to observing, analyzing, reasoning, evaluating, reading, and communicating.

As we began to say earlier, critical thinking does not mean to criticize, find fault, or disbelieve. When we’re in such a negative frame of mind, not only will our standards be unclear, but our intent will not often be constructive. When we study critical thinking, we gain knowledge of norms and rules for clear and effective thinking.

For more detailed discussion on this, see Marlys Mayfield’s Thinking For Yourself, pp 4-7.