Mr. Tran
• As humans we live in systems of meanings that typically entrap us; as critical thinkers we learn how to raise our thinking to conscious examination, enabling us to free ourselves from many of the traps of undisciplined, instinctive thought.
• As humans we use logical systems whose root structures are not apparent to us; as critical thinkers we develop tools for explicating and assessing the logical systems in which we live.
• As humans we live with the illusion of intellectual and emotion(al) freedom; as critical thinkers we take explicit intellectual and emotional command of who(m) we are, what we are, and the ends to which our lives are tending.
• As human thinkers we are governed by our thoughts; as critical thinkers we learn how to govern the thoughts that govern us. (Paul & Elder, 2006)
Humans have the tendency to develop ‘weak sense’ thinking, based solely on conformity, self-centeredness, cowardice, laziness, arrogance and hypocrisy. In order to develop as ‘strong sense’ thinkers, these traits must be reversedxhabits that enable one to open, discipline, and improve mental functioning.” (Paul & Elder, 2006) This statement illustrates just one of the benefits of critical thinking. Those that think critically, and do not allow emotions or bias to determine the result, will have the strength of fact supporting their position, and will have control of their own thoughts.
I would like to conclude with a quote from Albert Einstein that I believe illustrates the difference between simply thinking and thinking critically. “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” (Covey, 2004) We must ‘think outside the box’ and weigh facts, not emotions. We must all strive to think at a higher level every day. Only by recognizing our biases and working to think above them will we become effective critical thinkers.
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