What is Critical Thinking?

Thomas Jefferson -- "A Nation's best defense is an educated citizenry.”


Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem -in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it.

Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use.

It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities, as well as a commitment to overcome our native (innate) egocentrism and sociocentrism.

A well-cultivated critical thinker:

Raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.


Gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively.


Comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards.


Thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as needs be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences.


Communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.