Personal Reflection

Critical thinking involves the use of rational skills to different ideas and situations. Critical thinking involves having an open mind, and having a different perspective on different situations. People use different means of finding out the truth of the circumstances. Applying critical thinking enables one to use different worldviews and values. Critical thinking enables people to do more with the information they have. Critical thinking enables a person to process the information that he or she has, analyze it, synthesize it, interpret and explain it, and recognize the presence of any logical fallacies that might be present (Gabennesch, 2006). Critical thinking enables a person to look beyond the surface of the situation and recognize that things are not always, what they appear to be. It enables people to be independent thinkers, by reflection on their thoughts (Lau & Chan, 2012)

I have learnt several significant things concerning critical thinking in this course. First, I did not understand that I could take charge of my thoughts and that this would help me improve my thinking. Secondly, I learnt how to think as other people would, and see things from their perspective. The third significant thing I learnt in the course was that my emotions and beliefs might not always be right. I have learnt that I do not have to believe what I feel about certain situations. The emotions that I have towards something do not always have to direct me.

After examining the different stages of critical thinking development, I believe that I am in between the practicing and the advanced thinking stages. This is because I display the characteristics of people in these stages. I have now started being considerate with other people, and I have started to put them before me. I do not rely on my emotions and beliefs as I used to, and I have learnt that I am not right all the time. Despite these accomplishments, I know that I have a long way to go if I am to become a better thinker. The lessons I am taking in this class are fundamental to my progress, and they are showing me how to become a better thinker. These lessons are influencing me in different ways. I have realized that I have started using the thinking stages in my new job. I approach things differently, and I have learned how to approach and deal with situations in a rational manner. I have learnt the value of working with other people, in a way that will benefit everyone. As the common phrase goes, I have learnt to think outside the box, by taking time to reason about things. This has enabled me to make a valuable contribution in the company, and to try to do things in the best way possible.

There are different strategies that I can use to develop my thinking. The first strategy that I can use is dealing with one problem a day. To implement this plan, I will need to look for ways that will enable me to deal with one problem at a time, and not to try to solve all the problems at the same time. I will have to understand my abilities and capacities. I realize the fact that my human nature limits me. There will always be problems, and trying to deal with all of them at the same time will not benefit me in any way. The second strategy that I can use involves redefining the way I see things. This involves having a different perspective on issues. I will look at things in a different way, and try to see them as other people would. This will involve me doing some research about how other people see things, and noting if I can do things in their way. I need to realize that my way of doing things may not always be the best way. The third strategy that I will use is analyzing how different groups influence my life. I associate with different formal and informal groups. I will have to examine how the people that I associate with affect the decisions that I make. I will also look at how I influence them. This will enable me to know whether they can help me achieve my goals in future, or whether they will hurt me. This will enable me to know the people I can avoid, and those I can use when making critical decisions.

References

Gabennesch, H. (2006). Critical thinking: What is it good for? (In fact, what is it?). Retrieved from http://www.csicop.org/si/show/critical_thinking_what_is_it_good_for_in_fact_what_is_it/

Lau, J., & Chan, J. (2012). What is critical thinking? Retrieved from http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php