The ability to think critically involves three things: 1. An attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one’s experiences 2. Knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning 3. Some skill in applying those methods.” In short, the ability to think critically is the art of analyzing and evaluating data for a practical approach to understanding the data, then determining what to believe and how to act. DISCUSS THE CHARACTERITICS AND COMPONENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING.

Components of critical thinking

Critical thinking is an active process if understood and utilized effectively as it is necessary to get to know more about the activity and procedures that comprise the whole process. Some characteristics of critical thinking include reasoning which is the ability to infer a conclusion from a given premise. This needs examining logical relationships among various statements and even information (Cottrell, 2017). An argument is another characteristic that engages exploring, evaluating and constructing arguments. Point of view is also a characteristic that involves how an individual perceives things that in turn shapes his or her construction of a given meaning. Critical thinkers frequently view phenomena from various points of view.

On the same note, some of the components of critical thinking include assumptions, emotion, perception, and fallacy. Perception is viewed as how individuals receive, interpret and decode experiences (Cottrell, 2017). How people perceive things operates to define how they think hence providing a critical filtering system. On the other hand, assumptions are considered a significant part of critical thinking as they are implied where people are not always conscious of them. Assumptions are not still negative and often rely on the perception that some ideas are obvious hence making one comfortable with their existing beliefs, shutting out any alternatives. As a component, a fallacy is reasoning that fails to meet the criteria of sound rationale and typically originates from incorrect patterns of thinking.

Reference

Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection. Macmillan International Higher Education.