Question.3417 - Based on this week’s reading and activities, how would you define critical thinking? What are some characteristics of a critical thinker? What do you see as common barriers to critical thinking, and how might people overcome or avoid those barriers? Reflect on the learning activities, concepts, ideas, and topics covered this week. Discuss the most interesting activity or concept you learned this week and mention any concepts that are still a bit confusing to you or that you have questions about.
Answer Below:
Based on this week's reading and activities, how would you define critical thinking? According to my understanding from Chapter 1, utilizing the collection of skills one has at the right situation or event to achieve the desired outcomes, this involves positioning logic - wherein the person needs to assess all the possible methods and principles to mitigate the good/efficient outcome; this brainstorming for making a decision also includes a sense of guggling between diversity in opinion which is solely personal feeling rather than based on facts (Boss, 2017). What are some characteristics of a critical thinker? According to my understanding from chapter 1, some of characteristics include effective communication, tolerance for ambiguity, ability to research the accessible data/inquiry skills, having an open-minded approach to receive skepticism to overcome personal prejudices or biases at the same time be mindful, ability to establish a collaborative environment for learning and ability to creatively position the skills and knowledge when required (Boss, 2017). What do you see as common barriers to critical thinking, and how might people overcome or avoid those barriers? Some of the barriers discussed in Chapter 1 are resistance to having an open-minded approach that results in building a wall around us, avoidance - in terms of wanting to explore different viewpoints, anger, cliches - sticking to one opinion of repeated / common/stereotypical perspective, ignorance, conformity, absolutism, distractions, fear of challenge, egocentrism, narrow-mindedness, ethnocentrism - being uncritical with belief in the inherent superiority of one culture or growth (Boss, 2017). Discuss the most interesting activity or concept you learned this week and mention any concepts that are still a bit confusing to you or that you have questions about. The concepts discussed in chapter are clear and on-point but it tends to push us into ethical dilemma, like the characteristics discussed can only be practiced by a monk, if I'm not wrong! living around people with varied opinions, perspective, beliefs, diverse culture and more - makes critical thinking a challenging task to practice (Boss, 2017). ReferencesBoss, J. A. (2017). Think: Critical thinking and logic skills for everyday life. McGraw-Hill Education 4th Ed.More Articles From Others