We can read that man arrived on the Moon or that he never succeeded, observe the report of the results of a scientific experiment or we can see on television what we believe can be a multitudinous manifestation.
We can believe in it or not, taking into account that what comes to us from the media, what we read, what we are told ... all this can be the product of an error or due to biased interests or opinions.
Nowadays we have to be able to doubt everything, reflecting and evaluating what we perceive and / or what it communicates to us. That is why we can ask about the ability to perform this screen. What is critical thinking and how to develop it?
What skills do you have to have critical thinking?
We have made a description of what critical thinking is. However, it is worth wondering what exactly is necessary to have it? Having a critical thinking assumes that the individual who has it possesses to some degree the following abilities or traits.
1. Reflection capacity
To be able to have a critical mindset it is necessary to be able to reflect on things in abstract terms. That is, to be able to associate the information that reaches us with its meaning at a superficial and deep level, as well as the implications that this information has with respect to the rest of reality.
2. Flexibility
Critical thinking implies the ability to doubt that what we perceive or believe we perceive is true, accepting the possibility that there are alternatives other than the one or the proposals. Thus, a certain mental flexibility is necessary that allows us to visualize that other perspectives different from the usual one can be objective and produce the desired results.
3. Logic and detection of bias
The ability to visualize the logic or lack thereof in the things we analyze, as well as the possible failures and biases may have the affirmations and thoughts about them, is essential in this regard. If we are not able to detect specific aspects of the argument that do not finish correspond with reality or those that lack explanation, it is not possible to make a well-founded criticism.
4. Theory of the mind
It is necessary to take into account that all statements and opinions are made by human beings, who present their opinions based on what they consider correct. Thus, knowledge can be biased even on purpose, if an objective is sought with its transmission.
5. Ability to doubt things
To not accept any explanation it is necessary to be able to question the veracity of it. However, it is necessary that the doubts are circumscribed to the reasonable thing, because otherwise it could be doubted of all existing principle. And while it would be a kind of critical thinking, excessive skepticism would not lead to any resolution.
6. Motivation and curiosity
To doubt something is very useful that what we doubt is significant. We can be critical of something that does not matter to us, but the presence of a high motivation and curiosity about the subject or the given arguments implies that we will try to find a truthful and justifiable solution.
No doubt this is only the beginning to create critical thinking, but to maintain it also requires an open mind, training empathy, participate in discussions, read a lot and be skeptical. However, beginning to meditate on these issues is the main step, and reading this post in this great community is already a good part of that.
