Critical Thinking

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Critical thinking is not about
being opinionated or having all of
the answers, yet it is not passive
acceptance. Rather, it is about
thoughtful, reflective, and deliberate
consideration.

“Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”
-John F. Kennedy

Questions to Think More Critically

1. What do I believe about this? Where did my opinion come from?

2. Is this thought black and white when reality is more complicated?

3. Am I looking at all the angles, or just what supports my thoughts?

4. Might other people have different interpretations? What are they?
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Is This True For You?
Signs you could improve your critical thinking skill:

1. People avoid certain subjects around you.

2. The phrasing, “Yeah, but...” is something you are familiar with saying.

3. You ever cut people off before they are finished talking or asking a question.

4. You are usually the one doing most of the talking.

5. You get your news from one source.

6. You have a hard time laughing at yourself.

7. You do not ask many questions.

8. You avoid certain people or groups, or you often use labels to refer to them.

9. You get in a lot of personal debates.

10. You have a short fuse.
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Core Challenge

Earlier, we talked about some of the
signs that indicate the need to work
on critical thinking. Everyone one has
something to work on; which one will
you work on during this next week to
help you pause and think more critically?