A Definition of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is not a paint by numbers, fill in the blanks, step by step process; it is the experiential engagement with one’s own ability to analyze, criticize and synthesize their interactions with the world around them both tangibly and intangibly. One key element to consider in the process of analysis is the ethical and cultural filters through which we see the world. This allows us the ability to criticise in a fair and subjective way resulting in a synthesis that we can present with reasonable honesty.

Let us take for example the idea that Botticelli is the greatest artist of the Renaissance; despite the fact that there are many who would vehemently disagree. Of the great Renaissance painters he is often not remembered with the notoriety of Michealangelo, daVinci, and Raphael. However, if the argument were to be made that his work translates with more relevance to the modern world and fits a contemporary mold in a way that the other three cannot, does this lend credit to the prior claim? The seemingly obvious answer is: it depends. What is the frame of reference? Through which lenses is the scrutinizer looking? Am I culturally biased? Am I ethically biased? The Wikipedia entry on Critical Thinking, in exploring the concept that various disciplines can take on augmented forms of this thought process, claims that the universal application “requires a process of reflective contextualization.” What is the context within which this claim is situating itself?

Once an understanding of this is articulated, self-reflection is required to determine the subjectivity. The main question to ask is what distinguishes theory from opinion; at what point in a thought process does it go from thought to critical thinking? If the cultural biases in previous assessments have indicated a predisposition for art that has been seen with Mr. Beans face on it, then in assessing that cultural bias the theory can be easily as an opinion. However, consider a situation where the theory is proposed by someone with red hair. Given that Botticelli featured Simonetta with her fiery locks in his most famous works, is this a bias that one would admit to without serious criticism. In following a logical thought process, consider what the sound arguments that can be made for an argument that minimal ethical and cultural biases are. In the article Critical Thinking in Everyday Life: 9 Strategies, one of the strategies listed suggests that you ‘check your ego at the door’.  Another suggests that you “Get in touch with your emotions” in order to understand where they interfere with your ability to see the ‘forest for the trees’. (Paul & Elder, 2001) Theoretical analysis is a personal experience; one that requires the ability to distance appropriate thoughts from selfish thoughts to be done well.

Finally, the ability to synthesize the resulting theory in an honest format that is accessible to the intended audience is key. As Aristotle said in book six of his Nicomachean Ethics (trans. 1962), “For whomever produces something, produces it for an end.” (p. 149) In creating theory, there is a goal to package the results put that product out into the world for use and application. What is also important to keep in mind is that reaching a conclusion in the process does not mean that it is a full-stop finality. What is truth may be myth tomorrow. Aristotle recognized this over 2,500 years ago. The argument can be made that, based on his applicability to modern context, Botticelli exceeds all other Renaissance painters; when modern context changes, the ability to make this particular argument would change as well.  

Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2001). Modified from the book by Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2001). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/articles/sts-ct-everyday-life.cfm

Critical Thinking. (2011, August 27). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved August 29, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking