Reflection on critical thinking
Critical thinking, as defined by the Paul-Elder model, is the process of taking charge of one’s reasoning structures and imposing on them intellectual standards such as logic, relevance, clarity, depth and sufficiency. Subjecting one’s thought patterns to this regime will improve the way one thinks and/or the quality of their thoughts. According to philosopher John Dewey, critical thinking or ‘reflective thinking’ is defined also as an active process where a theory is carefully weighed in ‘the light of’ its supporting arguments and the inferences drawn (Dewey 1909: 9).
The key activity in research is critical thinking, and critical thinking can help provide focus for creative practice so that it is more systematic in approach. Creative practice that is systematic, rigourous and communicable is viable research.
Sources:
DEWEY, J. (1909, reprinted 1997) How We Think. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
FISHER, A. (2011) Critical thinking: An introduction. UK: Cambridge University Press.
