How to develop critical thinking? Psychology of critical thinking. The development of critical thinking skills

Make a criticism Laughter corrects morals. O. Balzac If everyone says “no” to you, look for the reasonBlonde girl in a foreign car in a car service. The mechanic asks: “And what do you have, beauty?” “Yes, she twitches ... and stalls ... Seven auto services have traveled around - and everywhere

Critical reading When collecting facts, approach reading books, websites or newspapers very carefully. People are characterized by a completely uncritical attitude to the written word. This shamelessly uses propaganda. Most publications on topics of politics or economics

Critical perception is a great example of the fact that not a single character trait can be considered good or bad in itself: it all depends on how it is used. So, criticality helps to find flaws and, perhaps, could save the space shuttle from the explosion. However, the excessive tendency to see flaws in everything has already broken a huge number of marriages: the spouse gets tired of being a constant object of criticism and decides that this cannot continue. A physical indicator of increased criticality is the outer corners of the eyes, directed downward. Such people notice everything out of the ordinary, for example, that the load is not properly secured and can move. These are inspectors, auditors, detectives, coaches, midfielders, trainers, editors, proofreaders and good shooters. Gentlemen of criticism may also notice advantages and new opportunities earlier than others, usually they strive to ensure that everything is good. Often they are assigned to such posts where they have to bear responsibility for other people - because of their ability to see what needs to be done first.

Criticality - he will find a flaw in everything. Lack of critical perception.

They should pay attention to the fact that excessive criticality interferes with interpersonal relationships: you can lose a friend if you constantly state that he needs to do something with his dandruff. In contrast, a person whose outer corners of his eyes are elevated does not differ in critical perception. He can not be called a quibbler or lover to look for other people's mistakes. Such people can be easy, but often they encounter difficulties without noticing any flaws or, on the contrary, opening up opportunities. Keep in mind that these people usually have a golden heart. Try to carefully handle things dear to their hearts and carry out their instructions in such a way as to avoid criticism.

As for people who are not very critical by nature, it makes sense:

1. Do not rely too much on their advice and judgment.

2. Rejoice that they are not able to notice your shortcomings (most of which you yourself probably know).

3. Invite them to your parties.

  Analytic skills

In people with a penchant for analysis, the upper eyelid is slightly lower. This feature was distinguished, in particular, by Alexander Hamilton, whose analytical capabilities were such that the US Treasury headed by him still functions normally, despite all the modern financial frauds. In people with a tendency to instant action, the upper eyelid is barely visible. Such was, for example, Andrew Jackson, who defeated the British in a fleeting battle under New Orleans with the help of pirates. His portrait is depicted on a twenty-dollar bill. People with analytical skills are often mistakenly considered stubborn, because they do not say yes until they figure out what exactly is being discussed, why this should be done and why it should be done that way.

  analytic skills

They can perfectly understand for themselves and explain to others the possible causes and consequences of certain events. A person with weakly expressed analytical abilities, more impetuous, as a rule, breaks through without breaking his thoughts too much. These people make good nurses or orderlies - they rush forward and pull the wounded out of the car, ready to explode, without thinking how it could be crashed at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour.

How to behave with people with an analytical mindset?

1. Before asking them to do something, tell them all the source data.

2. Remember that you are required to explain something to them only once.

This person is not stubborn - he has an analytical mindset

Weak analytical skills

With people prone to instant actions, you need to behave as follows:

1. Do not annoy them with lengthy explanations.

2. Expect a quick, immediate reaction on their part.

3. To foresee and try to use the fact that such people will go ahead until they get what they want (although sometimes this may seem ruthless).

  Seriousness

In the life of any person there is always a place for both the funny and the tragic, but serious people, with deep-set eyes, seem to see only the serious side in everything. They also take themselves seriously. People around them feel this and try to blame them, despite their age. Such people take life seriously. They more like to enjoy other people's humor than to laugh themselves.

People who have shallow eyes are more relaxed, lively and less focused. Almost all of them are distinguished by carelessness and it is much easier to change the everyday mood for a festive one.

If you are dealing with a serious person, then:

1. You should not expect from him a manifestation of humor, but know that this person can like him much more than he seems.
2. Set him serious tasks.
3. Rely on his sense of responsibility.

  If someone is not so serious in front of you, then:

1. Your jokes will find a more explicit response.
2. With such a person you can talk about not very important things.
3. You can behave more freely; the things you do will not be taken seriously.

Concern

If you notice a “glass look” in a person, it means that something presses on him, which makes him uneasy. Eyes can be bloodshot and sore. The skin and eyes are dry, shiny.

  Concern, “Everything is Wrong”

Concern

The reverse state - complete agreement with oneself and relaxation - is best seen in the clear, open look of the baby when it wakes up after a pleasant afternoon sleep. The whites of his eyes are snowy white, and his eyelids are slightly moistened.

A person’s eyes are so closely connected with the brain that any concern is immediately apparent in the gaze - for example, when you discover that you have lost your wallet. However, it can disappear as quickly as it appeared, after having put your hand in another pocket, you will find your just “lost” wallet there.

If you want to watch how different people are worried, then balk over to places of traffic accidents, in the corridors of ships, at stock exchanges or at airports where people, standing in a long line at the cash desk, listen to the announcement of the announcer check-in for your flight. At the airport you can see people with the so-called sore eyes - it happens with passengers who spent a sleepless night on the plane.

In any case, having noticed the “glass” look, you must remember that this man, this woman or child does not currently own the situation.
What to do if someone has a preoccupied, or “glassy” look?

1. Do not take his actions to heart. Remember that something presses on this person and his decisions and actions may not be the best.
2. Wait with your suggestions for a while (until the problem is somehow resolved).
3. Do your best to help this person relax. Offer him a glass of water. Be courteous, calm, not too intrusive, show a sense of humor.

in the twentieth century, “oh how unlucky.” Constructivism and postmodernism, which have gained widespread popularity, especially in their radical interpretation, have weaned people from being guided by the concepts of "reality", "reliability", "truth", "false" and the like. The inability to think critically literally leads to the death of a person: a person is not able to determine musical preferences for himself, taste, political, philosophical, etc., to separate them from what is personally alien to him. If someone has an idea of \u200b\u200b“their” preferences, they are afraid to express them and even adhere to them: the criticality of thinking in today's society is itself criticized. “How can you speak badly about other music!”, “You criticize politics, but what did you do yourself?” “You are intolerant!”

But such statements are given out by people who are malleable, non-energetic, lacking in enthusiasm, trusting and devastated. If we imagine reality as a kind of burden that puts pressure on the observer’s consciousness, then people who think uncritically demonstrate total mental and spiritual weakness - because they are unable to withstand pressure and prefer to be “crushed”.

Moreover, uncritically minded people like to talk about some kind of “spirituality”. However, they miss the obvious fact. The fact is that critical thinking is inherent only in human consciousness, even the so-called higher animals do not have it (perhaps chimpanzees, elephants, dolphins and some other representatives of the “intellectual” fauna have some elements of critical thinking, but these are only hypotheses); moreover, it is not innate for a person, but develops only with time, when the amount of information received by the child will be so large that it can be compared. So those who refuse critical thinking demonstrate not “spirituality”, but degradation. In their understanding, “Spirituality” boils down to unconscious, thoughtless performance of certain rituals, instinctive actions, complete gullibility and silent acceptance of the circumstances, but this behavior is characteristic of the most primitive forms of life, including plants. It is no coincidence that those who are called “vegetables” and “plant people” are usually characterized by an absolute lack of critical thinking.

Thus, this is the only property that distinguishes humans from animals. All other attributes of “higher intelligence” are inherent in many types of animals: they use tools, they have primitive languages, often with a lot of structural elements (sounds, gestures, facial expressions, smells), some recognize themselves in the mirror or use them to search for objects. However, they apparently cannot be critical of reality. Incapable of doing this, however, is a significant part of humanity.

Uncritical people

Alas, even people who are intelligent and educated today differ in their inability to think critically (partially or even completely). And there is nothing to say about material and professional success: those in power and those in power encourage “obedient”, loyal and trusting people. No wonder giving up your own opinion and flirting with your bosses is an indispensable attribute of corporate culture. People expressing their own judgment run the risk of joining the ranks of the marginalized and losing all the "benefits of civilization", or even be killed.

Of course, if everything was so simple, the human race would have been destroyed fifty years ago. Many of our contemporaries realize that receiving material wealth in exchange for giving up their personality and self-realization, they lose the meaning of life as such and become wordless consumers of goods. Some of them, without thinking twice, commit suicide (probably, many have heard about the suicides of rich and “successful” people, including celebrities). And others, after thinking a little longer, decide to live and fight. And they achieve real success - they develop a critical attitude to reality, without becoming outcasts or marginals. Such people move mankind forward, make new discoveries and inventions, even deserve wide recognition and authority.

What is critical thinking?

We are all familiar with the expressions of “derogatory criticism”, “criticize”, “critical situation”, “crisis”. In accordance with this, “critical thinking” is understood by many as a constant distrust of everything, skepticism, condemnation. This is fundamentally wrong. Of course, distrust and skepticism are integral elements of critical thinking, but that is not the point. Such thinking is based on well-thought-out, tested and cross-checked decisions, supported by reliable evidence, preferably material; on strict logic, consistent judgments and control of their feelings and emotions.

A critically thinking person is not inclined to blindly execute orders and instructions, and does not give in to suggestion and influence from without. It is difficult to deceive and outwit, as well as get out of control. He does not take anything on faith and in his actions is guided by personal beliefs, independently obtained and processed information. Therefore, it is unusual for him to make rash decisions.

Self criticism

An integral part of critical thinking is self-criticism. Such a person is able to realize his real capabilities, understand and correct the mistakes made. The lack of criticism of oneself is characteristic, in particular, for the mentally ill: for example, they are not able to distinguish hallucinations and delusional thoughts from their real state. “Castles in the air”, adventurism, pathological fantasies are also symptoms of painful uncriticality.

How to learn to think critically

A seemingly critical process is simple and even primitive: there are unequivocal “truth” and “false”, the definition of which will be the result of reasoning; there are initial premises, consequences of them and verification of consequences; processing of these judgments is based on elementary. In this regard, critical thinking resembles machine logic. However, we are faced with the fact that critical thinking for many people turns into a kind of mastery, and even those who are capable of it are often confused in their conclusions. This is probably due to the difficulties of "adult life": you have to think, reason and seek the truth yourself, for which not everyone is ready. Many people prefer the fate of large children - they rely entirely on the attitudes set by various "guardians": political and religious, parents and simply "elders", authorities and "godfathers", traditions, canons. Because it’s easier.

Critical thinking has to be learned step by step.

Metacognition. Under this term lies nothing more than self-knowledge. This applies to both the study of our ability to reason and receive information about the world in general, and the view of ourselves from the outside - from the perspective of an outsider. It is clear that “other people” may be different, so there is a need to analyze the actions and judgments of others. Looking at ourselves from the side, we will see which of our actions are correct and which are erroneous. You can remember every night what we did during the day and what dictated certain decisions. The fact is that each individual “personality” is a multilateral structure. “I” after the event is not quite “I” before it is made, in a calm and balanced state, a person thinks in a completely different way than in a state of affect (anxiety, ecstasy,). Therefore, recalling the deed for the day, we are to some extent ourselves a "stranger" for ourselves. It is clear that such introspection should be carried out in a calm state, having for a while renounced fuss.

Works great when analyzing your behavior. Each decision should be made after checking all the arguments that push it. Thus, it is necessary to look at oneself from a scientific point of view: accept self-evident axioms and, with the help of logical judgments and arguments, prove or disprove theorems - these are the same arguments. Judgments should be directed strictly in one direction, but the analysis must take into account the opposite point of view.

Checking sources of information.  Throughout our lives, we make decisions based on what we have seen, heard, read. Whether this or that source is true, whether its author distorts the facts for his own benefit, it is far from always easy to answer these questions, but it is necessary to answer them. You can check both by referring to a more authoritative source, and in practice. The second way is more reliable, since the "authoritative source" often itself needs to be checked; however, the practice may be dangerous for the inspector: for example, an attempt to verify the truth of the warning “Do not fit in - will kill!” can be fatal.

Formulated Inference  it is necessary to additionally check, especially if it is based on purely formal considerations. If your conclusion "worked" once, it is not yet a fact that it will "work" in another situation.

It is helpful to list all possible solutions to the problem. Visual representation facilitates the mental task. You can depict charts, tables, diagrams. Here we apply the methods of mathematical disciplines - statistics, algebra of sets and logic, etc. And, as you know, the most accurate of all sciences.

The best way to accustom yourself to critical thinking is to adhere to a simple scheme: solving a problem consists of five stages - preparation, getting to know the problem, developing solutions, choosing the final solution and evaluating the result of the choice. This scheme is familiar to everyone who graduated or was engaged in research, because it is the norm for writing term papers, dissertations, dissertations, and other similar documents. A structured plan allows you to gradually and deliberately resolve any complex issue.

.   It is easier for creative people to present different options for the development of events, to evaluate the results of their actions in fictional situations (which may well turn out to be real in the future).

Deliverance from fear.  It is often difficult to critically assess the situation in front of “higher forces” of various orders:

• in religious societies there is a fear of a critical attitude to the “divine providence,” and, therefore, to the events that have occurred and their behavior in them;
• in totalitarian states, citizens are afraid to even think that members of the government may be wrong;
• in countries with an eastern system of government (Japan, South Korea), subordinates are afraid to criticize the authorities, their orders and their actions in their light.

Even if the political situation changes, fear remains at a subconscious level, and a person continues to relate to the outside world and to himself uncritically. Overcoming these irrational fears will help, so to speak, tune into a “critical mood”.

Obtaining knowledge about objects, properties, relationships of the surrounding reality, which a person does not perceive directly, can be carried out using various types of thinking.

Critical thinking is a certain system of judgments that helps to analyze and formulate sound conclusions, create your own assessment of what is happening, and interpret it. We can say that critical thinking is a high-level thinking that allows you to question the incoming information. It is also defined as “evaluative, reflective” or “thinking about thinking”.

To clarify the question of what critical thinking is, R. Paul suggested dividing it into strong and weak. The weak implies the egoist’s thinking, which is occupied by his own needs and does not use it for good. Strong thinking belongs to a person without an egocentric orientation.

Not every mental activity falls under the definition of critical thinking. It does not include:

• memorization;
• understanding;
• intuitive / creative thinking.

Critical thinking has many definitions in philosophical and psychological works, but any researchers agree that in order to think critically, you need skill:

• analyze and synthesize;
• carry out induction and deduction;
• abstract oneself;
• interpret;
• watch;
• use logic;
• to ascend from the abstract to the concrete.

It is also necessary to have a broad horizons, creative imagination, and stable values. To some extent, emotionality can also be included in the definition of this concept.

Criticality of thinking is a necessary quality that allows creating prerequisites for the civilized development of society.

Components

The ability to think abstractly is the ability to distract from some properties of reality that are currently insignificant, while highlighting others - relevant. It is necessary to distinguish between the process of abstraction and abstraction. The first involves a certain number of operations that lead to a specific result - abstraction. A variety of concepts and things (including everyday ones such as a house, a street, a tree, etc.) can appear under abstraction. This process is inextricably linked with other concepts - analysis and synthesis.

Analysis is a process that allows you to decompose an object into parts. Synthesis is a combination of parts that were obtained through analysis into one whole.

The next skill, which is a necessary criterion for evaluating critical thinking, is the ability to think inductively and deductively. Induction is an inference that is formed in the process of reasoning from "particular" to "general". Deduction is based on reasoning from the “general” to the “particular”.

The ascent from the abstract to the concrete represents the passage of two stages. The first involves a transition from a concrete definition to an abstract. The object is divided into its component parts - signs and properties. The second stage is the ascent from the abstract to the concrete. At this stage, the human mind is trying to restore the original integrity of the dismembered object. The passage of the second stage is impossible without a preliminary first. Thus, there is a process that allows cognition to ascend from the concrete to the abstract, and subsequently the other way around.

The critical mind allows a person to doubt all the time, to weigh all the pros and cons. The main indicators of the criticality of the mind are the ability to look at assumptions as possible hypotheses that require proof. People with a rich imagination, “dreamers” risk putting forward unrealizable plans, so they must pay attention to the development of critical judgments and learn to think purposefully.

The development of critical thinking

Why do you need critical thinking in everyday life? It:

• helps in professional self-determination;
• allows you to set priorities;
• forms responsibility for the choice;
• provides an opportunity to formulate your own conclusions;
• develops the ability to predict the consequences of their actions;
• develops skills of cultural dialogue.

How to develop critical thinking? First of all, you need to imagine how it happens in sequence. Its process consists of three stages:

• a challenge to update and summarize already existing knowledge on the original question and the person’s motivation for active work;
• comprehension, which allows you to get new information, to understand and correlate it with the available data;
• reflection, which involves holistically comprehending and summarizing the information received, assigning it and showing your own attitude to the object.

Possible independent ways of development

We describe the main strategies to increase the criticality of the mind.

No. 1. Using the time that is usually spent on "doing nothing." This time is proposed to be used as introspection - for example, at the end of the day. Some questions need to be answered:

• have I used (a) today methods that develop a critical mind;
• were they effective;
• what I did (a) to achieve my goals.

It is best to answer these questions in writing, in the form of diary entries..

No. 2. The study of problems. One day should be given under one problem. It should be formulated and determined how it relates to life values \u200b\u200band needs. It must be studied in order to understand whether it is possible to influence it and what actions must be performed to solve it. A prerequisite is to determine your capabilities that will allow you to resolve the issue in the short and long term. After that, you need to choose a strategy for the solution and stick to it.

Number 3. The development of intelligence.

Every few days it is necessary to work on the development of the criticality of the mind, namely, one specific side - logical thinking, analysis, deduction, etc.

To effectively develop critical thinking, do not trust authorities. The prism of another's perception often distorts information. That is why it is so important to go to the source yourself and get to know the question yourself.

Number 4. Recording success in diary entries.

Each week, it is worth recording in the diary important emotional situations, a description of reactions to them and an analysis of their origins. It is worth answering such questions: what was new about myself that I was able to learn through these situations? What could be done differently if you had to relive them again?

It must be understood that the development of the criticality of the mind is a long process, and it would be optimal not to interrupt it at all.

So, critical thinking is defined differently, but it means thinking that allows you to draw your own conclusions on the basis of the incoming information and use them to solve actual problems. In some cases, such thinking can be developed independently.

Critical thinking is a process of reasoning aimed at an objective analysis of any idea that appears in your head. It includes a deeper study of certain areas of life so that you can reach your potential.

Our life is the result of our thoughts and decisions. Therefore, by improving the quality of thoughts, we can improve our lives. One way to do this is to improve critical thinking skills.

1. Do not assume - explore

In everyday life, we make assumptions about almost everything. Our brain is so arranged, it makes assumptions with the aim of processing information. And this function is an extremely important part of the structure of the brain. However, sometimes these assumptions may be incorrect or inaccurate. Critical thinking involves the rejection of assumptions, it requires the analysis of any data for its relevance and veracity. For any suggestion, always ask the question why this is so, and not otherwise.

2. Investigate first, and then perceive the information as truth

Around a huge amount of information. One comes from reliable sources, the other from unreliable sources. Therefore, we distribute information based on this classification. This saves time and energy, which would be required for a more thorough analysis of the information received. However, information that we believe to be reliable may turn out to be. If something is published or broadcast by the media somewhere, this does not mean that the information is reliable. Critical thinking implies that you need to get to the bottom of all the new data that you receive in order to verify their accuracy.

3. Everything is in doubt

To think critically, you must be prepared to question literally everything. You should doubt all news, government statements, and even what you have been taught from an early age. Ask questions. Thinking critically and not impossible. First, find the questions you can ask in a specific situation. Secondly, ask in such a way as to get constructive answers.

4. Recognize your personal biases

Prejudices are conclusions about the world that are made on the basis of personal experience. Absolutely every person has prejudices, sometimes this leads to incorrect conclusions and decisions. To develop critical thinking in yourself, you need to identify your preconceptions and study them. This will lead to a better analysis of new information.

5. Plan ahead more than your peers

Life can be seen as a game of chess. To succeed, you must be many steps ahead of your opponent. It’s not enough to count two or three steps forward. You must calculate and plan the strategy for the maximum possible number of steps forward. Have a brainstorming session in which you look at the full range of your future. You can anticipate some problems and prepare for them.

6. Define the main goal of your decisions.

Each time you make a decision in life, it has a specific goal. This goal should be a guideline for thoughts and actions. Make sure your goal is fully understood by you. State it in words and numbers, let your path to it begin with this. Make decisions that will bring you closer to your goal.

7. Think about the consequences of your actions.

Each action is faced with opposition. Our actions are the result of our decisions. We must predict and evaluate the possible consequences. One way is to put yourself in the place of who your decision will affect. This will allow you to be ready for any result, you can come up with a backup plan that will focus on problems that may suddenly arise.

8. Become aware of the processes in your mind.

The process of human thinking is simply amazing. The brain is the most complex structure known to man. We think in many ways. One way is heuristics. This is a set of techniques and methods that facilitate the solution of formal problems. She relies more on. From the point of view of critical thinking, heuristics are not reliable. Since she considers information without delving into the facts, bias also strongly affects her. To improve critical thinking skills, you need to understand how your mind works.

9. See evidence of previous thoughts.

You do not have to reinvent the wheel. Any problem that you encounter is most likely already solved by someone. To deal with it faster and more successfully, just look at the results of those who did it before you. Use the information to find your own path, which may be more thoughtful.

Critical thinking greatly increases your chances of success in your life endeavors. It allows you to get excellent results. These tips will help improve your thinking skills. Study and apply them, over time you will notice an improvement in the quality of life.