Critical thinking can be defined as “self-directed, self-disciplined, self-
monitored, and self-corrective thinking.” [3] It is the difference between watching
television in a daze versus analyzing a movie with attention to its use of lighting, camera
angles, and music to influence the audience. One activity requires very little mental
effort, while the other requires attention to detail, the ability to compare and contrast,
and sharp senses to receive all the stimuli.
critical thinking requires established standards and attention to their
use, effective communication, problem solving, and a willingness to acknowledge and
address our own tendency for confirmation bias, egocentrism, and sociocentrism. We’ll
use the phrase “habit of mind” because clear, critical thinking is a habit that requires
effort and persistence.