Critical Thinking: What Is It and Why Is It So Important?

Critical Thinking: The Basics 

Critical thinking is a decision making process used to solve problems. There are two aspects that define critical thinking:
  1. Critical thinking is based on evidence and logical reasoning. Emotions and memorization are not a part of logical thinking.
  2. Critical thinking requires evaluating and improving your own thought processes. As the Foundation for Critical Thinking explains, critical thinking relies on universal intellectual values like clarity, relevance and consistency.
critical thinking, the thinker

Critical Thinking Skills: How They Can Help You

Logical reasoning and critical thinking techniques have many positive effects, including:
  • Improved cognitive skills;
  • A foundation of logical decision making on which you can draw, even in stressful situations; and,
  • Higher academic and professional achievement.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Here are a few specific examples that explain why your critical thinking skills are worth developing:

  • Critical Thinking Forces Intellectual Self Improvement

Focusing on evidence over emotion or ego allows you to think critically and consider hard facts as you assess your performance. At its core, critical thinking is inward-focused. The goal is to maximize your ability to think rationally. This sort of critical reflection is key to improving your cognitive skills. In turn, it leads to increased overall intelligence and improved test performance.

  • Critical Thinking Allows You to Become a Better Team Player 

​critical thinking leads to better teamwork
There can be multiple answers to the same problem, and this realization is important to the critical thinking process. It allows you to be a better listener and collaborator when you’re working as part of a group, as well as to become more flexible in your problem solving. Plus, focusing on logical reasoning rather than on emotion or interpersonal team dynamics helps you check your ego at the door. That way, you more easily can be a valuable part of a team.

  • Critical Thinking Leads to A More Creative Mindset

According to Linda Elder and Richard Paul, of the Foundation for Critical Thinking’s Critical Thinking Community, experienced critical thinkers will naturally make more connections across subjects. Interdisciplinary logical thinking leads to professional and academic success.

  • Critical Thinking Helps You Stay Calm and Rational Under Stress

​keep calm and think critically, critical thinking, dsst exams
Even in very stressful situations, critical thinkers can rely on their logical decision making skills to make sound decisions. Especially as you prepare for standardized tests, using logic to help you sort through life’s challenges can be extraordinarily helpful.
Think about the impact critical thinking skills can have in context. Whether as part of a group project in school or in the workplace, being an attentive listener who can identify connections that might otherwise go unnoticed gives interdisciplinary logical thinking professional and academic value.