Critical Thinking: Definitions

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Boss, Judith (2017) – Think

“Critical thinking is a collection of skills we use every day that are necessary for our full intellectual and personal development. The word critical is derived from the Greek word kritikos, which means “discernment,” “the ability to judge,” or “deci- sion making.” Critical thinking requires learning how to think rather than simply what to think.” p. 6

Tom Burns and SanDRA SINFIELD (2022) – Essential study skills

“The art of making clear, reasoned judgements based on interpreting, understanding, applying and synthesising evidence.” p. 10

Chaffee, John (2019) – Thinking Critically

“The act or habit of carefully exploring the thinking process to clarify understanding and make more intelligent decisions.” p. 557

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

“The process of using and assessing reasons to evaluate statements, assumptions, and arguments in ordinary situations.”

Merriam-Webster

“The act or practice of thinking critically (as by applying reason and questioning assumptions) in order to solve problems, evaluate information, discern biases, etc.”

Vaughn, Lewis (2018) – Concise Guide to Critical Thinking

“The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by rational standards. Critical thinking is systematic because it involves distinct procedures and methods. It entails evaluation and formulation because it’s used to both assess existing beliefs (yours or someone else’s) and devise new ones. And it operates according to rational standards in that beliefs are judged by how well they are sup- ported by reasons.” p. 2