Critical Thinking: A Necessary Tool for Decision Making

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Abstract This paper will define the meaning of critical thinking. I will provide an example of a personal experience when critical thinking had to be used. This paper will also examin the benefits and importance of using critical thinking during the decision-making process. What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is an essential tool to good decision-making. Everyone has biases or prejudices which can hinder good decision making. Critical thinking varies depending on the underlying motivation. When decisions are based on selfish intentions; they are often marked by manipulation of ideas to service one's own interest. To be an effective critical thinker one has to have the ability to look at the facts and make a decision based solely on the facts. Critical thinking is a tool to be used in every aspect of ones life. Critical thinking can help us to become better thinkers, better people, and can help us to make better decisions. Defining Critical Thinking Before one can truly define critical thinking one has to look at thinking in general. According to dictionary.com thinking is, "to have a conscious mind, to some extent of reasoning, remembering experiences, making rational decision, etc." In order for thinking to be useful to others it has to be communicated in some form. Thinking can take on many forms, to include; communicating our thoughts through language, images, art, scientific formulas or mathematics (Kirby and Goodpaster, 2007). Unexpressed thinking is important as well because it allows one the opportunity to think before speaking or acting (Kirby and Goodpaster, 2007). Critical thinking starts with that thinking process, whether it is something you thought of yourself or a situation brought to your attention... ... middle of paper ... ...if that knowledge goes against ones personal beliefs or self interest. References Carter, C., Bishop, J., and Kravits S. (2007). Keys to College Studying: Becoming an Active Listener. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-text]. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Retrieved January 20, 2007, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Gen300-Skills for Professional Development Course Web Site. Kirby, G., Goodpaster, J., (2007). Thinking: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical and Creative Through. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-text]. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Retrieved January 18, 2007, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, MGT350-Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making Course Web Site. Helliwell, R. (2000). Keys to Critical Thinking. New Zealand Management, 47.6, 44. Retrieved January 20, 2007, from EBSCOhost database.

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