Critical
thinking is a way of processing thoughts through structured operations.
Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored,
and self-corrective. It ascends to rigorous intellectual standards.
In entails effective communication, problem-solving skills, and the
ability to overcome inherent egocentric and sociocentric proclivities.
Egocentric thinking stems from our natural inclination to consider our
own needs as primary. It is easy to allow egocentric thinking to predominate
and flavor thought. Egocentric thinking is limiting, often inaccurate,
and intellectually stagnant. Over time it becomes difficult to recognize
our egocentric assumptions, unless they are purposefully challenged
using a protocol for thinking critically.
The Eight Elements of Thought
The components of critical thought include:
1. Purpose: What is your goal and objective? You should be able
to state the goal and objective clearly.
2. Question at Issue: What are you attempting to figure out or
resolve? Clearly and precisely state the question.
3. Data, Information, and Evidence: Base your thinking upon data
you have; make sure your have sufficient information.
4. Concepts and Ideas: Identify the key concepts from which you
have developed your thinking.
5. Assumptions: Identify the assumptions that have led to a conclusion
and things taken for granted.
6. Inferences and Interpretations: Conclusions give data meaning;
infer only what the evidence implies.
7. Point of View: Analyze the perspective you have based your
thinking upon.
8. Implications and Consequences: Examine the impact of conclusions
from a variety of perspectives.
Characteristics
of Critical Thinking
·
Clarity - a 'gateway' standard; questions, ideas, statements
must be clearly stated to be processed accurately
·
Accuracy - the truth value of a statement; the ability to check
or confirm the validity
·
Precision - being detailed and specific
·
Relevance - having direct bearing on the issue
·
Depth - ample expression of the complexities of an issue
·
Breadth - considering alternative points of view
·
Logic - making sense; follows from the evidence
·
Significance - focused on a central idea; relevant to the problem
·
Fairness - divested of personal interest; sympathetic representation
of other points of view
Reference: Guide to Critical Thinking:
Concepts & Tools, R. Paul and L. Elder, The Foundation for Critical
Thinking, 2001. Website: www.criticalthinking.org
Critical Thinking For Purposes of the Ethics Seminar
The above information provides a window into the concepts of critical thinking, but how does critical thinking apply to this class? The essence of critical thinking has to do with being disciplined in your thought. Many students go "awry" by attempting to apply rules other than the rules of ethics in resolving ethical case studies. You need to think about the case studies in terms of the principles and rules of ethics instead of "social rules" or other means of redressing the problems presented.
I've tried to lay out a "formula" to assist you in assessing case scenarios. The formula consists of four segments -- identifying the ethical issues embedded in the scanario, identifying the stakeholders, weighing the evidence, and determining a resolution with in the operational authority of ASHA's Code of Ethics.
(Link to Formula). Pay special attention to the process, that's a key component. Take full advantage of the practice opportunities!
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