Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking- Is the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion this is how dictionary difines it. Is dictionary.com's definition of critical thinking the only definition that describes what critical thinking really is? In my opinion critical thinking most nearly means thinking creatively and intellucualy which isnt much different from the dictionary's definition. Recently my INQ class took a trip to the library to become more informed about the library's resources that are available to Southern students. Here we had to scour the librarys homepage for different things this is a prime example of critical thinking. We analyzed the site and created an answer that we thought was rational. While in the library we had to look for a book that seemed like a good resource for definig our topic "Critical Thinking" the book that i found was called "Think." In this book it explains what critical thinking is! it also defines a good thinker by listing characteristics. The book defines critical thinking as a collection of skills we use every day that are necessary for our full intellectual and personal development. Then it takes the word critical shows that it is derived from kritikos (Greek) which means discernment or the ability to judge/ decision make. Next the book shows how critical thinking and logic go hand in had since they both require good analytical skills. In an everyday situation critical thinking provides us with the tools to identify and resolve issues in our lives, the book provides this example. What makes a good thinker? is a good thinker someone who thinks long, in depth, or creatively? THINK defines a good thinker as a person who has good analytical skillz, effective communication, reseatch and inquiry skills, flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, open-minded skepticism, creative problem solving, attention, mindfulness, curiosity, and collaborative learning.