Critical Thinking: An Analysis and Restructuring of Materials, Essay Example

Introduction

The concept of critical thinking relates to the mode of thought and how any subject, notion, problem or idea may be expanded.  This process involves an analysis and restructuring of materials into a manner that improves the overall quality of the statement.  In this sense, it may be described as self-directed strategy, having its own prescribed sense of discipline and the ability for corrective thought.  The process combines both communication and problem solving skills. The concept is particularly associated with Philosophy naming examples of Plato and Socrates (Critical Thinking Community, 2011).

History provides numerous examples of Critical Thinkers, these ranging from the Greek Philosophers and to the time of the Roman rhetoricians.  These thinkers argued the position of legality and politics in the control of the Roman Empire.  Other great thinkers in the Renaissance period studied science and the arts. This included people like Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo and Archimedes.  Perhaps amongst the greatest of these is Albert Einstein who helped unravel many of the mysteries of modern physics. (Goodpaster, 2007)

Problem solving and intellectual perseverance

Like most critical thinking situations in the work place, it is easy to give up when addressing an intellectual problem statement and the task becomes too complex to resolve.  It can be extremely painful when the right answer is not apparent or easy to discover.  Some have posed than the answer resides in intellectual perseverance.  Often in reality critical thinking is about stepping back from the problem and determining as to where (i) you truly understand the nature of the problem or (ii) whether there is an alternate approach.  For example if you wanted to climb the Eiger you could look at the North face of the mountain and see an almost impossible climb to the summit. If however, you looked at the South Face it is less steep and can be climbed without too much difficulty.  The result is that both ways ascend you to the top of the mountain. One path is extremely difficult and fraught with danger whilst the other is far simpler with less hazards.  This is often the approach to school problems. You need to gain different perspectives that might lead you to the same result.

Critical thinking in the work place with application of strong sense is a factor of developing fair-mindedness which consequently facilitates that all thinking is treated with the highest possible standards and a situation of taking advantage over other people is avoided. Critical thinking the work place is anticipated to lead to proper reasoning from proponents and opponents alike. Individual reasoning is applied to specific criteria which are applicable to achieve reasoning unsympathetically. Critical thinking allows for re-evaluation of purposes, implications, point of view, evidence as well as conclusions with equal extent of vigor as the one applicable to others (William & Jonathan, 2009).

Critical thinking also involves approaching a specific thought process in a logical manner and taking reality checks for both accuracy and quality.  It is important to appreciate the importance of looking at a particular problem through a careful understanding of the nature of the problem.  Equally important is following the consideration as to what additional perspectives to the problem may be found i.e. reshaping and re-evaluating the nature of the problem and ultimately determining the most appropriate steps forward.  One important element of critical thinking is in the examination of two similar statements and subsequently the development of inferences and relationships between them, as such providing greater strength to the thought process.  (William & Jonathan, 2009).

Conclusion

Deeper thought processes over the things that we do in our daily lives can increase the possibilities of extending our knowledge and challenges for self-improvement.  Clarity of thought provides us with an increased sense of purpose and helps in intensifying or mental awareness of the items that surround us.  Equally, it helps to invoke a sense of equity and humility by understanding your own personal limitations.

References

Critical Thinking Community. (2011). Our Concept and Definition of Critical Thinking. Available at http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/our-concept-of-critical-thinking/411

Goodpaster, G. K. (2007). Thinking 4th Ed. In G. K. Goodpaster, Thinking 4th Ed. New York : Prentice Hall.

William, H. & Jonathan, L., (2009). Critical thinking an introduction to the basic skills. New York: Broadview Press.