Critical Thinking

2014

Jose M. Castillo Garcia

Charter College

4/22/2014

2014

Jose M. Castillo Garcia

Charter College

4/22/2014

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Why Critical Thinking?

The Problem 

Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.

A Definition 

Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them. Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.  

The Dilemma:

I am currently facing the hart wrenching decision to take a week long unpaid vacation from work. I know that does not sound bad wright?

I do not believe this will go over well with my employer, I have just started working there as a production supervisor, three weeks ago and did not have the opportunity to explain the planned trip. I do not believe that disappearing for an entire week on a new job looks good at any level with any company.

On the other hand I promised my family this trip two years ago, at that time I was working for a different company, I had accrued some paid time off and would halve not affected my finances and continued employment at the company, unfortunately that company closed its doors and I was laid off, however, I...