Criminal Minda

Critical Thinking and Society Exercise

Lisa J Johnson

PHL/458

June 6, 2012

Dr. Shaun Herness

Critical Thinking and Society Exercise

Critical and creative thinking even though approached differently complement each other very nicely. When approaching a problem critical thinking is used first; analyze the problem, create possible solutions, choose, and put into place the best solution and evaluate how effective the solution we chose was. The creative thinking comes into play during, the “create a possible solutions step.” There are times when logical or common solutions to a problem are obvious, and there are other occasions in which the thinker needs to develop or invent a new solution, or take the an existing solution possibility and expand it or improve it to accommodate the need.

When thoughts are formed they are made up of several components. Some of which are: free will, knowledge, and opinion and ironically go hand-in-hand and feed off each other. When free will is mentioned we, associate it with making voluntary decisions and choices. These decisions and choices are generally not based on experiences or causes. Knowledge is the information thinkers gather and acquire through educational means or experiences. Everyone has an opinion or point of view. These are personal thoughts generally formed about someone or something, and they may not be based on knowledge. The speaker possessing knowledge to back up statements helps to establish credibility. The ability to express thoughts and ideas in anyway necessary includes free will and opinion (Merriam Webster Incorporated, 2012).

The process of critical and creative thinking can have many areas of hindrance or barriers can be created if the thinker is not conscious of the situation. Ignorance or not having the required knowledge needed to develop a solution can sometimes make it the process lengthy, frustrating and, could have inaccurate or negative results. Egocentrism or...