Critical Thinking and Logic

by Anthony Williams 

Critical Thinking

From my point of comprehension, critical thinking is the ability to discern truth from fiction through the process of true thought. By asking the right questions one could uncover the underlying truths. So too, by recognizing fallacies and not accepting things based on one’s emotion alone, facts may be uncovered. The critical thought process can be engaged by using reason and evidence. When using critical thinking one is able to transcend what is considered normal or collective thought.

Using Critical Thinking

Consequently, one is able to see things in a different light; thus, problems are solved and new inventions inspired. As a critical thinker one must be open-minded, and aware of one’s own biases. Therefore, critical thinking must be the ability to use cognitive activity to solve problems and answer questions objectively. This cognitive insight can then be potentially expressed in dialogue or literature (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007).

Logic as Part of Critical Thinking

In addition, logic or the logical thinker is meticulous in deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning has a conclusion that is logically relative to its premises. In other words, the conclusion must follow from the premises. Thus, if the premises are true, then the conclusion most also be true. Yet, inductive reasoning also falls under logic. But, the characteristics of inductive thinking suggest that if the premises are true, then the conclusion is probable. Logic is part of the critical thinking process. The purposes of critical thinking, is to assess answers (views), and understand and solve problems (Kirby & Goodpaster).

References

Kirby, G. R. & Goodpaster, J. (2007).Thinking (4^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: PearsonEducation, Inc.