A500.5.1.RB_SharpJosh

Critical Thinking About Critical Thinking

For this post, we were asked to reflect on our critical thinking competencies, how they have changed, what techniques we have internalized, and how the changes can be long lasting.  The first thing that really affected me was exploring what logical fallacies we normally use.  Not just identifying the fallacies, but then digging into why we use them.  Another exploration that had an effect on me was thinking of statements in the terms of facts and claims.  I find myself frequently asking more and more questions about statements that present themselves as facts.  Treating these "facts" as claims has really opened my eyes to the way people really communicate.  It also forms an appreciation for people who conduct their communications in such a way as to not confuse claims with facts.

For these changes in critical thinking to be long lasting, they must be practiced and they must have value.  In practicing critical thinking at work, it has brought new ideas to the table.  It has also helped me better understand what's truly being asked of me on an assignment.  With this added value to my daily life and activities, I am incentivized to continue the practice of evaluating my communications with people.  This has the added effect of being considered an effective communicator by my colleagues and superiors.  All of this positive reinforcement is good motivation to continue practicing these critical thinking skills.