Critical Thinking

(from Paul, Richard and Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools. The Foundation for Critical Thinking © 2006)  Comments in italics are clarifications, examples, and conclusion.

Checklist for Reasoning

1. All reasoning has a purpose; i.e., reasoning is goal-directed.
2. All reasoning is an attempt to figure something out, to settle some question, to solve some problem i.e., to bring something to a conclusion. 
3. All reasoning is based on assumptions,  i.e., nothing comes from nothing other than mathematical axioms.
4. All reasoning is done from some point of view, i.e., no reasoning is completely objective.
5. All reasoning is based on data, information and evidence, i.e., on prior reasoning.
6. All reasoning is expressed through and shaped by concepts and ideas, i.e., expression depends on mental impressions.
7. All reasoning contains inferences or interpretations by which we draw conclusions and give meaning to data, i.e., reasoning is a form of personal intervention and action.
8. All reasoning leads somewhere or has implications and consequences, i.e., reasoning is substantive.

Universal Intellectual Standards of Critical Thinking

Clarity: Is understandable
Accuracy: Is true
Precision: Provides enough detail
Relevance: Stays on topic
Depth: Deals with complexity
Breadth: Recognizes perspectives
Logic: Makes sense
Significance: Has importance
Fairness: Is ethical and not self-serving

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