This document discusses critical thinking, including what it means to think critically, why it is important, and how critical thinking skills can be developed. It defines critical thinkers as those who question their environment, consider opposing viewpoints and make evidence-based decisions. The document outlines how critical thinking informs various skills and leads to better outcomes. It also provides steps for becoming a critical thinker and attitudes that critical thinkers possess, as well as barriers to critical thinking.

1. BUS 301 Week 7
Critical Thinking

2. Critical Thinking
• What is means to think critically
• Why it matters (now and in the
future)
• How skills in this area can be
developed

3. What does it mean
to think critically?
• Critical thinkers question
the world around them and
know the difference
between opinion and fact.
• They consider opposing
viewpoints and the basis of
them.
• They make decisions
supported by evidence
and not assumptions.
• Critical thinkers are not
simply persuaded by short
term benefits but consider
long term outcomes.
• Critical thinkers reason and
analyze before deciding.

4. Uses of critical
thinking
• Critical thinking informs
reading, writing, speaking and
listening
• Critical thinking uncovers bias
and prejudice
• Critical thinking reveals non-
sense (crap detector!), half-
truths and deception
• Critical thinking leads to better
decisions
Acquiring this skill is one of the
major goals of education
Being educated means being a
critical thinker!

5. Critical thinking is…
Complete
Deliberate
Informed of both sides
Balanced
Not formed by one doctrine,
ideology or viewpoint
Free

6. How do you
become a critical
thinker?
Steps:
1. Why am I considering
this issue?
2. What are the various
points of view?
3. How well is each
viewpoint supported?
4. Can I combine
various POV’s and
create a new one?

7. Attitudes of
critical thinkers
• Truth seeking
• Open minded
• Analytical
• Systematic
• Self-confident
• Inquisitive
• Mature

8. Critical thinking leaves you
open to new ideas
 This is the number one reason employers like
critical thinkers!
 Critical thinkers are idea people…non-critical
thinkers are stuck.
 Brainstormers
 Open to serendipity
 Change their minds often—refine ideas!
 Analyze data to come up with new
thoughts/intereptations

9. Barriers to Critical
Thinking
• Jumping to conclusions
• Personal attacks
• Appeals to authority
• False causation
• Scorched earth/all or nothing
thinking
• Emotional appeals
• Straw dogs
• Tradition
• Slippery slope
• Red herrings

10. Critical Thinking
Jeopardy!