Common Definitions of Critical Thinking

Note: ChatGPT generated the following result from this prompt: List 5 common definitions of critical thinking. Give the source.

1. The Foundation for Critical Thinking: “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”

   Source: Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2007). The miniature guide to critical thinking concepts and tools. Dillon Beach: Foundation for Critical Thinking.

2. The Association for Informal Logic and Critical Thinking (AILACT): “Critical thinking is the process of assessing reasons, especially as a guide to belief and action.”

   Source: Norris, S. P. (1985). Synthesis of research on critical thinking. Educational leadership, 42(8), 40-45.

3. The American Philosophical Association (APA): “We understand critical thinking to be purposeful, self-regulatory judgment which results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference, as well as explanation of the evidential, conceptual, methodological, criteriological, or contextual considerations upon which that judgment is based.”

   Source: Facione, P. A. (1990). Critical thinking: A statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction. Research findings and recommendations.

4. Robert Ennis: “Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.”

   Source: Ennis, R. H. (1987). A taxonomy of critical thinking dispositions and abilities. In J. Baron & R. Sternberg (Eds.), Teaching thinking skills: Theory and practice. New York: Freeman.

5. Michael Scriven & Richard Paul: “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, for the purpose of guiding decision making.”

   Source: Scriven, M., & Paul, R. (1987). Defining critical thinking. Retrieved from The Critical Thinking Community website.

While each definition offers a unique perspective on the nature of critical thinking, they all highlight the importance of reasoning, reflection, and evaluation in the process of making informed decisions.