Currently, along with growing attention to artificial intelligence (AI), a new focus is emerging in many areas of thinking about human intellect. Scientists fear that AI in the future may cause a singularity when the development of technology becomes irreversible and uncontrollable, which will lead to incomprehensible changes in civilization (Spector & Ma, 2019). Critical thinking is the subject of the study of ideas about the content of intellect, which can be associated with research in psychology, philosophy of mind, education, epistemology, and others (Spector & Ma, 2019).
Apart from it, critical thinking is one of four crucial 21st-century skills, which, aside from it, include collaboration, communication, and creativity (Wechsler et al., 2018). With respect that the broad concept of critical thinking, many of its definitions exist. In addition, the abilities, skills, and modes of reasoning, which a subject must demonstrate in order to be considered a critical thinker are further examined. The synthesized definition includes analytical and evaluative thinking, a specific algorithmic process, which consists of the ability to evaluate arguments and conclusions correctly.
Critical thinking as an analytical procedure includes not only evaluative criteria but also generative, or, in other words, creative dimension. As a consequence, critical thinking is characterized as rational, reflective thought, which evaluates various aspects and is aimed at achieving a goal (Hitchcock, 2020). On the other hand, critical thinking is seen as in a suitable way to organize argumentation and emphasizing various measures, which reasoning must satisfy in order to serve as a valid basis for thoughtful action (Hitchcock, 2020). As a result, in both cases, the ability to critically assess the perception of the surrounding world is emphasized.
Critical thinking is also defined in terms of the abilities of the individual. In particular, Spector and Ma (2019) argue that critical thinking is a multifaceted and multidimensional human ability associated with predispositions and other variables such as knowledge, motivation, and context. This approach draws on lessons learned, different types of investigation, research, the examination of evidence, argumentation, verification of conclusions, and rethinking of thoughts and assumptions (Spector & Ma, 2019).
Developing appropriate critical thinking skills allows a person to achieve the desired result in a difficult situation. Consequently, critical thinking is enhanced by the evolution of cognitive abilities, such as metacognition and self-regulation (Spector & Ma, 2019). In particular, it is necessary to understand and perceive our own thoughts and be able to control the quality of cognitive processes and make appropriate changes.
To summarize, a synthesized definition of critical thinking includes analytical thinking, a multidimensional human ability to correctly evaluate conclusions and arguments, which has links to variables such as knowledge, motivation, and context. While there are many definitions of critical thinking, a single description remains elusive. Nevertheless, the development of the AI system and life in the 21st century, when critical thinking is one of the essential skills, give an occasion to the improvement and development of critical thinking. As a consequence, everyone should determine critical thinking for themselves.
References
Hitchcock, D. (2020). Critical thinking. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Web.
Spector, J. M., & Ma, S. (2019). Inquiry and critical thinking skills for the next generation: From artificial intelligence back to human intelligence. Smart Learning Environments, 6(1), 1-11. Web.
Wechsler, S. M., Saiz, C., Rivas, S. F., Vendramini, C. M. M., Almeida, L. S., Mundim, M. C., & Franco, A. (2018). Creative and critical thinking: Independent or overlapping components? Thinking Skills and Creativity, 27, 114-122. Web.