Critical Thinking Essay

Terri Olson

Gen/201

June 8, 2015

Doug Pederson

The Definition of Critical Thinking Critical thinking is being able to think clearly and logically. A person with critical thinking skills is able to understand the logical connections between concepts, recognize, create and weigh opinions. “As critical thinkers, we are constantly on the lookout for thinking that's inaccurate, sloppy, or misleading.” 1.

7 Steps in the Critical-Thinking Process 1. Use Your Mistakes-Everyone makes mistakes try seeing as a learning opportunity and think of way to correct this in the future and avoid repeating them. 2. Respect Your Opponent-Don’t make the story about you. Use general speaking terms and don’t relate everything to something you personally have experienced. 3. The “Surely” Klaxon-Avoid using words such as surely and obviously. When you hear these words think of a horn blasting in the background and realize these are probably not sure or obvious. 4. Answer Rhetorical Questions-Often times a person will not be comfortable asking a question. Put yourself in that persons place and answer the question as honestly as you can. 5. Employ Occam’s Razor-“KISS-Keep It Simple Stupid” 2.When answering a question and your answer goes on and on and you very likely can lose your audience. 6. Don’t Waste Your Time on Rubbish-Time is too important don’t sweat the small stuff. 7. Beware of Deepities-Speak clear and know what you are talking about.
My Blind Spot and Preferred Ethical Lens from the ELI It seems that if I have everything that I need I am satisfied and other may not be able to rely on me. My preferred ethical lens is Results and Reputation. I listen to my intuition and what is best for all.
An Explanation of How My Personal Ethics Influences My Decision Making Deciding to go