Cultural Values And Personal Ethics
...March 10, 2004
Abstract
Critical thinking concepts have been around for over 2000 years. Thinking in this way entails questioning the evidence and arguments of other thinkers. Critical thinking has both general and specific applications for every individual's life. By making use of critical thinking techniques, people can become better independent thinkers. Critical thinking can be essential to success in a graduate degree program. Critical thinking skills developed within a graduate degree program helps to prepare students for success in the business world. Critical thinking skills can enable individuals to better manage their time, sort through, and make order of the complexities of business while making order of thinking of the world in which we live.
Critical Thinking
The idea of critical thinking is not new; it has been around for more than 2000 years. Alec Fisher, an independent thinker, suggests that while Socrates was one of the first real critical thinkers, John Dewey, is widely considered the "father' of the modern critical thinking tradition." (Fisher, 2001). Referring to critical thinking as reflective thinking', Dewey defined the it as "Active, persistent, and careful consideration of a belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds which support it and the further conclusions to which it tends." (Dewey cited in Fisher, 2001).
Fisher explains that the "active" process of critical thinking, defined by Dewey, implies a process through which individuals learn and think for themselves. This is opposed to a "passive" thinking process that depends on someone else to do one's thinking. Critical thinking entails considering all sides of an argument by oneself; thinking the concept through, raising questions, and developing relevant information. (Fisher, 2001) This process requires knowledge and understanding of oneself; thus...
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