Critical thinking is defined as the careful analysis of beliefs, arguments, and positions in order to arrive at correct conclusions. By studying logical fallacies, one will become able to distinguish poor argumentation from good argumentation. However, familiarity with logical fallacies alone is not enough to turn one into a critical thinker. There are several other important characteristics of critical thinking. Here are some:
1. Openness to the possibility of being wrong.
2. Willingness to listen to others’ arguments, ideas, and beliefs.
3. Ability to listen to criticism without responding emotionally.
4. Willingness to question one’s own beliefs.
5. Commitment to making an effort to truly understand others’ arguments, ideas, and beliefs before opposing or criticizing them.
6. Commitment to making an effort to avoid unclear language and arguments.
7. Willingness to respect alternate views if good support is provided for these views.
All of these characteristics of critical thinking require two things: courage and hard work. First, it is sometimes threatening to question one’s own beliefs and to listen to others’ arguments and ideas. This does not mean that critical thinking requires one to change his or her beliefs or to uncritically accept the beliefs of others. It simply means that one is willing to thoughtfully analyze both.
Second, critical thinking is not easy. It takes discipline and hard work to continually question, carefully consider, and test the many claims that we encounter. Many people avoid critical thinking for this very reason. It is far easier to allow someone else to think for you. However, if one wants to grow intellectually, then one will make an effort to think for oneself.