critical thinking

noun

1

: the act or practice of thinking critically (as by applying reason and questioning assumptions) in order to solve problems, evaluate information, discern biases, etc.

Today, what we call the Socratic method is a way of teaching that fosters critical thinking, in part by encouraging students to question their own unexamined beliefs, as well as the received wisdom of those around them.

—Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

2

: the set of skills, methods, etc. involved in critical thinking

Media literacy enlivens how our schools teach critical thinking by serving as a bridge between the classroom and the world in which our young people live most of their waking lives.

—Wally Bowen

Using the same skills used for centuries—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—we must look at digital literacy as another realm within which to apply elements of critical thinking.

—Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne Flannigan

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Helping students develop critical-thinking skills and information literacy is one of the core missions of libraries everywhere.

—Nancy Pearl

Examples of critical thinking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Skills such as leadership, project management, communication and critical thinking are highly transferable and sought after in nearly every industry. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Supporters of the bill said it is supposed to promote critical thinking and constructive dialogue and promote intellectual and viewpoint diversity. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024

But some educators have expressed concern about the broader zero-tolerance approach, saying that controlling students’ behavior so minutely might produce excellent academic results, but does not foster autonomy or critical thinking. —Emma Bubola, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024

Candidates must not only understand the relevant accounting principles but also demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills, and attention to detail to complete the simulations accurately. —Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024

The answer, for me, is tried and true: Invest in durable skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. —Bijal Shah, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024

To do this, a person needs to be skilled at critical thinking. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Compatible with an iPad or Fire Tablet, parents love how the Osmo Detective Agency game helps kids learn more about geography while using critical thinking to solve puzzles. —Erica Puisis, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024

The school encourages critical thinking and risk-taking while empowering students to create new ideas and solutions. —Cathy Whitlock, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1