Universal Intellectual Standards Of Critical Thinking

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Thinking is something we all naturally do. Differences in our thinking likely emanate from our biases and/or distorted views. Our biases and distorted views might stem from assumptions we have made or information given to us that we accepted as true. Questioning our assumptions and the information given to us will help us conduct evaluations that might nurture our ability to gain value from our thinking. Since the results of our thinking dictate how successful we will be, cultivating our ability to think (i.e., our ability to think critically) is very important.

Thinking critically is a very involved process used to gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and resolve problems. The critical thinking process requires maintaining an open mind while collecting and interpreting data to realize multiple probable answers to raised questions. The process requires that each probable answer be thoroughly evaluated for likelihood of accuracy. The critical thinking process completes with the choosing of the answer that has the highest likelihood of accuracy.
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Some believe thinking critically is a higher-order thinking skill which mainly consists of evaluating arguments and making judgments that can lead to the development of beliefs. Others feel critical thinking consists of identifying and analyzing arguments using reasoning skills. Both views involve examining arguments. Arguments must be examined to determine if the information meets the Universal Intellectual Standards. The Universal Intellectual Standards test the quality of information. The Universal Intellectual Standards concept promotes critical thinking. The Universal Intellectual Standards