Critical Thinking Essentials

Captain Kevin M. Smith

• Publisher: Kevin M. Smith
• Year: 2016
• ISBN:
  9781735136905
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Betriebswirtschaft
• Subtopic: Entscheidungsfindung

In our modern landscape of large-scale complex systems, we need to think critically to solve problems. Applied critical thinking exercises reason, which becomes our most important resource and must be put to work. The ability to effectively solve problems, particularly in complex situations, is the hallmark of one who can think critically.Moving the critical thinking process into the realm of operational systems, this handbook delves into analytic reasoning. Analytic reasoning is especially useful in dealing with large-scale dynamic systems that exhibit high levels of complexity. Such systems are essential in our modern industrial society.Quick, easy, and inexpensive problem solving is preferred by many today, but this is an illusion and in complex situations this is a prescription for disaster.This Critical Thinking Essentials Handbook, prepared especially for operators and managers, provides as a key feature a distinct operational orientation that makes it useful for serious challenges concerning complex situations and the operation of large-scale dynamic systems.

Part I

Preparing the Reader

Fundamental Argument for Critical Thinking

In life what is most important is not what you think but how you think.

Critical thinking is key.

Before you consider an issue, stop and ask yourself, how should I think about this?

Life's Most Important Decision

Employ Critical Thinking

Either embrace reason
or
do that which is hostile to reason.

Figure 1. Employ Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Concepts

Preparing to Build the
Critical Thinking Model

How information processing occurs in a critical thinking algorithm:

1.Information is received about some aspect of reality: the state of the world, your environment, business, operation, or mission.

2.This information is determined to be either important or not important.

3.Further considerations are made concerning level of significance and urgency generated by this revealed information.

4.The problem, challenge, or issue is then clearly specified. This is done without any reference to a possible solution.

5.A range of solution options (alternatives) are specified that may prove effective in dealing with the problem, challenge, or issue.

6.The best option (alternative) is selected based upon defined selection criteria.

7.The option is executed to achieve success.

8.Ongoing performance is measured and corrections are made if necessary.

A Useful Definition
of
Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is used to correct the most common and persistent problems associated with errors of judgment and choice. Evidence has shown that these errors are often committed by amateurs and experts alike.

Importantly, critical thinking is a defined conceptual construct and set of cognitive performance aids of proven value that when activated sharpens observations, clarifies the actual, improves problem solving, and optimizes success.

Critical thinking is a skill that can be learned, lends itself to practice, and when used with intent, can achieve amazing results.

A growing body of evidence profoundly suggests that critical thinking is needed now more than ever due to our diminishing ability as individuals and as a nation to solve problems effectively and efficiently.

Part II

Presenting the Critical Thinking Model

Critical Thinking Model

Observe with clarity. Observe the world and your immediate surroundings objectively. Reality is an objective fact. Extreme care must be taken to avoid observing with the goal of supporting one’s most cherished belief. One must be consistent in clarifying the actual.

Employ reason. The critical thinker uses the power of reason to determine a specific course of action necessary to achieve success. “Employing reason” also means to be analytical: use an analytic process to address all significant challenges. Avoid that which is ad hoc. Employ analytic reasoning.

Perform well. Do what is necessary and do it well. Always do your best. This involves taking action, and directing others if needed, to achieve winning performance. The ...