Learning critical thinking skills?

Question

How do I teach myself to be a better critical thinker? How do I learn to question more often and to ask better questions? Any advice on learning this skill would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

There are critical thinking web sites online where you can learn this. Also in college you could take a philosophy course, there is usually a critical thinking course in first year.

Answer 2

critical thinking answers the "why's" more than the "what" questions. you analize the why and wherefore of something. critical thinking makes you choose a stand-- or in the absence of a stand, it makes you rationalize why you're not even taking a stand about something.

critical thinking doesnt have to judge. it's simply that: an analysis of something. you weigh the pros and cons, you dont just buy an idea hook, line and sinker.

asking good questions is an art in itself. it gets better in time. you learn how to listen to what is being said-- especially to things that are NOT being said. you learn to read between the lines and you learn to read the finer prints. you learn to see hidden motives and at the same time you learn when to take things at face value.

hang out with wise people. that's how i did it. i gew up in the company of adults who like to argue about most anything in a friendly way. the exchange of ideas is fun but informative. when i entered college, i made it a habit to sign up for classes handled by the best professors. the requirements might be harder to comply with, but all worth it. good professors make you think-- and think well, else you dont pass.

Answer 3

Try taking some courses in English Literature.
You will learn how to examine every single word used, the order in which the words are used, emphasis, what is NOT said, etc.

English Lit often includes history, philosophy, semantics, psychology, study of religion, and more.

I took 7 years of English Lit, and I think it made me far sharper and more alert to nuances than I would have been otherwise.

I am sure you can get similar training in Philosophy courses, but if you like to read, English Lit will give you much enjoyment while honing your mind.

Answer 4

be observant and ask yourself why is it... what is the motive...who said.... does it make sense? question everything, at least in your mind. then search for the answer. most of the time the answers are simple.