What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking involves the rejection of dogma and the humility that all beliefs are subject to provisional acceptance, based on currently available data, which we know is always incomplete.
Most importantly, critical thinking involves an active curiosity that welcomes new information that may change our views. An openness to re-examining assumptions, and a regular practice of questioning the biases of our own sources and learning from broader perspectives are all parts of skillfully testing our views against reality. Critical thinking means learning and updating beliefs, no matter how deeply held.
There are various skills that a critical thinker can develop and these would include media criticism, formal logic and the common cognitive biases (Informal fallacies). However, these are tools to be used to support critical thinking, and not critical thinking in themselves.
In our library of critical thinking resources you will find plenty of material to help you on your path.
Critical Thinking is one of CFI Canada’s core areas of focus, as described in our Strategic Plan.
Wiki library of critical thinking Resources
To learn more, see “Think Check” articles from CFIC’s monthly e-newsletter, Critical Links.
Click here for additional information about CFIC’s activities, initiatives, and actions promoting critical thinking.