CRITICAL THINKING:

THE POWER TO THINK BEYOND

THE ART OF QUESTIONING
Article XIV, Sec. 3, (2) of the
Philippine Constitution states that:
They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism,
foster love of humanity, respect for human rights,
appreciation of the role of national heroes in the
historical development of the country, teach the
rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical
and spiritual values, ENCOURAGE CRITICAL and
CREATIVE THINKING, broaden scientific and
technological knowledge and promote vocational
efficiency.
Points to ponder (ON CRITICAL THINKING)
Although thinking is a natural ability that we
develop as we mature, not all thinking is clear and
logical; although we are all entitled to our own
beliefs and opinions, not all beliefs and opinions are
equally reasonable; and although we can reason
even without undertaking a formal course on
reasoning, not all reasoning we do is correct and
acceptable. What’s the point? The critical thinking
is something we need to work on and does not
always come naturally.
GETTING STARTED WITH CRITICAL THINKING

What is critical
thinking?
Critical thinking is focused on
exercising OBJECTIVE, FAIR and
SKILLED judgement and analysis of
ideas, beliefs and arguments.
Critical thinking, thus, is a general term
given to a wide range of cognitive skills
needed to effectively interpret, analyze
and evaluate arguments and truth claims
to formulate logical arguments and to
make reasonable and sound decisions. In
short, critical thinking means thinking
clearly, logically and intelligently.
Critical Thinking Skills

What are the cognitive skills

involve in critical thinking?
Cognitive skills involve in critical
thinking

 First,before we can assess an argument,

we must determine its precise meaning-
What it actually claims. The skills needed
for this task are interpretive skills.
 Second, the soundness of arguments
defends as well on the truth of their
statements. The skills needed for this task
are verification skills- how do we determine
whether statements are true or false.
 Third,
after determining the meaning of
the argument and the truth of its
statements, we must look at the logic of
the argument-that means whether or
not what it claims has adequate support
or basis for it to be accepted. What we
need here are reasoning skills.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CRITICAL
THINKER
 Are honest with themselves, acknowledging
what they don’t know, recognizing their
limitations and being watchful of their own error.
 Base judgements on evidence rather than
personal preferences, deferring judgement
whenever evidence is insufficient. They revise
judgements when new evidence reveals error.
 Are interested in other people’s ideas, so
are willing to read and listen attentively,
even when they tend to disagree with the
other person.
 Practice restraint, controlling their feelings
rather than being controlled by them, and
thinking before acting.
 Think independently and are not afraid to
disagree with group opinion.
VALUE OF CRITICAL THINKING
There are several practical reasons why developing
critical thinking skills is important:

 First,in college we should concerned ourselves

not only about WHAT WE BELIEVE, but about WHY
WE BELIEVE IT. The focus is on HIGHER ORDER
THINKING: the active, intelligent evaluation of
ideas and information.
 Second, critical thinking can help us avoid making
foolish personal decisions.
 Third, as citizens of a democratic society,
“we”, the “people” must have the ultimate
say over what programs and policies the
government should implement. Citizens’
decisions must be informed, deliberate, and
reasonable as possible.
 Finally, mastering critical thinking skills is a
matter of self- respect.
Points to ponder
(ON THE ART OF QUESTIONING)
 Thinking critically must lead us to the art of
questioning.
 After the three types of critical thinking skills,
another important skills involve here which
is actually inherent and essential in all the
above mentioned skills earlier presented is
the SKILLS IN ASKING RELEVANT QUESTIONS.
 Asking questions must serve the objective
demand of our inquisitive minds and not for
simply asking question or to show off, or
worst to be acknowledge only. Instead, we
should have the habit of questioning the
logic of arguments especially when the
statements that are intended to support the
claim of an argument are irrelevant or
inadequate.
CONCLUSION
 Criticalthinking, honestly and courageously
pursued, can help to free us from the
unexamined assumptions, beliefs and
prejudices of our upbringing and our society.
 Itlets us step back from the prevailing customs
and ideologies of our culture and ask. This is
what I’ve been taught, but is it true? Does it
make sense/ in short, critical thinking allows us
to lead self- directed examined lives.
Such personal liberation is, as the
word itself implies, the ultimate goal
of all EDUCATION.
 Muchas Gratias….
Xie Xie…..
To Sia….
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam….
