We often say that we want to develop critical thinking skills in ourselves and others. But, how do we recognize when someone has those skills? What does that look like? Three ideas... 1/
First, people who have critically examined topics rarely speak in absolutes because supporting evidence is rarely absolute and there are often gaps. Words like "most of the time", "all things being equal", "possibly" and other estimative language pepper the conversation. 2/
Second, people who think critically are sometimes less likely to interject opinions at all unless specifically prompted. That's because they know that these discussion require nuance that not every forum (like Twitter) invites. 3/
Third, critical thinkers often restate and reframe questions. They know that the question asked might be difficult to answer so they narrow it or relate the scope to something tangible. 4/
So many folks interpret critical thinking as just, "thinking hard". When in fact, it means so much more -- evaluating information quality, asking the right questions, and taking in broader perspective to start. 5/
Some facets of society don't value all of these characteristics. Qualifying explanations with probability, being careful about providing opinions, and reframing questions. Societal resistance to these things, in itself, discourages critical thinking. 6/
To think critically and engage in discourse around that thought requires some level of courage. The ability to go against the grain and and find comfort in that benevolent chaos. 7/
And perhaps above all else, critical thinkers have be prepared for the occasional disorienting dilemma that rocks the foundations upon which you've built other knowledge and perhaps even your own identity. You have to embrace being wrong. 8/
