What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is a cognitive activity, associated with using the mind. It is thinking clearly and rationally. Learning to think in critically analytical and evaluate ways means using mental processes such as attention, categorization, selection and judgment.

Wade and Travis in 2008 define critical thinking as the ability to assess claims and make objective judgment on the basis of well supported reasons and evidence rather than emotion and anecdote. Critical thinkers are able to look for flaws in argument and resists claims that have no support.

It involves thinking precisely and systematically, and following the rules of logic and scientific reasoning, among other things. The reasoner requires assisting structures. Eight elements of reasoning define are:
*Purpose of thinking
*Points of view
*Implications & consequences
*Question at issue
*Assumptions
*Evidence
*Concepts
*Inferences & interpretations

The focus of critical thinking is often referred to as the ‘argument’. The argument can be thought of as message that is being conveyed, whether through speech, writing, performance or other media.

Good critical thinking is a cognitive skill. In general, developing a skill requires three conditions – learning the theory, deliberate practice and adopting the right attitudes.
What is critical thinking?