critical thinking

noun

1

: the act or practice of thinking critically (as by applying reason and questioning assumptions) in order to solve problems, evaluate information, discern biases, etc.

Today, what we call the Socratic method is a way of teaching that fosters critical thinking, in part by encouraging students to question their own unexamined beliefs, as well as the received wisdom of those around them.

—Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

2

: the set of skills, methods, etc. involved in critical thinking

Media literacy enlivens how our schools teach critical thinking by serving as a bridge between the classroom and the world in which our young people live most of their waking lives.

—Wally Bowen

Using the same skills used for centuries—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—we must look at digital literacy as another realm within which to apply elements of critical thinking.

—Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne Flannigan

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Helping students develop critical-thinking skills and information literacy is one of the core missions of libraries everywhere.

—Nancy Pearl

Examples of critical thinking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This, juxtaposed with the decline in basic math, reading and critical thinking skills, should be enough to give college admissions officers and hiring managers pause. —Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024

Brain Rot symbolizes the erosion of our attention spans, creativity, and critical thinking as we get drawn ever deeper into the expanding vortex of our online space, meandering through endless social media feeds and streaming services. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The survival of our democracy depends on the recovery of our critical thinking skills. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

In fact, studies have shown that students who engage with challenging courses that involve critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and substantial writing tend to perform better on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). —Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1