Creative Critical Thinking

The ability to reason logically is a fundamental skill of rational agents, hence the study of the form of correct argumentation is relevant to the study of critical thinking."First wave" logical thinking consisted of understanding the connections between two concepts or points in thought.Aristotle and subsequent Greek skeptics refined Socrates' teachings, using systematic thinking and asking questions to ascertain the true nature of reality beyond the way things appear from a glance. The "first wave" of critical thinking is often referred to as a 'critical analysis' that is clear, rational thinking involving critique. During the process of critical thinking, ideas should be reasoned, well thought out, and judged.

But so is the ability to be flexible and consider non-traditional alternatives and perspectives.

These complementary functions are what allow for critical thinking to be a practice encompassing imagination and intuition in cooperation with traditional modes of deductive inquiry.

Traditionally, critical thinking has been variously defined as follows: Contemporary critical thinking scholars have expanded these traditional definitions to include qualities, concepts, and processes such as creativity, imagination, discovery, reflection, empathy, connecting knowing, feminist theory, subjectivity, ambiguity, and inconclusiveness.

Some definitions of critical thinking exclude these subjective practices.

Socrates established the fact that one cannot depend upon those in "authority" to have sound knowledge and insight.

He demonstrated that persons may have power and high position and yet be deeply confused and irrational.

This model of thinking has become so entrenched in conventional academic wisdom that many educators accept it as canon".

The adoption of these principals parallels themselves with the increasing reliance on a quantitative understanding of the world.

It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use.

It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities as well as a commitment to overcome native egocentrism The earliest documentation of critical thinking are the teachings of Socrates recorded by Plato.