Critical thinking is an in-depth and objective analysis of facts and possibilities before making a judgment or a decision. Critical thinking involves rational, skeptical and unbiased step by step analysis of factual evidence in decision making (Bowell, Tracy and Gary 42). It calls for qualities such as creativity, imagination, discovery, reflection and Socratic questioning. It aids in the analysis of every possible outcome of any step that a person may take, hence the best decision can be made based on the available options. Critical thinking is an intellectually disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing and synthesizing information gathered from experience or based on common intellectual values.
Personal Experience
One day, I wanted to travel to a foreign nation, hence I needed a passport. I visited the immigration offices where I found long curvy queues which I could not keep up with as I was not feeling well. I decided to go home and make another visit when I felt better. Immediately I got out of the building, I met an elegant looking lady and gentlemen who claimed that they could help me get a genuine passport though shorter route. She showed me a bunch of other "genuine" passports, which were yet to be collected. She was charging the US $400 for the whole process, promising to deliver within two days. I told her that I was interested in her offer, but I was willing to pay $100 and needed the document that same day. Surprisingly, she obliged. As I reached for my other documents, I thought about how calmly and comfortably she agreed to drastically reduce her price. Secondly, how was it possible that she could deliver the same day? Lastly, why wasn't she housed in an office, where I could access her in case of any complaint? I had more questions than answers, hence I told her to tell me more about her job. She gave me her contact, and I told her that I would later call. As I sat in my car thinking about her, some police officer came and arrested her on charges of identity theft. If she had not been arrested, I would have become one of her victims. Critical thinking would have saved me had the police not arrived.
Benefits of Critical Thinking
Thinking critically helps an individual to identify fraud and avoid falling victim to fraudsters. Secondly, it is essential in academics as it enables learner's s to internalize their studies through the facilitation of creativity and innovativeness (Bowell, Tracy and Gary 47). At work, thinking critically empowers a person to make sound decisions during hiring, purchasing and even personal job selection. Thinking critically about marriage and family life enables a couple to agree on decision making, have fewer fights and comfortably maintain their family. In fact, critical thinking has the potential to significantly reduce divorce rates in a country (Bowell, Tracy and Gary 71).
In the above example where I was actively involved in a situation that required me to apply critical thinking, it is evident that if I fell into their trap, I would lose money and crucial personal details which could have led me to incur losses. In addition to that, if the police saw me dealing with her, giving her money or exchanging contact details, I would have been taken in for questioning as well. Finally, as a critical thinker, I was able to question her motives, which left me with many unanswered questions. Even if the police would not have arrived to arrest her, I would not have made the call. As a critical thinker, I knew that such people approach their victims when they are distressed with the promise of an easier way out, only to land them in a greater mess. It was easy for anybody else to give in to her conviction immediately due to the need and urgency of the matter. However, critical thinking prepares one of such moments and protects them from becoming victims.
Critical Thinking at my Current Job
There are many benefits that I can realize at my current job though critical thinking. These include;
1. Making properly informed and researched decisions in the company section where I work hence proper leadership.
2. Healthy purchasing and supplies depending on where I can find the best value for my company
3. Appropriate allocation of people according to their skills and interests into appropriate sections.
4. Prediction of market trends based on evidential analysis of available facts and other important company processes
5. Critical thinking will enable me to grasp opportunities available, hence rise in power and rank to higher management levels in the company.
References
Bowell, Tracy, and Gary Kemp. Critical thinking: A concise guide. Routledge, 2014.
