How to be a Critical Thinker

Anytime we are questioning something, this is a guideline to go by to arrive at the most truthful answer. To have a belief, we must believe it to be true. We must believe in ourselves to get the answers we need.

This did not originate here and the author is unknown, but this is very important and beneficial for anyone to learn. Quit being told what to think and how to think. Start thinking for yourself. Knowledge is power. Ask these thought provoking questions to arrive at the truth you seek:

WHO?

Who benefits from this?
Who is this harmful to?
Who makes decisions about this?
Who is most directly affected?
Who have you also heard discuss this?
Who would be the best person to consult?
Who will be the key people in this?
Who deserves recognition for this?

WHAT?

What are the strengths or weaknesses?
What is another perspective?
What is another alternative?
What would be a counter-argument?
What is the best or worse case scenario?
What is most or least important?
What can we do to make a positive change?
What is getting in the way of our action?

WHERE?

Where would we see this in the real world?
Where are there similar concepts or situations?
Where is there the most need for this?
Where in the world would this be a problem?
Where can we get more information?
Where do we go for help with this?
Where will this idea take us?
Where are the areas for improvement?

WHEN?

When is this acceptable or unacceptable?
When would this benefit society?
When would this cause a problem?
When is the best time to take action?
When will we know that we have succeeded?
When has this played a part in our history?
When can we expect this to change?
When should we ask for help with this?

WHY?

Why is this a problem or a challenge?
Why is this relevant to me or to others?
Why is this the best or worse scenario?
Why are people influenced by this?
Why should people know about this?
Why has it been this way for so long?
Why have we allowed this to happen?
Why is there a need for this today?

HOW?

How is this similar to _________?
How does this disrupt things?
How do we know the truth about this?
How will we approach this safely?
How does this benefit us or others?
How does this harm us or others?
How do we see this in the future?
How can we change this for our good?

Crucial thought steps to take when examining serious issues. Are you a critical thinker? What do you believe?




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