Definition of Critical Thinking

"The ability to think critically, as conceived in this volume, involves three things: ( 1 ) an attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences, (2) knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning, and (3) some skill in applying those methods. Critical thinking calls for a persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the evidence that supports it and the further conclusions to which it tends. It also generally requires ability to recognize problems, to find workable means for meeting those problems, to gather and marshal pertinent information, to recognize unstated assumptions and values, to comprehend and use language with accuracy, clarity, and discrimination, to interpret data, to appraise evidence and evaluate arguments, to recognize the existence (or non-existence) of logical relationships between propositions, to draw warranted conclusions and generalizations, to put to test the conclusions and generalizations at which one arrives, to reconstruct one's patterns of beliefs on the basis of wider experience, and to render accurate judgments about specific things and qualities in everyday life. (Edward M. Glaser, An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, Teacher's College, Columbia University, 1941).

Critical Thinking & Structured Analysis

Critical Thinking and Structured Analysis is the course taught by the DIA to new intelligence analysts.  The goal is to remove fallacious reasoning and limit personal biases in the collecting, analysis, and dissemination of information.  I hope to provide something similar on this website for the Christian reader.  The skills used in critical thinking exercise would greatly benefit the average Christian in dealing with "arguments" of unbelievers and false doctrines within and without.  As Christians we are commanded to submit every thought to the obedience of Christ and we are further commanded to structure our thinking according to God's way of thinking.  To do this we must remove from our thinking process arbitrariness, inconsistencies, biases, fallacies, and other pitfalls of reasoning by studying the principles of Critical Thinking outline in Scripture.  And we must conform our view of reality, knowledge, and ethics to the Bible.