what is logic and why is it important in critical thinking

• The Big Story
• Newsletters
• Steven Levy's Plaintext Column
• WIRED Classics from the Archive
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

The Importance of Logic and Critical Thinking

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

"Critical thinking is a desire to seek, patience to doubt, fondness to meditate, slowness to assert, readiness to consider, carefulness to dispose and set in order; and hatred for every kind of imposture." - Francis Bacon (1605)

As parents, we are tasked with instilling a plethora of different values into our children. While some parents in the world choose to instill a lack of values in their kids, those of us that don't want our children growing up to be criminals and various misfits try a bit harder. Values and morality are one piece of the pie. These are important things to mold into a child's mind, but there are also other items in life to focus on as well. It starts with looking both ways to cross the street and either progresses from there, or stops.

If you stopped explaining the world to your children after they learned to cross the street, then perhaps you should stop reading and go back to surfing for funny pictures of cats. I may use some larger words that you might not understand, making you angry and causing you to leave troll-like comments full of bad grammar and moronic thought processes. However, if you looked at the crossing the street issue as I did – as a logical problem with cause and effect and a probable solution – then carry on. You are my target audience.

Or perhaps the opposite is true, as the former are the people that could benefit from letting some critical thinking into their lives. So what exactly is critical thinking? This bit by Linda Elder in a paper on CriticalThinking.org pretty much sums it up:

Through critical thinking, as I understand it, we acquire a means of assessing and upgrading our ability to judge well. It enables us to go into virtually any situation and to figure out the logic of whatever is happening in that situation. It provides a way for us to learn from new experiences through the process of continual self-assessment. Critical thinking, then, enables us to form sound beliefs and judgments, and in doing so, provides us with a basis for a 'rational and reasonable' emotional life. — Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines, Winter, 1996. Vol. XVI, No. 2.

The rationality of the world is what is at risk. Too many people are taken advantage of because of their lack of critical thinking, logic and deductive reasoning. These same people are raising children without these same skills, creating a whole new generation of clueless people.

To wit, a personal tale of deductive reasoning:

Recently I needed a new transmission for the family van. The warranty on the power train covers the transmission up to 100,000 miles. The van has around 68,000 miles on it. Therefore, even the logic-less dimwit could easily figure that the transmission was covered. Well, this was true until the dealership told me that it wasn't, stating that because we didn't get the scheduled transmission service (which is basically a fluid change) at 30,000 and 60,000 miles the warranty was no longer valid. Now, there are many people that would argue this point, but many more that would shrug, panic, and accept the full cost of repairs.

I read the warranty book. I had a receipt that said the fluid was checked at 60,000 but not replaced. A friend on Twitter pointed out the fact that they were using 100,000 mile transmission fluid. So logically, the fluid would not have to be replaced under 100,000 miles if it wasn't needed, right? So why the stipulation that it needed to be replaced at 60,000 and the loose assumption that not doing that would void the warranty? So I asked the warranty guy to show me in the book where the two items are related. Where it explicitly says that if you don't get the service, the transmission isn't covered. There were portions where it said the service was recommended, but never connecting to actual repairs. Finally the warranty guy shrugged, admitted I was right and said the service was covered.

In this case, valid logic equaled truth and a sound argument. I used very simple reasoning and logic to determine that I was being inadvertently screwed. I say "inadvertently" because I truly believe based on their behavior that they were not intentionally trying to screw me. They believed the two items were related, they had had this argument many times before and were not prepared to be questioned. While both the service manager and the warranty guy seemed at least junior college educated, proving my argument to them took longer than it should have between three adults.

However, valid logic does not always guarantee truth or a sound argument. This is where it gets a little funky. Valid logic is when the structure of logic is correct in the way of syntax and semantics rather than truth. Truth comes from deductive reasoning of said logic. For example:

All transmissions are covered parts. All covered parts are free. Therefore, all transmissions are free. This logic is technically valid, and if the premises are true, then of course the conclusion must be true. You can see here however that it's not always true, though in some situations it could be. While the logic is valid, not all transmissions are free, only those covered by the warranty. So based on that, saying all transmissions are free is not sound logic.

To take it one step further:

All Daleks are brown. Some brown things are Cylons . Therefore, some Daleks are Cylons. Sci-fi fan or not, you probably know that this is not true. The basic lesson here is that, while the logic above might seem valid because of the structure of the statement, it takes a further understanding to figure out why it's not necessarily true: That is, based on the first two statements it's possible that some Daleks are Cylons, but it's not logically concludable. That's where deductive reasoning comes on top of the logic. The underlying lesson here is not to immediately assume everything you read or are told is true, something all children need to and should learn.

This is the direct lesson that needs to be passed on to our children: that of not accepting the immediately visible logic. While not all problems are complex enough to require the scientific method, some of them need some deduction to determine if they are true. Take the example above — how many kids would immediately be satisfied with the false conclusion? Sure, it's a bit geeky with the examples, but switch out bears for Daleks and puppies for Cylons. That makes it easier, and takes the actual research out of it (to find out what Daleks and Cylons are respectively) but many people would just accept that in fact some bears are puppies, if presented with this problem in the context of a textbook or word problem.

Maybe I'm being paranoid or thinking too doomsday, whatever, but I think this is an epidemic. Children are becoming lazier and not as self sufficient because their parents have a problem with watching a three year old cry after they tell her to remove her own jeans, or ask her to put away her own toys (yes, organizational logic falls under the main topic). These are the same parents who do their kid's science project while the kid is playing video games. These kids grow up lacking the simple problem solving skills that make navigating life much easier. Remember when you were growing up and you had the plastic stacking toys ? Well, instead of toys for early development like that, parents are just plopping their kids down in front of the television. While there is some educational type programming on television, it's just not the same as hands-on experience.

My father is an engineer, and he taught me logic and reasoning by making me solve simple, then complex, problems on my own. Or at least giving me the opportunity to solve them on my own. This helped develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, something a lot of children lack these days. Too often I see children that are not allowed to solve problems on their own; instead their parents simply do it for them without argument or discussion. Hell, I am surrounded by adults every day that are unable to solve simple problems, instead choosing to immediately ask me at which point I have to fill the role that their parents never did and – knowing the solution – tell them to solve it themselves, or at least try first.

One of the things I like to work on with my kids is math. There is nothing that teaches deductive reasoning and logic better than math word problems. They are at the age where basic algebra can come into play, which sharpens their reasoning skills because they start to view real world issues with algebraic solutions. Another thing is logic puzzles , crossword puzzles and first person shooters. Actually, not that last one. That's just the reward.

Since I weeded out the folks that don't teach their kids logic in the first two paragraphs, as representatives of the real world it's up to the rest of us to spread the knowledge. It won't be easy. The best thing we can do is teach these thought processes to our children, so that they may look at other children with looks of bewilderment when other children are unable to solve simple tasks. Hopefully, they will not simply do the task for them, but teach them to think. I'm not saying we need to build a whole new generation of project managers and analysts, but it would be better than a generation of task-oriented mindless office drones with untied shoelaces, shoving on a door at the Midvale School for the Gifted .

h/t to @aubreygirl22 for the logical conversation. Image: Flickr user William Notowidagdo. Used under Creative Commons License.

あなたへのおすすめ商品

お気に入り登録した商品は、こちらのプルダウンから確認することができます

• 開店祝い・開業 お祝い
• ビジネスパートナー・取引先
• 1歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 2歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 3歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 4歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 5歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 6歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 7歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 8歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 9歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 10歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 18歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 19歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 20歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 21歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 22歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 25歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 26歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 30歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 40歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 50歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 60歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 70歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 80歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 88歳の誕生日プレゼント
• 90歳の誕生日プレゼント
• バッグ・ファッション小物
• ブランド腕時計（メンズ）
• ブランド腕時計（レディース）
• 絆ギフト券プロジェクト
• リモート接待・5000円以下
• リモート接待・8000円以下
• リモート接待・10000円以下
• リモート接待・10000円以上
• おまとめ注文・法人のお客様

ユニオンアリーナ SYNDUALITY ノワール アクションポイント psa10

PSA10鑑定済】アクションポイントカード(エイダ&ノワール)/AP

ユニオンアリーナ ノワール AP psa10 アクションポイント - メルカリ

ユニオンアリーナ SYNDUALITY ノワール パラレル 毛深く psa10

【 明日12:00 】 までのご注文で翌日お届けに対応。 定休日のご注文は翌営業日の発送となります。（定休日：日曜日, 土曜日, 祝日）

【重要】 交通事情や悪天候などの不可抗力が生じた場合は、商品到着の日時が変更となる場合が御座います。 また年末年始やクリスマスなどの繁忙期は輸送量の増加により【翌日お届け】対応が困難となる場合が御座います。 ※ご希望のご選択がない場合は、値札は外さず発送となります。

レビューはありません。

残り 1 点 23,333円

（1 ポイント還元！）

翌日お届け可（営業日のみ） ※一部地域を除く

お届け日: 12月27日〜指定可 お届け日: (明日12:00のご注文まで)

ページ上部の「お気に入り商品一覧」からご確認頂けます。

30個以上かつ10万円以上のご購入 はこちらからお問い合わせください

人気商品（ギフトモール店）

Blu-ray響けユーフォニアム２期

アルバトリオンクリエイターズモデル

90s HARLEY DAVIDSON 3D EMBLEM TシャツUSA製

超希少 00s GOODENOGH flight Ⅱ フライトパラシュートパンツ

THENORTHFACE ヌプシベストL 【Kojiさま専用出品】

【中古】NZXT N7 B550 ホワイト マザーボード

UD純正テールランプ 新車外し 未使用品 黒い部分に擦り傷あり

14mm台 大玉★リビアングラス ブレスレット★パワーストーン

ミナペルホネンミニボストンバッグハンドメイド

ベイブレードXエアロペガサス3-70A

ヘルプ&ガイド

• 特定商取引に関する法律に基づく表記（ギフトモール - 人気のプレゼント＆ギフトの専門店）
• 特定商取引に関する法律に基づく表記（（アクセス）ギフトモール店）
• 利用者情報の外部送信について
• Giftization Awards 2024上半期
• ギフトモールを装った偽装サイトにご注意ください

ギフトモールのサービス

©2024 CURIOUSDESIRE.COM, Inc.

• Search Search Search …
• Search Search …

The Importance of Logic and Critical Thinking

Please read and, using hypothesis, annotate the text. You should be sure to comment on sevel parts of the article; as well, you should respond to the comments of others.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING

“CRITICAL THINKING IS a desire to seek, patience to doubt, fondness to meditate, slowness to assert, readiness to consider, carefulness to dispose and set in order; and hatred for every kind of imposture.” – Francis Bacon (1605)

As parents, we are tasked with instilling a plethora of different values into our children. While some parents in the world choose to instill a lack of values in their kids, those of us that don’t want our children growing up to be criminals and various misfits try a bit harder. Values and morality are one piece of the pie. These are important things to mold into a child’s mind, but there are also other items in life to focus on as well. It starts with looking both ways to cross the street and either progresses from there, or stops.

If you stopped explaining the world to your children after they learned to cross the street, then perhaps you should stop reading and go back to surfing for funny pictures of cats. I may use some larger words that you might not understand, making you angry and causing you to leave troll-like comments full of bad grammar and moronic thought processes. However, if you looked at the crossing the street issue as I did – as a logical problem with cause and effect and a probable solution – then carry on. You are my target audience.

Or perhaps the opposite is true, as the former are the people that could benefit from letting some critical thinking into their lives. So what exactly is critical thinking? This bit by Linda Elder in a paper on CriticalThinking.org pretty much sums it up:

Through critical thinking, as I understand it, we acquire a means of assessing and upgrading our ability to judge well. It enables us to go into virtually any situation and to figure out the logic of whatever is happening in that situation. It provides a way for us to learn from new experiences through the process of continual self-assessment. Critical thinking, then, enables us to form sound beliefs and judgments, and in doing so, provides us with a basis for a ‘rational and reasonable’ emotional life. — Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines, Winter, 1996. Vol. XVI, No. 2.

The rationality of the world is what is at risk. Too many people are taken advantage of because of their lack of critical thinking, logic and deductive reasoning. These same people are raising children without these same skills, creating a whole new generation of clueless people.

To wit, a personal tale of deductive reasoning:

Recently I needed a new transmission for the family van. The warranty on the power train covers the transmission up to 100,000 miles. The van has around 68,000 miles on it. Therefore, even the logic-less dimwit could easily figure that the transmission was covered. Well, this was true until the dealership told me that it wasn’t, stating that because we didn’t get the scheduled transmission service (which is basically a fluid change) at 30,000 and 60,000 miles the warranty was no longer valid. Now, there are many people that would argue this point, but many more that would shrug, panic, and accept the full cost of repairs.

I read the warranty book. I had a receipt that said the fluid was checked at 60,000 but not replaced. A friend on Twitter pointed out the fact that they were using 100,000 mile transmission fluid. So logically, the fluid would not have to be replaced under 100,000 miles if it wasn’t needed, right? So why the stipulation that it needed to be replaced at 60,000 and the loose assumption that not doing that would void the warranty? So I asked the warranty guy to show me in the book where the two items are related. Where it explicitly says that if you don’t get the service, the transmission isn’t covered. There were portions where it said the service was recommended, but never connecting to actual repairs. Finally the warranty guy shrugged, admitted I was right and said the service was covered.

In this case, valid logic equaled truth and a sound argument. I used very simple reasoning and logic to determine that I was being inadvertently screwed. I say “inadvertently” because I truly believe based on their behavior that they were not intentionally trying to screw me. They believed the two items were related, they had had this argument many times before and were not prepared to be questioned. While both the service manager and the warranty guy seemed at least junior college educated, proving my argument to them took longer than it should have between three adults.

However, valid logic does not always guarantee truth or a sound argument. This is where it gets a little funky. Valid logic is when the structure of logic is correct in the way of syntax and semantics rather than truth. Truth comes from deductive reasoning of said logic. For example:

All transmissions are covered parts. All covered parts are free. Therefore, all transmissions are free. This logic is technically valid, and if the premises are true, then of course the conclusion must be true. You can see here however that it’s not always true, though in some situations it could be. While the logic is valid, not all transmissions are free, only those covered by the warranty. So based on that, saying all transmissions are free is not sound logic.

To take it one step further:

All Daleks are brown. Some brown things are Cylons . Therefore, some Daleks are Cylons. Sci-fi fan or not, you probably know that this is not true. The basic lesson here is that, while the logic above might seem valid because of the structure of the statement, it takes a further understanding to figure out why it’s not necessarily true: That is, based on the first two statements it’s possible that some Daleks are Cylons, but it’s not logically concludable. That’s where deductive reasoning comes on top of the logic. The underlying lesson here is not to immediately assume everything you read or are told is true, something all children need to and should learn.

This is the direct lesson that needs to be passed on to our children: that of not accepting the immediately visible logic. While not all problems are complex enough to require the scientific method, some of them need some deduction to determine if they are true. Take the example above — how many kids would immediately be satisfied with the false conclusion? Sure, it’s a bit geeky with the examples, but switch out bears for Daleks and puppies for Cylons. That makes it easier, and takes the actual research out of it (to find out what Daleks and Cylons are respectively) but many people would just accept that in fact some bears are puppies, if presented with this problem in the context of a textbook or word problem.

Maybe I’m being paranoid or thinking too doomsday, whatever, but I think this is an epidemic. Children are becoming lazier and not as self sufficient because their parents have a problem with watching a three year old cry after they tell her to remove her own jeans, or ask her to put away her own toys (yes, organizational logic falls under the main topic). These are the same parents who do their kid’s science project while the kid is playing video games. These kids grow up lacking the simple problem solving skills that make navigating life much easier. Remember when you were growing up and you had the plastic stacking toys ? Well, instead of toys for early development like that, parents are just plopping their kids down in front of the television. While there is some educational type programming on television, it’s just not the same as hands-on experience.

My father is an engineer, and he taught me logic and reasoning by making me solve simple, then complex, problems on my own. Or at least giving me the opportunity to solve them on my own. This helped develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, something a lot of children lack these days. Too often I see children that are not allowed to solve problems on their own; instead their parents simply do it for them without argument or discussion. Hell, I am surrounded by adults every day that are unable to solve simple problems, instead choosing to immediately ask me at which point I have to fill the role that their parents never did and – knowing the solution – tell them to solve it themselves, or at least try first.

One of the things I like to work on with my kids is math. There is nothing that teaches deductive reasoning and logic better than math word problems. They are at the age where basic algebra can come into play, which sharpens their reasoning skills because they start to view real world issues with algebraic solutions. Another thing is logic puzzles , crossword puzzles and first person shooters. Actually, not that last one. That’s just the reward.

Since I weeded out the folks that don’t teach their kids logic in the first two paragraphs, as representatives of the real world it’s up to the rest of us to spread the knowledge. It won’t be easy. The best thing we can do is teach these thought processes to our children, so that they may look at other children with looks of bewilderment when other children are unable to solve simple tasks. Hopefully, they will not simply do the task for them, but teach them to think. I’m not saying we need to build a whole new generation of project managers and analysts, but it would be better than a generation of task-oriented mindless office drones with untied shoelaces, shoving on a door at the Midvale School for the Gifted .

Need help with the Commons?

Email us at [email protected] so we can respond to your questions and requests. Please email from your CUNY email address if possible. Or visit our help site for more information:

• Terms of Service
• Accessibility
• Creative Commons (CC) license unless otherwise noted

• Other Religions
• Atheism and Agnosticism

What Is Logic? What Is Critical Thinking?

Strategies and Skills for Critical Thinking, Using Logic

• Belief Systems
• Key Figures in Atheism
• M.A., Princeton University
• B.A., University of Pennsylvania

Logic is the science of how to evaluate arguments and reasoning. Critical thinking is a process of evaluation which uses logic to separate truth from falsehood, reasonable from unreasonable beliefs. If you want to better evaluate the various claims, ideas, and arguments you encounter, you need a better understanding of basic logic and the process of critical thinking.

These are not trivial pursuits. They are essential to making good decisions and forming sound beliefs about our world.

Who Cares About Logic?

Is learning about logic and how to properly construct arguments really important? Most people may not need such skills in their day-to-day lives, but the truth is that almost everyone will benefit from learning how to think more critically.

This does not only apply to our own beliefs, but also to all the ideas and claims that we regularly encounter. Without the right mental tools, we have little hope of reliably separating truth from falsehood.

Unskilled and Unaware

Everyone makes mistakes. Quite often, what is most important is the ability to first recognize our mistakes and then what we do about it.

Unfortunately, there are fields where the worse a person is, the less likely they are to even recognize that they have made mistakes, much less will be able to fix them. Indeed, they are actually likely to accuse those who know more of being the ones who are wrong.

Critical thinking and logic are one of these fields. Many people imagine that they are already quite good at it and thus don't believe that they need to learn more. This prevents them from ever improving.

What Is Logic?

People use words like "logic" and "logical" a lot, often without really understanding what they mean.

Strictly speaking, logic is the science or study of how to evaluate arguments and reasoning. It's not a matter of opinion, it's a science of how arguments must be formed in order to be reasonable or correct. Obviously, a better understanding is critical for helping us reason and think better. Without it, it's too easy for us to fall into error.

What Is Critical Thinking?

The term "critical thinking" is used often but it isn't always properly understood. Put simply, critical thinking means developing reliable, rational evaluations of an argument or idea.

Critical thinking is a means for separating truth from falsehood and reasonable from unreasonable beliefs. It frequently involves finding flaws in the arguments of others, but that's not all that it's about. It's not simply about criticizing ideas, it is about developing the ability to think about ideas with greater critical distance.

Agreement and Disagreement

Arguments are about disagreement - people aren't likely to argue over things they agree on. As obvious as that may be, it isn't always as obvious what, exactly, people disagree on. This is especially true for those who are caught up in the midst of a disagreement.

This is a problem because disagreements can't be resolved if those involved don't recognize what their disagreement is really about - or worse yet, actually disagree on what they disagree about. If those involved don't work that out, the only thing they'll accomplish by arguing is to create more animosity.

Propaganda and Persuasion

Propaganda is any organized, coordinated effort to convince masses of people to adopt some particular idea, belief, attitude, or viewpoint.

It's easiest to see government propaganda in the context of wartime. The label is also applicable to the efforts of corporations to buy their products, to apologists trying to get people to adopt their religion and many other situations. Understanding the nature of propaganda and how it works is critical to being able to think more critically about it.

• The Importance of Logic and Philosophy
• What Is Open Mindedness in Critical Thinking?
• 7 Reasons People Believe in God
• The Different Branches of Philosophy
• What Is the Difference Between Denotation and Connotation?
• What Does It Mean to Be an Atheist?
• Deductive and Inductive Logic in Arguments
• What is Logical Positivism? History of Logical Positivism, Logical Positivists
• Logic: What is a Non-Argument?
• Atheism vs. Freethought
• What is Metaphysics?
• What Should Parents Tell Kids About Religion?
• Atheists and Abortion: Godless Views on the Morality of Abortion
• What Is Epistemology?
• Language, Meaning, and Communication
• Religion as Opium of the People

• Critical Thinking
• Reasoning Skills
• Freethinking
• Philosophy of Life
• Video Training

Introduction to Thought Academy

The importance of adopting a philosophy of life

Do you want to make the world a better place?

Select Page

The benefits of thinking logically

L ogic is the study of reasoning. It is the foundation of critical thinking and problem-solving. Logic can be used to make better decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

In everyday life, we use logic all the time, even if we don’t realize it. For example, when we make a decision about what to wear, we use logic to weigh the pros and cons of different options. When we solve a math problem, we use logic to follow the steps of the solution. And when we communicate with others, we use logic to make sure our messages are clear and concise.

Logic is important for everyday life because it helps us to think clearly and make sound decisions. When we use logic, we are less likely to be swayed by emotions or biases. We are also less likely to make mistakes.

Logic is important for everyday life because it helps us to think clearly and make sound decisions.

There are many different ways to use logic in everyday life. Here are a few examples:

• Making decisions : When you are faced with a decision, use logic to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Consider the potential consequences of each option and choose the option that is most likely to lead to the desired outcome.
• Solving problems : When you are faced with a problem, use logic to break it down into smaller steps. Then, solve each step one at a time. By breaking the problem down into smaller steps, it will seem less daunting and you will be more likely to find a solution.
• Communicating effectively : When you are communicating with others, use logic to make sure your messages are clear and concise. Use facts and evidence to support your claims. And avoid using emotional appeals or personal attacks.

Logic is a valuable tool that can be used to improve your life in many ways. By learning to think logically, you can make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and communicate more effectively.

Here are some additional benefits of using logic in everyday life:

• Increased productivity : When you use logic to make decisions, you are more likely to choose the most efficient and effective course of action. This can lead to increased productivity and improved results.
• Reduced stress : When you make decisions based on logic, you are less likely to second-guess yourself or worry about making the wrong choice. This can lead to reduced stress and increased peace of mind.
• Improved relationships : When you communicate with others using logic, you are more likely to be understood and respected. This can lead to stronger relationships and improved communication.

By learning to think logically, you can make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and communicate more effectively.

GET BETTER AT MAKING GOOD ARGUMENTS!

Do you want to be able to tear apart a bad argument? Enter your information to get our FREE exercises so you can practice how to break a deductive argument into its components!

Get the exercises

Here are some tips for using logic in everyday life:

• Be aware of your biases : Everyone has biases, which are preconceived notions or beliefs that can influence our thinking. When you are aware of your biases, you can be more objective in your decision-making.
• Consider all sides of an issue : Before making a decision, take the time to consider all sides of the issue. This includes considering the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential consequences of each option.
• Use evidence to support your claims : When you are making a claim, be sure to support it with evidence. This could include facts, statistics, or expert opinions.
• Be open to new information : Even if you have already made a decision, be open to new information that could change your mind. This shows that you are willing to consider all options and that you are not afraid to change your mind when presented with new evidence.

By following these tips, you can learn to think more logically and use logic to improve your life in many ways.

The Importance of Logic in Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following:

• Identify the relevance and importance of ideas : Critical thinkers are able to identify the main points of an argument and determine how they relate to each other. They are also able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an argument.
• Evaluate evidence : Critical thinkers are able to evaluate the evidence that is presented to them. They are able to determine whether the evidence is relevant, reliable, and sufficient.
• Draw reasonable conclusions : Critical thinkers are able to draw reasonable conclusions from the evidence that is presented to them. They are able to avoid making hasty generalizations or jumping to conclusions.
• Solve problems : Critical thinkers are able to solve problems by breaking them down into smaller steps. They are also able to identify and evaluate different solutions to a problem.

When we use logic, we are less likely to be swayed by emotions or biases. We are also less likely to make mistakes.

S o, if you want to improve your life, start by learning to think logically. Logic is a powerful tool that can help you to achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Posts

Learning to think

April 26, 2023

Why you must possess good reasoning skills

May 16, 2023

How to make a good deductive argument

January 8, 2018

Benefits of becoming a better thinker

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Updated: July 8, 2024

Published: April 2, 2020

Why is critical thinking important? The decisions that you make affect your quality of life. And if you want to ensure that you live your best, most successful and happy life, you’re going to want to make conscious choices. That can be done with a simple thing known as critical thinking. Here’s how to improve your critical thinking skills and make decisions that you won’t regret.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing facts to form a judgment. Essentially, it involves thinking about thinking. Historically, it dates back to the teachings of Socrates , as documented by Plato.

Today, it is seen as a complex concept understood best by philosophers and psychologists. Modern definitions include “reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do” and “deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

The Importance Of Critical Thinking

Why is critical thinking important? Good question! Here are a few undeniable reasons why it’s crucial to have these skills.

1. Critical Thinking Is Universal

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. What does this mean? It means that no matter what path or profession you pursue, these skills will always be relevant and will always be beneficial to your success. They are not specific to any field.

2. Crucial For The Economy

Our future depends on technology, information, and innovation. Critical thinking is needed for our fast-growing economies, to solve problems as quickly and as effectively as possible.

3. Improves Language & Presentation Skills

In order to best express ourselves, we need to know how to think clearly and systematically — meaning practice critical thinking! Critical thinking also means knowing how to break down texts, and in turn, improve our ability to comprehend.

4. Promotes Creativity

By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.

5. Important For Self-Reflection

Without critical thinking, how can we really live a meaningful life? We need this skill to self-reflect and justify our ways of life and opinions. Critical thinking provides us with the tools to evaluate ourselves in the way that we need to.

Photo by Marcelo Chagas from Pexels

6. the basis of science & democracy.

In order to have a democracy and to prove scientific facts, we need critical thinking in the world. Theories must be backed up with knowledge. In order for a society to effectively function, its citizens need to establish opinions about what’s right and wrong (by using critical thinking!).

Benefits Of Critical Thinking

We know that critical thinking is good for society as a whole, but what are some benefits of critical thinking on an individual level? Why is critical thinking important for us?

1. Key For Career Success

Critical thinking is crucial for many career paths. Not just for scientists, but lawyers , doctors, reporters, engineers , accountants, and analysts (among many others) all have to use critical thinking in their positions. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce, as it helps analyze information, think outside the box, solve problems with innovative solutions, and plan systematically.

2. Better Decision Making

There’s no doubt about it — critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling.

3. Can Make You Happier!

While this often goes unnoticed, being in touch with yourself and having a deep understanding of why you think the way you think can really make you happier. Critical thinking can help you better understand yourself, and in turn, help you avoid any kind of negative or limiting beliefs, and focus more on your strengths. Being able to share your thoughts can increase your quality of life.

4. Form Well-Informed Opinions

There is no shortage of information coming at us from all angles. And that’s exactly why we need to use our critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves what to believe. Critical thinking allows us to ensure that our opinions are based on the facts, and help us sort through all that extra noise.

5. Better Citizens

One of the most inspiring critical thinking quotes is by former US president Thomas Jefferson: “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” What Jefferson is stressing to us here is that critical thinkers make better citizens, as they are able to see the entire picture without getting sucked into biases and propaganda.

6. Improves Relationships

While you may be convinced that being a critical thinker is bound to cause you problems in relationships, this really couldn’t be less true! Being a critical thinker can allow you to better understand the perspective of others, and can help you become more open-minded towards different views.

7. Promotes Curiosity

Critical thinkers are constantly curious about all kinds of things in life, and tend to have a wide range of interests. Critical thinking means constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, about why, what, who, where, when, and everything else that can help them make sense of a situation or concept, never taking anything at face value.

8. Allows For Creativity

Critical thinkers are also highly creative thinkers, and see themselves as limitless when it comes to possibilities. They are constantly looking to take things further, which is crucial in the workforce.

9. Enhances Problem Solving Skills

Those with critical thinking skills tend to solve problems as part of their natural instinct. Critical thinkers are patient and committed to solving the problem, similar to Albert Einstein, one of the best critical thinking examples, who said “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Critical thinkers’ enhanced problem-solving skills makes them better at their jobs and better at solving the world’s biggest problems. Like Einstein, they have the potential to literally change the world.

10. An Activity For The Mind

Just like our muscles, in order for them to be strong, our mind also needs to be exercised and challenged. It’s safe to say that critical thinking is almost like an activity for the mind — and it needs to be practiced. Critical thinking encourages the development of many crucial skills such as logical thinking, decision making, and open-mindness.

11. Creates Independence

When we think critically, we think on our own as we trust ourselves more. Critical thinking is key to creating independence, and encouraging students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions.

12. Crucial Life Skill

Critical thinking is crucial not just for learning, but for life overall! Education isn’t just a way to prepare ourselves for life, but it’s pretty much life itself. Learning is a lifelong process that we go through each and every day.

How To Improve Your Critical Thinking

Now that you know the benefits of thinking critically, how do you actually do it?

• Define Your Question: When it comes to critical thinking, it’s important to always keep your goal in mind. Know what you’re trying to achieve, and then figure out how to best get there.
• Gather Reliable Information: Make sure that you’re using sources you can trust — biases aside. That’s how a real critical thinker operates!
• Ask The Right Questions: We all know the importance of questions, but be sure that you’re asking the right questions that are going to get you to your answer.
• Look Short & Long Term: When coming up with solutions, think about both the short- and long-term consequences. Both of them are significant in the equation.
• Explore All Sides: There is never just one simple answer, and nothing is black or white. Explore all options and think outside of the box before you come to any conclusions.

How Is Critical Thinking Developed At School?

Critical thinking is developed in nearly everything we do, but much of this essential skill is encouraged and practiced in school. Fostering a culture of inquiry is crucial, encouraging students to ask questions, analyze information, and evaluate evidence.

Teaching strategies like Socratic questioning, problem-based learning, and collaborative discussions help students think for themselves. When teachers ask questions, students can respond critically and reflect on their learning. Group discussions also expand their thinking, making them independent thinkers and effective problem solvers.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Critical thinking is a valuable asset in any career. Employers value employees who can think critically, ask insightful questions, and offer creative solutions. Demonstrating critical thinking skills can set you apart in the workplace, showing your ability to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions.

In many careers, from law and medicine to business and engineering, critical thinking is essential. Lawyers analyze cases, doctors diagnose patients, business analysts evaluate market trends, and engineers solve technical issues—all requiring strong critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking also enhances your ability to communicate effectively, making you a better team member and leader. By analyzing and evaluating information, you can present clear, logical arguments and make persuasive presentations.

Incorporating critical thinking into your career helps you stay adaptable and innovative. It encourages continuous learning and improvement, which are crucial for professional growth and success in a rapidly changing job market.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

Critical thinking is a vital skill with far-reaching benefits for personal and professional success. It involves systematic skills such as analysis, evaluation, inference, interpretation, and explanation to assess information and arguments.

By gathering relevant data, considering alternative perspectives, and using logical reasoning, critical thinking enables informed decision-making. Reflecting on and refining these processes further enhances their effectiveness.

The future of critical thinking holds significant importance as it remains essential for adapting to evolving challenges and making sound decisions in various aspects of life.

What are the benefits of developing critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to evaluate information critically. It helps in making informed decisions, understanding others’ perspectives, and improving overall cognitive abilities.

How does critical thinking contribute to problem-solving abilities?

Critical thinking enables you to analyze problems thoroughly, consider multiple solutions, and choose the most effective approach. It fosters creativity and innovative thinking in finding solutions.

What role does critical thinking play in academic success?

Critical thinking is crucial in academics as it allows you to analyze texts, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and understand complex concepts, leading to better academic performance.

How does critical thinking promote effective communication skills?

Critical thinking helps you articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions. It improves your ability to argue logically and understand different viewpoints.

How can critical thinking skills be applied in everyday situations?

You can use critical thinking to make better personal and professional decisions, solve everyday problems efficiently, and understand the world around you more deeply.

What role does skepticism play in critical thinking?

Skepticism encourages questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and distinguishing between facts and opinions. It helps in developing a more rigorous and open-minded approach to thinking.

What strategies can enhance critical thinking?

Strategies include asking probing questions, engaging in reflective thinking, practicing problem-solving, seeking diverse perspectives, and analyzing information critically and logically.

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

In this article

• [email protected]

Why Critical Thinking Is Important: Skills and Benefits Explained

Article 07 Sep 2024 1242

Critical thinking is one of the most essential cognitive skills for navigating today’s complex world. Whether you are a student, educator, professional, or lifelong learner, developing critical thinking abilities can dramatically improve your problem-solving skills, decision-making processes, and intellectual independence.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical  thinking refers to the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connections between ideas. It involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to form judgments. Rather than accepting information at face value, critical thinkers delve deeper, questioning assumptions and assessing the evidence before concluding.

Components of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a multifaceted skill, which includes:

Analysis : Breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable parts.

Evaluation : Judging the credibility of sources and the strength of arguments.

Logical reasoning : Making decisions based on coherent and well-structured thought processes.

Intellectual independence : Forming opinions based on careful examination rather than external influences.

By understanding these components, you can build a strong foundation for developing critical thinking skills that are applicable to all aspects of life.

Importance of Critical Thinking in Daily Life

Why is critical thinking important? In today’s information-driven world, where we are constantly bombarded with data, opinions, and perspectives, distinguishing facts from fiction is essential.

Critical thinking is vital in decision-making, problem-solving, and understanding complex issues. Let’s explore its significance in various areas:

1. Decision-Making

Effective decision-making requires weighing options, considering consequences, and anticipating outcomes. Critical thinking enables individuals to make informed decisions based on facts and reason rather than emotions or bias.

For example, when choosing a career path, a critical thinker will evaluate job market trends, personal interests, and long-term goals to make a well-informed decision.

2. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is an everyday necessity in both personal and professional environments.  Critical thinking enhances one's ability to tackle challenges by breaking problems into manageable parts, analyzing potential solutions, and selecting the most effective approach.

When faced with a complex issue at work, a critical thinker will systematically evaluate possible solutions rather than jumping to conclusions.

3. Understanding Complex Issues

Understanding multifaceted issues requires  higher-order thinking, whether in academics, work, or social interactions . Critical thinking allows one to approach these issues objectively, avoiding oversimplifications or emotional reactions.

This skill is precious in today’s polarized world, where complex social, political, and environmental issues require careful thought and nuanced understanding.

Benefits of Developing Critical Thinking Skills

1. improved problem-solving abilities.

One of the most significant advantages of honing critical thinking is improving problem-solving. By learning to break down issues and consider various angles, you become adept at finding solutions that others might overlook.

This skill is precious in business, technology, and education, where innovation and creativity are prized.

2. Better Decision-Making

Good decisions stem from the ability to evaluate situations clearly and rationally. Critical thinking ensures that emotional or impulsive reactions do not sway you but instead base your decisions on sound reasoning. This leads to more consistent, reliable outcomes in both personal and professional settings.

3. Enhanced Communication Skills

Effective communication is built on clear thinking.  Developing critical thinking skills improves  your ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively. Whether in writing or speech, critical thinkers can present their ideas logically and support them with solid evidence, making their arguments more compelling.

4. Increased Intellectual Independence

Critical thinkers develop the habit of questioning information and seeking answers. This fosters intellectual independence, enabling individuals to form opinions and perspectives based on careful analysis rather than relying on others’ viewpoints. This independence is crucial in a world where misinformation is rampant.

5. Boosted Creativity and Innovation

Critical thinking is not only about logic; it also encourages creativity. Critical thinkers often develop innovative solutions and ideas by questioning assumptions and exploring new possibilities. This is particularly beneficial in fields that require out-of-the-box thinking, such as technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Developing critical thinking skills is a lifelong process, but with intentional practice, anyone can improve. Here are actionable steps you can take:

1. Question Assumptions

The first step in critical thinking is to challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself: Why do I believe this? What evidence supports this claim? By questioning assumptions, you open your mind to new perspectives and solutions.

2. Analyze Information Critically

Practice analyzing it critically when presented with information, whether in the form of news, reports, or advice. What is the source of the information? Is it reliable? Are there biases that could affect the interpretation of the data? Critical thinking requires you to take information at face value and dig deeper to understand its context.

3. Seek Out Diverse Perspectives

Exposure to different viewpoints strengthens your ability to think critically. Engaging with a wide range of opinions and ideas can challenge your preconceptions and develop a more balanced view of complex issues.

4. Reflect on Your Thinking Process

Reflective thinking is an integral part of critical thinking. After making decisions or solving problems, evaluate your thought process. What worked well? Where could you improve? This self-reflection helps refine your thinking skills over time.

5. Practice Problem-Solving in Real-Life Scenarios

A great way to develop critical thinking is by applying it to real-life situations. Take on complex tasks at work, analyze current events, or even engage in strategy games that require planning and decision-making. By practicing problem-solving regularly, you will sharpen your critical thinking abilities.

Teaching Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is not innate; it must be nurtured and developed, particularly in educational settings. Here’s how educators can teach these essential skills:

1. Encourage Open-Ended Questions

In the classroom, asking open-ended questions encourages students to think critically rather than regurgitate information. Questions like “Why do you think this is true?” or “How would you solve this problem?” prompt students to analyze data and consider alternative solutions.

2. Promote Active Learning

Engaging students in active learning exercises, such as debates, group discussions, or problem-based learning, helps develop their critical thinking. These activities require students to articulate their thoughts, evaluate others’ perspectives, and revise their ideas based on evidence.

3. Teach Metacognitive Skills

Metacognition, or thinking about one’s thinking, is crucial for critical thinking. Teachers can encourage students to reflect on their thought processes by asking them to explain how they arrived at their conclusions. This practice helps students become more aware of their thinking patterns and biases.

Critical thinking is a powerful skill that enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and intellectual independence. It is essential in today’s fast-paced, information-rich world, where the ability to analyze information and make informed decisions is critical. By developing critical thinking skills, you can confidently navigate complex issues, communicate more effectively, and innovate in both personal and professional environments.

To enhance your critical thinking, practice questioning assumptions, critically analyzing information, and seeking diverse perspectives. Whether in education, work, or daily life, these skills will equip you to face challenges with clarity and logic, leading to better decisions and more significant personal growth.

10 Best Self-Improvement Books of All Time

How schools can integrate digital literacy into the curriculum, how to write a research paper: step-by-step guide, top 10 self-improvement books for personal growth, 5 reasons digital literacy is important for educators, digital literacy skills in the 21st century, what is digital literacy importance & benefits explained, why storytelling is a more important skill | benefits & techniques, 16 dominant emotions by clayton makepeace, standardized testing: key features, pros, cons, and alternatives, personalized learning: strategies, benefits & future trends, nepal education system: structure, reforms, and global insights, standardized testing: pros, cons, and effective alternatives, china education system: structure, reforms, and global comparisons, the importance of critical thinking in education | benefits & strategies, challenges and solutions in nepal's education system: insights and recommendations, the importance of inclusive classrooms for special needs students, education ministers of nepal: a complete list since 2007 bs, table of content.

Success Skills

Critical thinking and logic.

Critical thinking is fundamentally a process of questioning information and data. You may question the information you read in a textbook, or you may question what a politician or a professor or a classmate says. You can also question a commonly-held belief or a new idea. With critical thinking, anything and everything is subject to question and examination.

Logic’s Relationship to Critical Thinking

The word logic comes from the Ancient Greek logike , referring to the science or art of reasoning. Using logic, a person evaluates arguments and strives to distinguish between good and bad reasoning, or between truth and falsehood. Using logic, you can evaluate ideas or claims people make, make good decisions, and form sound beliefs about the world. [1]

Questions of Logic in Critical Thinking

Let’s use a simple example of applying logic to a critical-thinking situation. In this hypothetical scenario, a man has a PhD in political science, and he works as a professor at a local college. His wife works at the college, too. They have three young children in the local school system, and their family is well known in the community.

The man is now running for political office. Are his credentials and experience sufficient for entering public office? Will he be effective in the political office? Some voters might believe that his personal life and current job, on the surface, suggest he will do well in the position, and they will vote for him.

In truth, the characteristics described don’t guarantee that the man will do a good job. The information is somewhat irrelevant. What else might you want to know? How about whether the man had already held a political office and done a good job? In this case, we want to ask, How much information is adequate in order to make a decision based on logic instead of assumptions?

The following questions, presented in Figure 1, below, are ones you may apply to formulating a logical, reasoned perspective in the above scenario or any other situation:

• What’s happening? Gather the basic information and begin to think of questions.
• Why is it important? Ask yourself why it’s significant and whether or not you agree.
• What don’t I see? Is there anything important missing?
• How do I know? Ask yourself where the information came from and how it was constructed.
• Who is saying it? What’s the position of the speaker and what is influencing them?
• What else? What if? What other ideas exist and are there other possibilities?

Candela Citations

• Revision, Adaptation, and Original Content. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Thinking Critically. Authored by : UBC Learning Commons. Provided by : The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus. Located at : http://www.oercommons.org/courses/learning-toolkit-critical-thinking/view . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Critical Thinking Skills. Authored by : Linda Bruce. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/critical-thinking-skills/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• "logic." Wordnik . n.d. Web. 16 Feb 2016 . ↵