When I define critical thinking, I usually end up coming up with my own definition for it. I describe it as follows: Critical thinking is when one at least attempts to actively observe their surroundings, the actions of others, and/or the words stated in order to draw an educated conclusion to what is presented. This is how I define it. There is a flaw with my definition, however, this is the way I understand critical thinking. When I read, I think but it is not necessarily critical thinking. Likewise with the reading. For example when I read a great book, like I mean great, no Twilight crap, I get lost in it and critical reading and thinking go out the window. But if it is just good, I begin analyzing the situations presented and what the characters say and I predict what’s going to happen next. The reason I do this is because I sometimes do more than read. I begin to live what the characters in a novel, poem, play, etc. live and it becomes a reality for me. So when I think critically about a book it’s either because it is only good or I am required to. If I am asked by the professor to analyze a text, I will do it and disconnect myself from it. I become a scientist and a text becomes the thing I am analyzing.
My everyday life is a little different. I walk around a bit oblivious. I dream of being an assassin with a troubled past, who is trying to leave the way of shadows but keeps I getting sucked in... I lose myself in daydreams at times but when I pay attention I usually end up critically thinking. I don’t watch the news as much as I should because it is biased and it feels like it’s more for the ratings than the news. How does Lindsey Lohan going to jail compare the BP disaster in the gulf? It’s stuff like this that takes away from the news being valid. Politics is in the same boat. My biggest application of critical thinking occurs with my relationship with people. I analyze their body language, voice pitch and words to try and understand what they are saying and feeling. I try to understand their motives for what they did and why. This is where my critical thinking is at its best. Sometimes it’s even good when I analyze a text.
I think that English 103 will help me focus my critical thinking into more areas such as politics and the media. It has been a while since I have analyzed a text so it will probably also sharpen my old skills again. Hopefully, by the end of the term, I will be able to apply my critical reading and thinking skills into any area I want. Also, I hope it dispels my habit of daydreaming when I should be observing. But that is no guarantee; I probably have to change that myself. This could be the class that allows me to take that step forward.
