The Purposes of Critical Thinking (CT)

CT has two main purposes:

1. Figuring out the Best Course of Action: Determine the best action(s) to take for the context (surrounding circumstances) given the arguer’s values, priorities, and such.

2. Finding Truth: Determine if information is true, accurate, complete, free from bias, and such.

In addition, CT has several secondary purposes. Here are several of them.

1. Communication: CT is used to communication why a conclusion should be accepted. For example a prosecutor needs to explain to jury why a defendant is guilty. A medical doctor needs to communicate to a patient why surgery is the best option. A researcher needs to communicate why their findings should be accepted.

2. Problem Solving: Problem solving involves two things: finding good information (truth) and then applying it (best course of action).

3. Learning:

4. Collaboration:

5. Wellbeing:

6. Leadership:

The purpose of critical thinking (CT) is to make the best decision or to figure out if a statement is true or not. It is not to persuade, entertain, convince, inform, figure out, or whatever.

When you are doing something, figure out your main purpose and then use CT when it is best method for achieving your purpose. Otherwise use another method.