LDRS 500-Unit 3-LA 2
Rank-Talk-Write
Each of us tends to perceive and understand problems, concepts, events, and circumstances of our lives somewhat differently. In fact, we believe that our understanding of reality is built upon the foundation of our perceptions. However, we are showing one half of the picture. I enjoyed reading one article for Riddell about critical assumption, and some essential topics in “A beginners guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care”, that I found very helpful. In the notion to apply the understanding of critical thinking in health and social care, I excerpted some ideas about critical thinking that I would like to share.
- “Critical thinking is the faculty of systematic, rational evaluation that we practice in social relationships. On this definition, is the relationships-happy, indifferent, or combative-that mediate the connection between critical thinking and character” (Riddell, 2007,33).
- “Traits of critical thinker are: a) self-awareness of one’s own and others unsupported able prejudice, b) Willingness to discard or modify cherished assumptions or ideologies on the basis of evidence, c) Non-conformity- the acceptance that an evidence-based or logical belief must be championed despite the fact that annoys others and may threaten relationships or status, d) Judgment and decision-making free of unrecognized self-interest. These four traits require virtues” (Riddell, 2007, p.34).
- “The virtue of critical thinker includes the courage to resist conformity or to consider unconformable alternative ideas: the humility to question one’s own core belief; the honesty to admit that a beloved idea is wrong; the patience to follow a train of evidence or complete logical argument” (Riddell, 2007, p.34).
- “To cultivate rationality and sound thinking, Aristotle defined practical wisdom, as the ability to deliberate, decide, and communicate properly in each situation. practical wisdom is very much akin to what we consider critical thinking: the capacity to solve the problem, plan the action, organize the project, and explain the outcomes in professional, business, and social life” (Riddell, 2007, p.36).
- Virtue and diversity conceptualized by Aristotle (1941), “character is that moral virtue does not about follow the rigid rules. Instead, a person of virtue judges what is right case by case, using that instrument of moral reasoning, the Doctrine of the mean- all people should aim for the mean between extremes of action if they are to be virtuous” (Riddell, 2007, p.37).
- “The ideal critical thinker is habitually inquisitive, well- informed, trust full of reason, open- minded, flexible, fair- minded in evaluation, honest in facing personal biases, prudent in making judgements, willing to reconsider, clear about issues, orderly in complex matters, diligent in seeking relevant information, reasonable in the selection of criteria, focused in inquiry, and persistent in seeking results which are as precise as the subject and the circumstances of inquiry permit” (Facione, 2013, as cited in Aveyard, Woolliams, & Sharp, 2015, p.14).
- “Evidence-based practice is about being able to provide a strong rationale for your health or social care practice” (Aveyard et al., 2015, 21).
- “A key component of accountability is thinking critically about your practice and being able to justify your actions and decisions” (Aveyard et al., p.24).
- “Critical thinking means being critical about the information we receive and how we use it” (Aveyard et al., 2015, p.28).
- “As professionals, we need to be able to work out which information is useful to us and use it appropriately” (Aveyard et al., 2015, p.28).
In the light of these findings, I found that there are many times when we need to examine our perceptions and biases if we want to make logical choices. When you take your time to reflect, you consider more thoroughly your thoughts and feelings and how they impact on the decisions you make. It is the role of the professional to incorporate relevant information into everyday practice to provide safe and effective patient/client care and to ensure that the best care delivered.
Critical thinking is a process of critically judging the validity of information while using a specific set of criteria that help to understand better the outcomes, hence, which impact your decision making and help achieve goals and objectives. I found the benefit of critical thinking that helped me expanding perspectives, possibilities, and identifies assumptions; therefore, have a vast of information to work with to reach practical conclusions about the circumstances.
There is always room for improvement and cultivation of some traits and qualities that will help to instill a specific set of habitual thought and patterns of behavior that are essential when working through life’s daily problems. It provides the confidence and knowledge and understanding, however, probing different points of view and evidence helps in conveying and answering the inquiry.
References
Aveyard, H., Woolliams, M., & Sharp, P. (2015). A Beginner’s Guide to Critical Thinking and Writing in Health and Social Care. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
Riddell, T. (2007). Critical assumptions: Thinking critically about critical thinking. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(3).DOI:1040187978-1-4666-8411-9.ch002.