The Importance of Thinking Analytically and Ethically

Importance of Thinking Critically and Ethically

When learning about critical thinking, individuals were taught to analyze the unknown and find a way to make sense of the information. They were pushed to develop a mindset for evaluating their options which then determined where they stood ethically. "The ethics we find inside critical thinking leads us not only into arguments, but also into fallacies, reasoning about numbers, and reconciling conflicts." (Fowler, 2008) Mashing up critical thinking abilities and ethical ways creates a mindset that effects the way people make decisions and also how they apply themselves in their academic, personal, and career lives.

The critical thinking process involves six steps which include Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation. The first step, Knowledge, requires a person to locate the main points, ideas, or problems in a situation. They must generate open ended questions that address the problem and the importance of finding a solution. Now moving into Comprehension. It is important to look at the present facts and try to understand them. If time permits, do some research and collect as much data possible.

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The third step is Application. Individuals must connect the information they have gathered with their available resources. This is the time to brainstorm and try to find a link between the data collected, the problem, and the right way to the solution. Analysis is the fourth step where information is looked at again and the problem is separated from the factors that caused it. It is a chance to analyze what caused the issue in the first place. In the Synthesis step, the solutions are narrowed down and one is chosen. This solution should be vetted and a concrete plan of action should be formed. The last step, Evaluation, is where all the critical thinking processes collide and action is taken. Taking all these necessary steps ensures this plan has been properly thought through. All the possible outcomes for this problem have been looked over and this solution has the highest chance of succeeding.

Personally, I have always been a rational thinker instead of a critical one. I was not too surprised to find out my preferred lens is the Rights and Responsibilities Lens. Often I have benefited from thinking logically, because I have an understanding of what needs to be done so that I can achieve success. However, when I become too fixated on completing a task, I inadvertently hurt others in the process. In these situations, I think and act in ways that benefit me alone. My solution to this personal issue is taking the opportunity to think critically and ethically. This way of thinking not only benefits me but also satisfies everyone around me. As Fowler says, "Discovering that ethics not only makes critical thinking come alive also allows us to give due recognition and honor to an under-celebrated part of our ethical life" (Fowler, 2008).

Incorporating ethical values into our everyday lives is significant in securing our success. Academically, being ethical requires students to practice values such as respecting their instructors, school policies and their peers. It also insures students maintain academic integrity and responsibility so that they are able to gain the most out of their education. Practicing righteous moral principles in our day to day lives also helps with equality in society.

It leads to a higher standard of living and overall makes the world a better place. "Ethics is about showing respect, extending charity, achieving the best outcome, and keeping each other honest, which are values we actively sustain when we persist in our best thinking together" (Fowler, 2008) Employers look for individuals they can trust when hiring and often look into past behaviors when deciding. Maintaining strong ethical values throughout your personal and academic lives shows them that you have what it takes to be a valuable member of their company.

In conclusion, critical thinking when combined with our ethical values creates a mentality that is honest, fair, filled with self-knowledge, and the overall concern for personal and societal welfare. It creates this thought process that helps individuals determine what is right and wrong. It is an acquired mentality that identifies the unknown and provides effective solutions to significant problems. Take assessments and figure out what ethical lens best represents you. Develop this mental process of evaluation and discover a new way to unlock your mind to its full potential personally, academically, and in the workforce.

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