Think about the last time you had to take a stand on an important issue, or make a decision while not knowing all of the facts. How did you arrive at your position or choice? What was your thought process, and why do you believe you were right?
We all hope our opinions and choices are correct. However, sometimes our ideas are based on feelings or logical fallacies, rather than facts and solid reasoning—in other words, non-critical thinking.
Non-critical thinking can lead to poor choices, self-limiting beliefs, and (to be blunt) gullibility. You’ll be vulnerable to misinformation and manipulation, because you can’t think for yourself. Let’s look at what is non-critical thinking versus, and how you can break free from it.
Curiosity vs closed-mindedness
Critical thinkers recognize that an issue may be more complex than what it seems, and that there are different ways to look at it. That’s why they always gather facts and check the authenticity and authority of the source. They listen to other views, and fairly evaluate each side.
Non-critical thinkers choose a side, and select facts that support it. They may talk to others, but only to engage in debate (“proving I am right”) than dialogue (“listening, learning, and collaborating”).
That’s why the first step to critical thinking is to suspend judgment: don’t believe everything you’re told, or even everything you feel. Before you react, research.
Reasoning vs emotions
The Foundation of Critical Thinking says that critical thinking is an intellectual disciplined process that involves different reasoning skills, such as:
- Articulating the questions or issue in a clear way
- Gathering information by observation, experience, reflection, communication, or research
- Analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating the information
- Making a choice based on facts, or insight arrived from weighing different pros and cons
In contrast, non-critical thinking is based on emotions, peer or social pressure, tradition. When asked for reasons for their stand, they may say: “It’s always been this way!” or “This is what my heart tells me.”
They may even become emotional when they are asked to explain their side, i.e, becoming defensive or aggressive.
Being aware vs being confined by biases
Everyone has biases, and it is impossible to be 100% objective. We are influenced by our cultural and religious perspectives, personal values, childhood experiences, and the limitations of our knowledge.
Critical thinkers are aware of these biases. Thus, they are always reflecting: “Am I resisting a certain idea? What perspectives am I missing? What are motives for believing this to be true?” So even if they can’t escape all their biases, they can question them and make a rational choice.
Non-critical thinkers are not even aware of their biases, and actually think what they initially believe is a universal truth. This attitude prevents them from asking questions and accepting other viewpoints.
That is why the question “What is non-critical thinking?” can actually be a breakthrough. Once you’re aware that there may be flaws or limitations in your thinking process, you are already opening your mind to new possibilities.
Sound reasoning vs logical fallacies
Critical thinkers strive for clarity, accuracy, and fairness. They want to make sure that their ideas are based on facts and sound arguments.
Non-critical thinkers present arguments, but these may be riddled with logical fallacies. Examples of common fallacies are:
- Ad hominem. Personal attacks against the other person
- Appeal to force. Using threats, or inciting fear, to make the other person agree
- Genetic fallacy. Saying something is true (or false) because of its origin
- Appeal to tradition. Accepting a belief or behavior because people have always believed it or done it
- Argumentum ad Populum. Appeal to popular opinion, usually citing trends, influential people, or universal values such as patriotism
- Appeal to emotion. Inciting pity, sympathy, outrage, or other strong emotions
- Begging the question. Using claims or facts that have yet to be proven
- Hasty generalization. Saying one thing is true based on limited examples or evidence
- False cause. Claiming a cause-effect relationship that has not yet been proven
- Straw man. Disproving an argument by exaggerating or oversimplifying it
- Slippery slope. Saying if one thing will happen, the second or third thing will inevitably follow
There are many other logical fallacies that can emerge from non-critical thinking. Study them further in order to protect yourself from misinformation, or guard against fallacies in your own reasoning process.
What is the effect of non-critical thinking on my life?
The question ‘What is non-critical thinking?” is very important, because faulty reasoning abilities can have a huge impact on the rest of your life.
It can cause you to make dangerous errors in judgment—at work, and in your personal choices. It can lead to missed opportunities and misunderstandings. It can even hold back your career, because critical thinking is essential in management and leadership roles.
Rethink the way you think, and start learning how to develop your critical thinking skills.
