Critical Thinking

In my pursuit of intellectual honesty, I must first make an attempt to think critically (or critically think?).

1. Gather complete information, and from more than one source.
2. Understand and define terms (make others define terms, too).
3. Question the methods by which results were derived.
4. Question the conclusion. Do the facts support it? Is there evidence of bias? Remember, correlation does not equal causation.
5. Uncover assumptions and biases.
6. Question the source of information.
7. Don’t expect all the answers.
8. Examine the big picture.
9. Look for multiple cause and effect.
10. Watch for thought stopping sensationalism.
11. Understand your own biases and values.

From Human Biology: Health, Homeostasis, and The Environment, 3rd Edition, by Daniel D. Chiras

Watch out world! I might just become smart!