Critical Thinking -A Shift in the a way I Think
The two-day Critical Thinking Life Class was a meaningful learning experience for me. It helped me understand how my assumptions, biases, and first impressions can influence the way I think and make decisions. I learned to pause, ask questions, look at situations from different perspectives, and not jump to conclusions without enough information. I also understood the importance of separating facts from opinions and checking the evidence before believing something. The activities and discussions made me reflect on my own thinking patterns and how they affect my responses. I feel this learning will help me become more open-minded, make better decisions, and respond to situations more consciously in both my personal life and at work.
Learning about critical thinking has made me reflect on something very basic yet very important — how I think.
One of the most interesting concepts I came across was System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 is quick, automatic, and instinctive, while System 2 is slower, more deliberate, and analytical. This made me realise how often I rely on my first reaction without actually stopping to question it. Sometimes, what feels immediately true may simply be an assumption or an emotional response
The four mindsets — Preacher, Prosecutor, Politician, and Scientist — were another powerful learning for me. I could recognise how easily we can move into these different mindsets
This learning has made me realise that critical thinking is not about doubting everything. It is about being curious, open-minded, aware of our biases, and willing to change our thinking when new evidence comes forward.
I also realised that facts and opinions are not the same. Something I strongly believe does not automatically make it a fact. Recognising this difference can help me look at situations with greater clarity rather than allowing my emotions or assumptions to decide what I believe.
My biggest reflection from this learning is that thinking critically requires slowing down.