Review south university 5 conceptual pillars and choose one (CRITICAL THINKING) to identify and discuss theoretical basis for the conceptual requirements component that you have chosen to aesthetically interpret. 1.communication 2.caring 3.critical thinking 4.holism 5.professionalism **** pillar i choose was critical thinking***** *please follow instructional rubic for accuracy *pages,including reference page **MUST BE PLAGIARISM FREE! ORIGINAL! ON TIME! APA FORMAT PLEASE! document resources using correct APA format(7th edition) using peer review resources ONLY.
South University defines critical thinking as “the disciplined, intellectual process of applying skillful reasoning as a guide to belief or action.” It is considered one of the five conceptual pillars that form the foundation of a well-rounded education. This paper will focus on the theoretical basis for the conceptual requirement of critical thinking and explore its significance in the context of education.
The theoretical basis for critical thinking can be traced back to the works of renowned philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Socrates, often referred to as the father of Western philosophy, emphasized the importance of questioning, inquiry, and self-reflection in the pursuit of knowledge. Plato built upon Socrates’ teachings by developing the dialectic method, a systematic approach to critical thinking through dialogue and logical reasoning. Aristotle, Plato’s student, further contributed to the theoretical foundation of critical thinking by introducing the concept of logical fallacies and emphasizing the need for evidence-based reasoning.
In more contemporary terms, critical thinking draws heavily from the field of cognitive psychology and its understanding of cognition and problem-solving processes. According to cognitive psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, critical thinking involves higher-order cognitive skills such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and reflection. These skills are crucial for individuals to engage in effective decision-making, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Furthermore, critical thinking is strongly influenced by the field of educational psychology, particularly the work of researchers such as Benjamin Bloom and his taxonomy of educational objectives. Bloom identified cognitive domains, including knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, which form the basis for critical thinking skills. This taxonomy provides a framework for educators to design instructional strategies that promote critical thinking in their students.
In the context of education, critical thinking is an essential skill that allows individuals to engage with academic content in a rigorous and analytical manner. It goes beyond memorization and regurgitation of information and focuses on developing the ability to think independently, evaluate evidence, recognize biases, and construct well-reasoned arguments. This skill is particularly crucial in today’s information-saturated society, where the ability to critically analyze and evaluate sources of information is essential to making informed decisions and combating misinformation.
The concept of critical thinking aligns with several educational theories and models. One such model is constructivism, which emphasizes the active construction of knowledge through personal experiences and reflections. According to constructivist theorists like Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, critical thinking is a natural outgrowth of constructivist learning, as it requires learners to actively engage with new information, critically evaluate it, and connect it to their existing knowledge frameworks.
Another relevant educational theory is social constructivism, which posits that learning is a social process that occurs through interactions with others. In social constructivist classrooms, critical thinking is fostered through collaborative learning activities, such as group discussions, debates, and problem-solving tasks. By engaging in these activities, students learn to question and challenge their own ideas and assumptions and compare them with those of their peers, leading to the development of critical thinking skills.
In conclusion, critical thinking is a vital conceptual pillar in education, rooted in both historical philosophical traditions and contemporary cognitive and educational psychology. It encompasses skills such as analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and reflection and plays a fundamental role in fostering independent thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. The theoretical foundations of critical thinking draw from philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as cognitive and educational psychologists like Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Benjamin Bloom. Incorporating critical thinking into educational practices aligns with constructivist and social constructivist theories, emphasizing the active and collaborative nature of learning.