When we endeavor to define a relationship between critical thinking and decision- making, we must first define the meaning of each. This is no easy task, mainly because there is no clear cut definition for each. I will attempt to explain both, and summarize what I believe to be the relationship between the two. .
How is critical thinking defined? Through all the information I have read so far, There is no "one" definition. It is more like a conglomeration of several steps and or questions, used to expand our thought process's in different situations or discussions. Our course materials by Keeley, Browne, McCall Jr. and Kaplan suggest that critical thinking is an awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions with an ability to ask and answer these questions at an appropriate time, and a strong desire to actively use these critical questions. I strongly believe that critical thinking challenges us to question the informational facts presented to us and also put aside our bias, to examine all their possibilities and origins. Many times, when I am engaged in debate or discussion, I tend to think that my thoughts and ideas are the only logical arguments. How arrogant. We frequently don't realize the erroneous and illogical arguments we present. In his book, Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking; Author Vincent Ryan Ruggiero states: "Routinely evaluating one's own thinking builds intuition that is often valuable. Open-minded thinking is a necessity when it come to critical thinking. .
We all make decisions throughout the course of our daily lives without even realizing it. A lot of us can't even say what the decision making process is, yet, it is a very intricate part of our daily function. So what exactly is decision making? First, we know that it is a cognitive process. Second, we know that a decision is the act of reaching a conclusion or making up one's mind. So, to summarize and give my own definition, I would have to define it as: A cognitive process which is used by individuals to making up one's mind, or reach a conclusion.
