Standards of Critical thinking

Depth

definition

A statement can be clear, accurate, precise, and relevant, but superficial (that is, lack depth)

Example

"Just say No!" which is often used to discourage children and
teens from using drugs, is clear, accurate, precise, and relevant.
Nevertheless, it lacks depth because it treats an extremely
complex issue, the pervasive problem of drug use among
young people, superficially. It fails to deal with the complexities
of the issue.

Clarity

Definition

If you read the statement without asking yourself
Could you elaborate further on that point?
Could you express that point in another way?
Could you give me an illustration? Could you give me an example?

Example

“The website is now fully
operational with the ecommerce
functionality all set up.”

better way to express it is

The company has launched its website.

Logic

Definition

When the combination of thoughts are mutually
supporting and make sense in combination, the
thinking is "logical."

Examples

It is dangerous to drive when it is snowing. It is
snowing now. Logic tells you that it would be
dangerous to drive right now

Every three year old you see at the park every
afternoon spends most of their time crying and
screaming. Your conclusion is that all three year olds
spend their afternoon screaming.

A well cultivated
critical thinker

thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems
of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need
be, their assumptions, implications, and
practical consequences

gathers and assesses relevant information, using
abstract ideas to interpret it effectively comes to
well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them
against relevant criteria and standards

communicates effectively with
others in figuring out solutions
to complex problems

raises vital questions and
problems, formulating them
clearly and precisely