Shared Humanity: Elements of Critical Thinking (Paul & Elder, 2006)

Shared Humanity: Lessons in Critical Thinking Model

Elements of Critical Thinking -

Why the Analysis of Thinking is Important

Everyone thinks it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudiced. If we want to think well, we must understand at least the rudiments of thought, the most basic structures out of which all thinking is made.

The Eight Elements define all Thinking.

Eight basic structures are present in all thinking: Whenever we think, we think for a purpose within a point of view based on assumptions leading to implications and consequences. We use concepts, ideas and theories to interpret data, facts, and experiences in order to answer questions, solve problems, and resolve issues.