Critical thinking skills employ the consideration of the nature of human knowledge and the conflicts that may arise between new information and old ideas. Using multiple methodologies, scientifically based or knowledge based, these skills contribute to the generation of a possible rearrangement in the way we cognitively evaluate objectively and form theoretical debates. (Bono 2009)

Tygett, A. 2015. Acrylic on Canvas. Thinking abstract

Key words and phrases are my go-to method of brainstorming to generate ideas in addition to leveraging a diverse collection of resources to form an argument, discussion or proposition. In preparation for my rationale on critical thinking, I threw down this list of keywords/phrases and expounded on each of them using resources, both primary and secondary to form a discussion that would employ specific reasoning through theoretical contexts without justification to a single source:

Epistemology – intellectual territories – theoretical assumptions – boundaries of construction within epistemology – theoretical and methodological constructs – conceptual clarity – belief systems – cognitive development (age & education) – changes in the perspectives of knowing – specificity – generality issues – individual cognition, motivation and differences between cultural contexts.

Keyword and phrases aid in the provision of insight when used with a broad range of resources in reference to the topic resulting in robust, epistemological and practical observations.

In addition to the perceptible methods that help stimulate critical thinking skills such as keyword phrases, mind mapping, researching, etc., I believe we must understand the philosophy of epistemology and the development of these theories in order to grasp a working knowledge of how critical thinking is employed. We should also determine within ourselves, which methodologies are best used to keep debates and theoretical methodologies focused, so the process of identifying the relevancy of scholarly resources and information can assist research strategies and keep discussions clear in regards to evaluative resources. (Hofer & Pintrich, 1997)

References:

Bono, E., 2009. Lateral Thinking, Penguin, London, NY

Hofer & Pintrich, 1997. The Development of Epistemological Theories: Beliefs About Knowledge and Knowing and Their Relation to Learning Vol. 67, No. 1 pp. 88-140 (Spring 1997) Online https://www.jstor.org/stable/1170620?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Tygett, A. 2015. Acrylic on Canvas. Thinking abstract (image 49/76) http://www.annjonesoriginalimages.com/art-works.html Accessed 02-27-2018