MediaTheory: Critical Thinkers and Scientists/Theorists (W2-P3) Fa18

Curiosity is one of those aspects that drive theory building.  What are other important aspects?  How does the idea of critical thinking fit in?

One way of defining a critical thinker is to identify some of the traits of a critical thinker, a critical thinker's creed, if you will.

The Critical Thinker’s Creed

• We are Open-minded.
• We seek to understand other viewpoints.
• We are Knowledgeable.
• We offer opinions/claims backed with logic and evidence.
• We are Mentally Active.
• We use our intelligence to confront problems.
• We are Creative.
• We break out of established patterns of thinking and approach situations from innovative directions.
• We are Independent Thinkers.
• We are not afraid to disagree with the group opinion.
• We are Curious.
• We go beyond superficial explanations. We seek deeper understanding.

O-K-M-C-I-C   [What's this?]

So, a critical thinker is a person who follows the creed above (or some similar creed)?

Do you follow this creed?

Would a theorist need to be a critical thinker?

Note: The creed above is based on a section of Chaffee's The Thinker's Way

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