Definition of the word critical thinking

The term "critical thinking" emerged during the Enlightenment era in the 17th and 18th centuries, as a response to the religious and dogmatic thinking of the time. French philosopher Jean-Baptiste Condillac coined the term "esprit critique" in his treatise "Traite des Sensations" published in 1754, which was later translated into English as "Critical Thinking" by John Locke. Condillac defined critical thinking as "the art of examining, judgment, and reasoning," aimed at distinguishing truth from error and making educated judgments based on evidence and reasoning. This approach to thinking marked a significant departure from the traditional method of accepting statements and beliefs without questioning them, and instead, encouraged individuals to think critically, question arguments, and examine the evidence supporting them. The concept of critical thinking gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in education, as a way to foster independent thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills in students. The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking (NCECT) in the United States defines critical thinking as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action." Overall, critical thinking is a critical skill in the 21st century, helping individuals make informed decisions, solve problems, analyze complex issues, and think more critically in everyday life.