Critical thinking skills require that you think for yourself but also that you are willing to adjust your thinking. Arguing effectively demands astute thought in that you not only must know your side of the argument, but must have an understanding of the opposite side. However, you may begin to agree with aspects of the other side of the argument. Being able to adapt to new information and adjust your original opinion accordingly is indicative of fine-tuned critical thinking skills.
Being able to think critically is essential when you are confronted with a problem or dilemma. You can take a step back from the situation, analyze it from a rational perspective, and then devise a viable, workable solution. The ability to be able to rely on your critical thinking skills allows you the patience and confidence you need to proceed successfully through the situation at hand.
When you know what you think and why, you are more confident in resisting peer pressure. Unfortunately, peer pressure continues beyond your school years, but your critical thinking skills allow you to stand up for what you think and be effective in doing so. Also, you are able to ascertain that actions have consequences, and the ability to explain your reasoning can help others make better choices as well.
Your critical thinking skills are crucial to the completion of an analytical project in college. These same critical skills are imperative in the workplace. They provide you with the ability to analyze almost any situation or concept, and to use effective communication in presenting your ideas about that situation or concept to your supervisor or colleagues. Critical thinking skills also are important for effective parenting as you guide and discipline your children throughout their young lives.
When unexpected situations occur, it's a comfort to be able to rely on your critical thinking skills not only to get yourself through it, but to help others as well. These situations happen in everyday life from time to time, from life-changing crises to unwanted confrontations. Being able to think through these occurrences, quickly but effectively, and to act on your analysis of what needs to be done, becomes exceedingly crucial.
Critical thinking is vital to the healthy functioning of a society. Linda Elder with Richard Paul of the Foundation for Critical Thinking have written that "the human mind, left to its own, pursues that which is immediately easy, that which is comfortable, and that which serves its own selfish interests." As a result, people will not automatically want to do what is too hard or empathize with others. Thus the human mind must be trained to think critically. A world that would not require critical thinking of its inhabitants would be a frightening place to live.