Critical Thinking and Mind

 

Critical Thinking and Mind

 

Comes from “critic”…

1575–85; < Latin criticus < Greek kritikós skilled in judging (adj.), critic (noun), equivalent to krī́t ( ēs ) judge, umpire ( krī́ ( nein ) to separate, decide + -tēs agent suffix) + -ikos -ic

 

As with many words and concepts, critical thinking can be construed and used in both a positive and negative light.

 

It is much the same and comes from the same root meaning as “judge.” Decisions come from making judgments about a situation that creates the need for a solution. One can look at all the evidence, the entirety of the circumstances and, along with intuition, come to a conclusion.

 

Making a judgment is quite different than being “judgmental.” The second usually implies a negative attitude or outlook toward a person, place, thing, or situation being evaluated.

 

One of the meanings of “critical” shares the negative attitude of “judgmental.” Yet critical can also mean a more objective view, if anything really can be, of the person, place, thing, or situation that includes both positively and negatively perceived aspects. The theater critic reviews a show and provides his or her opinion of the best performances and aspects of the production as well as the distractions and perceived flaws of the show.

 

“Critical thinking,” as a form of cognitive exercise, suggests using the mental abilities to look at all aspects. It usually refers to the rational, empirical, logical, and left-brained way of discerning value or evaluating what it is one is considering. 

 

Of course, we must also admit that there is not a way to use our mental abilities without the influence of preconceived viewpoints, ideology, emotions, and past experience. So, in this sense, all rational and critical thinking is also shaded by these factors.

 

I am not suggesting that critical and rational thinking is not valid, but like everything, it is not perfect. The same may be said of intuition which may come from non-rational areas of mind and can also be filtered through our emotions, worldview, and particular ideology before it comes to the light of day.

 

I prefer the phrase “Cognitive and Creative Processing” when we want to speak of our mental abilities of mind. This includes the left and right brain functions of thinking through something in a rational way and building a field of positive tension and focus around the subject of inquiry; and it also includes the synchronous and intuitive intervention of creative invention that can provide “out of the box” ideas and solutions.

 

So, while “critical” may suggest to some traditionalists a thorough review of the subject, the phrase “cognitive and creative processing,” in my opinion, allows for both rational and intuitive avenues to present themselves as part of the inquiry. 

 

In many ways, “mind” is much greater than we ever imagine. In some ways, the “mind,” contains everything and we, at times, can access this largest aspect of Mind that ties into the energetic oneness of Life. This seeming transcendent ability has often been called the spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension, in my humble experience and opinion, most likely refers to the inclusive natures of both the tangible and unseen aspects of Life Energy… to the Oneness that is LIFE. 

 

Where do we find access?? Most likely, the entrance is through the “Now-gate” of this present moment. Some leading thinkers and inventors like Edison and Einstein have found that after much thinking on a problem or concept, the answer or creation came to them without effort through a dream or through the sudden pop of insight while relaxing the mental gymnastics.

 

So, we do the thinking we must do to build our focus and field of tension. Then, as we release into this moment beyond the thinking process, we silently pass through the Now-gate and cross the bridge into the unexpected presence.

 

John Hutchinson

john@sunhutch.com

 

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