Accuracy is one Critical Thinking Standard that I value the most. I always try to be accurate in the statements that I make as well as in my actions. Nosich explains accuracy by saying, “What matters for accuracy is not whether I believe a claim, but whether that claim actually fits the way things in fact are.” This statement holds a great deal of value to me, and this is a point that I always stress to my students. Think critically using accuracy to make decisions. I really enjoyed the idea that sometimes, it is more comfortable to keep your beliefs even when you receive evidence that your beliefs are not accurate. I feel that this is most important, especially when you are being open minded about a subject. I acquired this standard through my education and being honest with myself. People are prone to make quick judgments and opinions without thinking them through and using reliable sources. This is something that I value about myself, I try not to jump into a conversation or discuss ideas (in the academic world), unless, I feel that I am confident enough to hold an intelligent conversation. This is something that has always bothered me about fellow students and people in general. All too often I have come across people talking about a subject as if they know exactly what they are talking about, when in fact, they are spewing incorrect information. I feel that this standard should be one valued by everybody. One should always be on the lookout and have an open mind to accept information that they may not have known prior, and use it to help avoid generalizations or help shape their knowledge. This has changed greatly over the years and through my education. I did not realize the importance of being accurate until my academic career when you have a reputation to uphold. I pride myself in trying my absolute best to speak accurately and always be open minded for correction.
I also value many Non Critical Thinking Standards such as being moral. These standards I have acquired mostly through my parents, and I am whole-heartedly thankful they instilled these ideas in me. Having morals is something that will never change in my life. There are certain ideals and thoughts about topics that I will never change. To me, being moral means choosing right from wrong, and many of these morals that I hold are the ‘hot topic’ issues in society. I do not waiver when it comes to moral issues. It is who I am. I believe that people should be treated kindly, given natural rights, and follow the laws of the land. I also believe in the value of human life. These issues are black and white to me. Often, it is easy to be swayed one way or the other especially when you have a charismatic speaker or someone you look up to speaking to you. I think that it is very easy in college or in life, to have somebody like a professor, or politician tells you are wrong in your thinking. It takes a strong person to stand firm in your beliefs. This is something that I matured into understanding. I realize that this may sound contradictory to my above paragraph in accuracy. For example, one action that I am morally opposed to involves abortion. Scientists say all too often that a fetus is not a child and put stipulations on what makes someone ‘alive’. I believe that a person is alive at conception. I will never change my opinion on this.
I believe that sometimes standards are difficult to keep. It is hard to understand how I can value accuracy, as well as keep morals even if I know the facts of the situation. It seems to contradict itself. But, somehow I am okay with this. It is hard to understand and wrap my head around it. I suppose that as I get older, this will make more sense to me.
Nosich, G.M. (2012). Learning to think things through: A guide to critical thinking across the curriculum (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
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