Complete the matrix by identifying the four beginning stages of critical thinking as detailed in Critical Thinking.
Stages of critical thinking
Stage description
The First Stage is: The Unreflective Thinker
We are unaware of any significant problems in our thinking. Many of our problems in our lives are caused by poor thinking. We are unware of this happening and thus we do not question our beliefs or our decisions.
The Second Stage is: :The Challenged Thinker
We become aware that our thinking is shaping our lives, including the recognition that problems in our thinking are causing problems in our lives. We begin to understand that poor thinking can be life-threating literally to death or permanent injury, that it can hurt others as well as ourselves.
The Third Stage is: The Beginning Thinker
When a person actively decides to take up the challenge to grow and develop as a thinker, he or she enters the stage we call the Beginning Thinker. We begin to take thinking more seriously. This stage prepares us for the next stages. The ultimate goal of explicit command of thinking. This is a stage of dawning realizations and developing will power. It is not a stage of self-condemnation but rather, of emerging consciousness. It is analogous to the stage in which people who are alcoholics or drug addicts recognize and fully accept the fact that they have a substance abuse problem.
The Fourth Stage: The Practicing Thinker
Good thinking can be practiced liked basketball, tennis or ballet. The only way you can move from Beginning Thinker to Practicing Thinker is by committing to yourself to daily practice in thinking well and design your own plan for practice. When this happens then you are a Practicing Thinker. To be realistic you must find a plan that works for you in developing your Practicing Thinking.
