Critical Thinking
Saumya JainAssistant Manager- Content
Critical Thinking is a form of judgment and the ability to think clearly, logically and rationally about what to believe. Critical Thinking is a branch of Philosophy and there are various definitions of what Critical Thinking is all about. The subject is complex which includes rational, skeptical and unbiased analysis and evaluation of facts and evidence. It is basically on one’s self which is self-disciplined, self-monitored and self-directed. Through critical thinking, one can improve and excel in providing excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
The earliest form of critical thinking was noted in the teachings of great philosophers, Socrates and Plato. Socrates established the importance of asking deep questions that allows one to think deep before answering. Questions that require one to think logically and rationally along with reason. The great Philosopher also set the agenda for the tradition of critical thinking, to reflect question explanations and common beliefs.
A critical thinker is one who is able to deduce consequences and sees various outcomes and eventually solve problems. One also gets to think outside the box, challenging consensus and pursuing less popular approaches. Critical thinking entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
A person with critical thinking can:
- Solve problems
- Reflect on the justification of one’s own assumptions, beliefs and values
- Identify inconsistencies in reasoning
- Determine the importance and relevance of ideas
- Think outside the box
The critical thinking course is designed in a way to help the learners define, identify and develop reasoning skills in them. The course helps them take a disciplined and systematic approach to problem-solving and analyze the situation at hand and assess possible solutions and associated risks, and hone their strategic decision-making skills by following a methodology based on tested actions and sound approaches.
Critical Thinking Courses Offered and Eligibility Criteria
To pursue Critical Thinking as a career one can opt for long-term professional courses available. Some of the top critical thinking courses along with the eligibility criteria are mentioned in the table below:
Course |
Duration |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|---|
BA in Philosophy |
3-Years |
The candidate should have completed their Class 12 from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 45 per cent aggregate. |
MA in Philosophy |
2-Years |
The candidate should have completed their graduation in a BA Programme or BA (Hons) in any discipline and should have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate. |
2-Years |
The candidate should have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate in their Master’s in any field from a recognised university. |
|
2-Years |
The candidate should have done their MA in Philosophy or MPhil from a recognised university. |
Skillsets Required for Critical Thinking
To be successful in this profession, one must possess the following skillsets:
Skillsets Required for Critical Thinking Course |
|
---|---|
Evaluation |
Observation |
Interpretation |
Reflection |
Inference |
Explanation |
Problem Solving |
Decision Making |
Questioning Evidence |
Skepticism |
Excellent Communication |
Flexibility |
Emotional Intelligence |
Attention to Detail |
Open-Mindedness |
Adaptability |
Business Intelligence |
Identifying Patterns |
Admission Process for Courses in Critical Thinking
The following are the steps for admission to Critical Thinking courses:
- Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Philosophy. Check the fees, the seats offered, eligibility criteria which is set for the course, etc.
- Apply for the Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.
- Mode of Admission: Universities and colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.
- Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.
- Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.
Critical Thinking: Career Prospects and Job Profiles
For people who enjoy analysing information and overcoming challenges, problem-solving and critical thinking jobs can be a good career choice for them. Check out the table below to know the top critical thinking job pro
Job Profiles |
Average Salary Package (in INR) |
---|---|
Professor |
1.02 LPA |
Advisor |
3.9 LPA |
Consultant |
11.9 LPA |
Psychiatrist |
9.8 LPA |
Lecturer |
3.53 LPA |
Philosopher |
3 LPA |
Analyst |
4.5 LPA |
Researcher |
6.9 LPA |
Critical Thinking: Top Recruiters
Check out the table below to know the top recruiters:
Top Recruiters for Critical Thinkers |
|
---|---|
Boston Consulting Group |
Goldman Sachs |
Cisco |
S&P Global |
Barclays |
Deloitte |
IBM |
JP Morgan |
Edward Jones |
Morgan Stanley |
Deutsch Bank |
KPMG |
Citi |
Accenture |
Capgemini |
Flex |
eClerx |
Ernest & Young |
American Express |
TCS |
FAQs Related to Critical Thinking
Q: What is critical thinking?
Q: Which courses can I pursue to study critical thinking?
Q: Why is critical thinking important?
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for MA in Philosophy? What is the course duration?
Q: Is it necessary to appear for an entrance exam to study critical thinking?
Q: Which are the career prospects for students who wish to pursue critical thinking as their career?
Q: What is the average salary of a Consultant in India?
Q: Which are the top recruiters who hire students with a critical thinking specialisation?
Q: Which are the skillsets required to pursue critical thinking course?
Q: Which academic stream should I choose for Critical thinking?
Q: What is the role of a consultant?
Popular Critical Thinking Colleges in India
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