<\/p>\n
Is it possible that I have been making sub-optimal decisions that are egocentric and sociocentric, even the decision to take this doctorate and I should go back to the drawing board again? I’m convinced that I made a wise decision to add to my skills through this doctorate which, confirms that I have some valuable decision making skills that I’m adding to, through this program. As I read this pamphlet sized book I realized how different the decisions I could have made by just having a copy of Elder\u2019s book, Miniature guide to Critical Thinking Concepts &Tools. This is from the assumption of Elder and Paul of our natural inclination is egocentrism and sociocentrism[i]<\/a> in communication and problem solving which, limits us from rational decision making.<\/p>\n I have always considered decision making as a competence of leadership and have thus valued quick and \u2018timely\u2019 decision making as a sign of good leadership. It is now clear that there\u2019s a big difference between a quick decision and a well thought out decision. By routinely applying intellectual standards to the elements of reasoning, we improve our intellectual traits[ii]<\/a> which helps us make better decisions by improving our critical thinking abilities. It is my contention that there are alternative ways by which we can still make great decisions. There is a place for intuition, inspiration and reference to empirical evidence which are alternative ways that you can arrive at a good decision but there is a lot to learn from critical thinking. There are many times that I have made decisions based on my gut feeling at that point in time which were great decisions but I have to admit that there are many limitations that critical thinking helps to overcome. As we rely on God, it should not be lost on us that we live by Faith and God leads us and communicates to us His Holy spirit through inspiration, we have to wait on God in many critical decisions and rely on His word in making decisions. It seems to me that when we are led by the Holy Spirit, our decisions and actions are likely to be more or less like critical thinking. So many of the teachings of Jesus leads to critical thinking in seeking the best for every situation in selflessness. As His children, He admonishes us: \u201c\u2026.and Lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall directs thy paths.\u201d[iii]<\/a> As Christians, we have to be aware that as much as we can make great decisions by critical thinking, we have to be sensitive to the Spirit of God\u2019s leading and to what the Word of God has to say in every situation.<\/p>\n As I reflect on book learning How to study by Rowntree, I realize how the Critical thinking concepts and tools are very handy in studying a book and learning. The elements of thoughts as outlined by Elder in the template for analyzing the logic of an article[iv]<\/a>, would combine well with the review aspect of the SQ3R methodology of studying a book[v]<\/a>. I am now in a much better position to study a book and learn but I always want to test everything with the truth of God’s word. Its easy to assume that by reading Elders books makes a critical thinker and automatically confers on me those abilities but I have to continually practice applying the intellectual standards to the identified elements of reasoning. I compare it with the need to continually study the word of God to grow in the knowledge of God and in His grace to be a better Christian. It is this routine use of these standards that I will eventually develop the intellectual traits that will make me a critical thinker. It is indeed a protracted process that will take time, requiring patience, consistency and persistence in the discipline of practice, and its worthy to do so. Quick and ‘timely’ decisions that have become like an adage to me, has been put to question and I will seek to develop my critical thinking skills. As Durant, Will said, “these virtues are formed in man by his doing the actions; we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act but a habit”. I will however remain ever more sensitive to the Leading of God by His holy Spirit and rely His Word for I see many similarities between what the Word of God teaches and critical thinking in seeking fairness, equity, honesty and integrity in dealing with issues.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [i]<\/a> Elder, Linda & Paul, Richard (2014). Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts & Tools (Thinkers Guide Library<\/em>). Foundation for critical thinking, Dillon Beach, USA.<\/p>\n [ii]<\/a> Ibid\u2026.pg 18.<\/p>\n [iii]<\/a> Proverbs 3:5-6.<\/p>\n