SummaryThis article will define the meaning of critical thinking. I will give an example of a personal experience where critical thinking had to be used. This article will also examine the benefits and importance of using critical thinking during the decision-making process. What is critical thinking? Critical thinking is an essential tool for good decision-making. Everyone has biases or biases that can get in the way of making good decisions. Critical thinking varies depending on the underlying motivation. When decisions are based on selfish intentions; they are often marked by the manipulation of ideas in the service of one's own interests. To be an effective critical thinker, one must have the ability to examine the facts and make a decision based solely on the facts. Critical thinking is a tool to use in all aspects of life. Critical thinking can help us become better thinkers, better people, and make better decisions. Defining Critical Thinking Before we can truly define critical thinking, we need to look at thinking in general. According to Dictionary.com, thinking is "having a conscious mind, to some extent, reasoning, remembering experiences, making rational decisions, etc." » For thought to be useful to others, it must be communicated in some form. Thinking can take many forms, including: communicating our thoughts through language, images, art, scientific formulas, or mathematics (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). Unexpressed thought is also important because it allows one to think before speaking or acting (Kirby and Goodpaster, 2007). Critical thinking begins with this process of thinking, whether it's something you've thought about or a situation brought to your attention ... middle of paper ... if this knowledge goes against your personal beliefs or your personal interest. References Carter, C., Bishop, J. and Kravits S. (2007). Keys to College: Becoming an Active Listener. [Electronic text from the University of Phoenix custom edition]. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Retrieved January 20, 2007 from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Gen300-Skills for Professional Development course website. Kirby, G., Goodpaster, J., (2007). Thinking: an interdisciplinary approach to critical and creative thinking. [Electronic text from the University of Phoenix custom edition]. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Retrieved January 18, 2007 from University of Phoenix, rEsource, MGT350-Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making Course Web Site. Helliwell, R. (2000). Keys to critical thinking. New Zealand Management, 47.6, 44. Retrieved January 20, 2007 from EBSCOhost database..