critical thinking
Definition
Critical thinking in the context of political science, especially within group political activity and decision-making, involves analyzing information, arguments, and strategies carefully to form a reasoned judgment. It requires evaluating the validity of various claims or proposals based on evidence and logic, rather than on emotion or personal bias.
Analogy
Critical thinking in making group decisions is like navigating a maze with multiple possible exits; each turn (decision) must be made by carefully considering which path leads closer to the exit (best solution), avoiding dead-ends (flawed arguments), and sometimes backtracking to consider missed pathways (alternative viewpoints).
Related terms
Rational choice theory: A principle that suggests individuals always make prudent and logical decisions that provide them with the highest amount of personal utility.
Groupthink: A psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people when the desire for harmony or conformity results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.
Confirmation bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses
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