As a member of the United States Coast Guard, I've had multiple opportunities and situations present themselves where critical thinking was crucial. Sometimes no matter how much you train for an event you never know how you'll respond to the situation, with ten years at sea I've seen great things and terrible things, some of the most impactful decisions stick with me even to this day. In 2005 while serving on board USCGC SPENCER (WMEC 905) we were enjoying a port call in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba when the Commanding Officer came across the announcing system and informed us that we were being diverted to New Orleans, Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina had just struck with unparalleled strength. None of us new the destruction that had taken place until
Commanders are given their positions because they have demonstrated their ability to execute sound judgment. Judgment is the key factor when committing to actions that could be either favorable or disastrous, or anything in between. Moral decision making, however, takes more than sound judgment when complex problems with undiscernible outcomes arise. When developing leaders to understand decision making in high-stress or combat situations, a thorough understanding of moral judgment is warranted. Case studies provide leaders with valuable tools to stimulate thinking and challenge subordinates. When evaluating the decision the commander of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has to make, understanding the difference between moral dilemmas and
The author Vincent Ruggiero defines critical thinking in his book Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking, as a “search for answers, a quest.” It is the idea that one does not accept claims, ideas, and arguments blindly, but questions and researches these things before making a decision on them. From what I learned in class, critical thinking is the concept of accepting that there are other people and cultures in this world that may have different opinions. It is being able to react rationally to these different opinions.
In order to truly be critical thinkers, we must reach stage six: master thinker. Although it is stated that philosophers are unsure that we as humans are capable of becoming master thinkers, due to our deep social conditioning. I believe that while it may not be possible for the vast majority of humanity to become level six critical thinkers, I do believe it is possible for the fittest of our society to become true critical thinkers.
A majestic and ancient sentinel encompasses the horizon. It began its ascertainments before the dawn of time. From the first creature to scale its eminence to the now senescent thickets spanning its plateau, it mutely observes the delicate world born upon itself. Eons of wisdom and antiquity have entrenched its vista. An unspoken understanding of a simple balance ensconced within its acclivity still eludes the human mind. Humans capable of creating such magnificent, beautiful works of art, prose of thought, and music defying description are also capable of pure devastation and destruction of this very delicate and life sustaining balance of the planet. If the human mind were as evolved and experienced as the mountain in its understanding of
What critical thinking skills are needed for the leader committed to social justice to effectively communicate at all levels of practice?
The procedure of selecting classes is vital when it comes to college. Before enrolling in classes, students must critically think about their major requirements, university requirements, and any prerequisites they must complete. Students are held responsible for managing their time between classes and taking classes that will fulfill the requirements. As a student at San Jose State University, I am still struggling with picking classes because I would never put enough time to plan my schedule ahead of time. Therefore, my first year at San Jose State was not pleasant; I took classes that had a three or four hour gap and did not satisfy my major curriculum. According to Verlinden’s (2005) book, students must have “willingness to plan, which requires
In the United States Navy Operational risk management (ORM) is personally experienced. The ORM process is taken seriously by everyone in leadership, particularly when failures can be fatal to personnel or equipment damage, therefore, understanding potential risks faced is vital (Eaamonn, 2013). In many organizations and specifically speaking from military experience, risk management is essential to avoiding catastrophic incidents from occurring. Risk management is sometimes unpopular among subordinates so; it is incumbent on leaders to be courageous and standby decisions made. Leaders must be bold and take a stand to protect the community from the effects of flooding even in times of budgetary austerity (Hall,
Critical thinking and decision-making are related in more ways than people think. This paper will define critical thinking and decision-making according to the book Whatever It Takes. It will also present a personal definition of critical thinking and decision-making from the author of this paper. The relationship between the two will be explained as well as the benefits of being a critical thinker. The author of this paper will also show how critical thinking is present in his organization and how he implements critical thinking techniques on a daily basis.
While the semester is over and the deadline has expired, I thought I would write this to express my true intended thoughts.
Critical thinking is an essential trait that every Army officer must possess. Officers must learn this trait and sharpen it through regular practice. The idea of critical thinking as a valuable aspect of the problem-solving process may seem daunting on the surface; however, it creates a more effective process in reaching crucial decisions for the Army officer. The critical thinking process, along with the elements of thought, used with the Army Problem Solving Process provides an established framework from which all involved parties benefit from because it enhances communication channels across all hierarchies. The elements of thought also provide thoroughness in thinking that closely align with the Army Problem Solving Process. In addition, the critical thinking process also creates confidence in
Critical thinking is a process of applying various skills to analyze information. Critical thinking uses rationality to distinguish between emotion and fact. This paper will discuss the definition of critical thinking, and the skills it takes to think critically. It will also provide an example of critical thinking applied to my current working environment. Finally this paper will discuss the importance and benefits of critical thinking in the decision-making processes.
“An Army leader is any one who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences peoples to accomplish organizational goals. She or He motivates people both inside and outside the chain of command to pursue actions, focus thinking, and shape decisions for the greater good of the organization.1” But for him to do that effectively and efficiently , he has to be prepared, shaped and refined. There are few institutions to prepare such leaders and CGSC is one of those institutions which are mandated, organized and equipped to prepare such leaders. In implementing its mandate, CGSC has programmed ILE common core C 100 to provide foundations for effective leadership development. The lessons covered in this block of instructions are important pillars of leadership development and impact on officers differently depending on the fields/specialties and the level of positions held. This paper therefore attempts to discuss the relevance of critical thinking and problem solving, group decision making, overcoming biases, planning and order production lessons on my future assignment as a logistics staff officer.
If life were merely a contest with fate, then should we not think before we act? Though some may argue that the proper time to reflect is before acting, I have learned from experience that, more times than not, this is not the best approach. The ability to act on instinct is crucial to success, in many situations. During an earthquake, for instance, one must quickly respond in whichever way necessary to protect themselves, as well as their loved ones. No matter how prepared, or trained, one may be, there is no way to predict what the essential motions should be taken at the time of an emergency.
In his essay Critical Thinking: What Is It Good For? (In Fact, What Is It), Howard Gabennesch explains the importance of critical thinking by drawing attention to how its absence is responsible for societies many ills including, but not limited to, the calamity in Vietnam. Yet, at the end of his essay, Gabennesch also mentions that, despite “the societal benefits of critical thinking, at the individual level, uncritical thinking offers social and psychological rewards of its own.”(14). Similarly, it is these rewards that, like the bait on a fishhook, often make individuals hesitant to engage in critical thinking despite the resulting harm to both them and society.
We are in the 21st century, but then do we know what is exactly happen in 21st century? What are the skills needed to successfully survive in 21st century? So, we are going to define the term of this essay before we can go through the topic.