Critical Thinking Perception

Critical Thinking and Perception

What is real? Our perception of reality is often a product of the environment in which we live. In general, we

formulate ideas of reality based on our own experiences as well as the experiences of the people around us. Our

lives are influenced constantly by our surroundings. I truly believe that perception is a learned skill and not

instinctive. Outside of our communities, television, radio and movies sculpt our perception of the outside world.

I think most of my thinking at the ordinary level is based on perception, language, and information. At the most

there is one logic step: If this than that. I think most thinking takes place in the perceptual stage. These are the

questions that arise, How much
For example, killing is 'bad ' unless justified

by war or self-dense. I know that with decisions I followed what was recommended and what my friends

were doing and then rationalized it with the following rationalization: Everyone does this and the stock rises for a

while and when the market eventually gets a severe correction I rationalize that as well. This rationalization is based

on information--not all-available information but a selection that fits what I was inclined to do anyway.

I think that logic can be used to reinforce perceptions (and prejudices) but logic and argument will not change

perceptions. Perception is more than sensing; it is processing, reacting, and interpreting. Faith Bryne describes

perception as, "detecting the nature of both outer and inner worlds. In many cases, it also means responding in some

way, either consciously or unconsciously." (Perception, 57) Perception is the way we look at things and I think

processing is what we do with that perception. In my view if we take processing for granted then perception

becomes even more important, because the way we look at a situation will determine what we can do about
I am not one who handles others opinions without asking for them. I am not very consistent in

ensuring that my opinions are informed. Often times I have not taken careful consideration of the evidence and have

treated opinions as facts especially if I have expressed it to the point that I have begun to believe it as truth. At times,

in what matters most I am inclined to assume too much and take too

much for granted. I feel the strongest urge to conform when someone is a positive role model and conforming to this

type of behavior I believe adds value. However, a situation in which this conformist tendency has interfered with my

judgment is following others because it seemed the lesser of two evils. All to often at the workplace this is how

some decisions are made just to close an issue that ultimately will recycle. Additionally, I tend to jump or make

hasty conclusions more often than I would like. This occurs more so in the area of personal relationships.

I have learned that there are some errors and bad habits that can lead to shallow or uncritical decisions instead