CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: CONTENT, ESSENCE, HISTORY, AND COMPONENTS

Abstract

This article discusses the scientific and theoretical foundations of critical thinking, its formation, and definitions provided by various scholars. Thinking is a cognitive activity inherent to humans that develops in stages over time. Critical thinking is viewed as a process of analyzing, evaluating, and solving problems. The article explores different approaches to critical thinking, from ancient Greek philosophers to contemporary scholars. Researchers such as Siegel, Halpern, Walsh, and Paul define critical thinking through elements like skills, tendencies, and systematic analysis. Additionally, the necessity of introducing and systematically mastering critical thinking in education is emphasized. This article provides a detailed discussion on the theoretical foundations and methodological approaches to critical thinking.