Critical Thinking is the disciplined practice of questioning assumptions, examining evidence and testing conclusions rather than accepting claims at face value.
It involves considering alternative explanations, recognising bias and uncertainty, and distinguishing what is known from what is assumed. Critical thinking is not simply finding faults in an argument; its purpose is to improve the quality of understanding and judgement.
In adaptive organisations, critical thinking is strengthened through dialogue, reflection and contact with reality. Evidence can challenge assumptions, different perspectives can expose blind spots, and consequences provide feedback about whether the reasoning that guided an intervention was sound.
Critical thinking keeps conclusions open to challenge when reality provides a reason to reconsider them.