What does it mean to be "active" as a critical thinker?

Being "active" as a critical thinker means engaging deeply with information and issues by observing, analyzing, and taking notes. This approach involves actively processing information, asking questions, and seeking to understand various perspectives before forming conclusions. By doing so, an individual can evaluate arguments, identify biases, and recognize the implications of different viewpoints. This proactive involvement enhances the quality of reasoning and decision-making.

In contrast, being passive in discussions, relying solely on intuition, or avoiding questioning assumptions would hinder the critical thinking process. A critical thinker must challenge preconceptions, seek evidence, and remain engaged with the material rather than simply taking a backseat in discussions or making decisions based on gut feelings without sufficient analysis. Therefore, observing and taking notes relevant to the issue is essential for effective critical thinking.