Critical thinking is the ability of a person to evaluate the judgments offered to him from different points of view, to seek ways to understand information, and interoperate it with his picture of the world. It allows one to match existing data in memory with new information that arises in the info field. Critical thinking is deeply connected to personality traits and the ability to accept a new reality because of incoming information.
Heart of the Matter
Chapters 12, 13, and 14 are the heart of the matter because they describe the relationship between judgments and ways of reasoning about phenomena. For example, comparative or empirical reasoning are ways of looking at new information from different perspectives and analyzing it to identify different reasons for its occurrence. The authors are likely referring to the skills and capabilities underlying critical thinking (Facione & Gittens, 2015). Moreover, the authors emphasize concepts such as inference and explanation. I understand inference as the skill of constructing logical chains in reasoning and explanation as the body of knowledge that allows one to explain judgments. Facione & Gittens (2015) state that critical thinking is impossible without these concept. I think this is justified because these concepts characterize the readiness for criticism as a tool for achieving truth.
Challenges & Insights
The most important thing is the ability to reevaluate past judgments from different angles because new information has been gained about the potential of thinking. Critical thinking makes it easier to gain experience and make sense of it. The concepts learned can help me look at situations from a different angle, apply new skills, and shape how I evaluate information. In my personal life, these concepts will help build relationships in society and with my family.
Reference
Facione, P., & Gittens, C. A. (2015). THINK critically (3rd ed.). Pearson.