The Foundation and Principles of Critical Thinking

Abstract

This article explains the currently dominant paradigm of critical
thinking, which is considered universally applicable, in terms of
applying various skills, techniques, standards, and procedures.
However, it also contends that emphasizing the technical aspects
does not make it critical thinking, for that depends mainly upon its
own metaphysics – a view that is never discussed. I contend that
the metaphysical premise is more important than the skills and
techniques, as it is intimately related to the technical dimensions
of critical thinking. I argue that without a true and realistic metaphysical
foundation, critical thinking cannot produce good results.