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Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a process by which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully adjusting and adapting thought and imposing intellectual standards upon them.

Elements of Thought

The elements of reasoning, or structures of thought - is the idea that all reasoning contains parts, and that these parts enable one to analyze thinking, any thinking whatsoever, in order to best understand it. - Richard Paul, The Foundation for Critical Thinking

Paul’s theory points out that all reasoning contains the eight elements, and therefore can be analyzed into eight specific parts – in determining the full logic of the reasoning.

Because all human reasoning contains these eight parts, all products of reasoning (conversations, articles, books, speeches, editorials, video programs, etc.) can be analyzed according to the eight elements. - The Foundation for Critical Thinking

The Elements of Reasoning - The Foundation for Critical Thinking
Reasoning occurs when we draw conclusions based upon reasons. We can upgrade the quality of our reasoning when we understand the intellectual processes that underlie our reasoning.
Beginning the Paper: Elements of Reasoning - Critical Writing : A Guide to Writing a Paper Using the Concepts and Processes of Critical Thinking
The elements of reasoning are tools both for developing your thinking about a topic you are writing about and for constructing a strong, articulated overall plan for your paper.

Critical Thinking - Standards of Thought - Part 1 - By Richard Paul

Dr. Richard Paul defines the universal standards with which thinking may be "taken apart" evaluated and assessed. Excerpted from the Socratic Questioning Video Series from the Foundation for Critical Thinking. (8:33)

Critical Thinking and the Basic Elements of Thought - By Richard Paul

Dr. Richard Paul discusses and defines the basic elements of thought involved in critical thinking. Excerpted from the Socratic Questioning video series. (5:00)