Defining Critical Thought

What is the definition of critical thinking?

The Critical Thinking Company (yes, there is such a thing) defines it as "the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. A critical thinker uses broad in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate his/her beliefs clearly and accurately" (The Critical Thinking Co., 2005).   

I personally define critical thinking as the ability to analyze presented data or facts to solve a larger problem. It is having the skill set (and motivation)  to solve problem(s) that is/are not explicitly stated or one(s) that do(es) not have one easy answer.

For example, I am not interested in whether you can tell me if Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights is a Byronic Hero. You know that because your English teacher took the time to tell you that he was. I am interested in thoughts about how Healthcliff differs from Mr. Darcy (also considered a Byronic Hero to some) in Pride and Prejudice. Obviously, Mr. Darcy is 1000x better, but I want to know WHY you think so. 

 Mr. Rochester v. Mr. Darcy is a more fair match up.

References:

The Critical Thinking Co. (2005). What is critical thinking?. Retrieved from https://www.criticalthinking.com/company/articles/critical-thinking-definition.jsp

picture retrieved from: http://lauracrook.com/mr-darcy-vs-mr-rochester-a-highly-scientific-moderately-objective-analysis/