Critical Thinking as a Twenty First Century Skill

Abstract

This research is aimed at focusing the importance of critical thinking as a twenty first century skill. This work also targeted at providing Quranic and Western concept of critical thinking skill i.e. one of the most important skills of twenty first century. Quranic means the concept given in Quran and Western concept means the concept and ideas given by Western writers, scholars and researchers about critical thinking skill. It serves as a pioneer work on critical thinking as a twenty first century skill in perspective of Quranic and West. Critical thinking skill possesses immense significance as a twenty first skill for human beings. It throws light on the views of Western writers and researchers and Quran on critical thinking. It deals with the capability to think rationally and its importance is enhanced as the paramount ability which substantiates that this skill to be mastered by new generation. At one end this work is conceptions of West about critical thinking and at the second end it draws attention to verses of Quran which focus on concept of critical thinking and its importance. Critical thinking is higher order thinking. Critical Thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. Various approaches of critical thinking have been presented by researchers. The Holy Quran persuades and supports us to employ our capability to examine, assess, and evaluate. The holy Quran encourages human beings to think critically.