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Critical and creative thinking skills serve as guiding lights in the intricate journey of life, aiding in pivotal decision-making moments. As Le Cornu (2009) defines it, critical thinking involves the "intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered" (p.1). This multifaceted approach embodies three distinct characteristics: analytic, evaluative, and creative dimensions, collectively contributing to informed personal and professional decisions.
My engagement with critical and creative thinking recently manifested in a decision of profound significance: the choice to return to school and pursue a Master's in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health.
This decision warranted thoughtful contemplation, aligning with Paul & Elder's (2006) perspective that critical thinking is the "active, persistent, and careful consideration of a belief or form of knowledge, the grounds that support it, and the conclusions that follow" (p.5). Considering the gravity of this choice, an in-depth analysis of three major components ensued: my family, my career, and the perceived value of obtaining an advanced degree.
The first phase involved evaluating the impact on my family – comprising my 3-year-old daughter and fiancée.
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Factors such as time and financial considerations demanded meticulous examination. As Nicholls (2010) suggests, creativity involves "forming ideas to solve problems and resolve issues" (p.12). I had to tap into creative thinking to navigate the complexities of being a full-time mom living off a single salary. The prospects of increased income with a higher degree clashed with the immediate financial strain of tuition.
This prompted a careful weighing of pros and cons, echoing the collaborative essence of critical and creative thinking.
Amidst this decision-making process, a full-time job opportunity in ABA intervention surfaced, introducing both obstacles and benefits. Analyzing this offer required a delicate balance between potential professional growth and its impact on family dynamics. Delving into the immediate benefits – a second salary and enhanced financial security – underscored the nuanced nature of this decision.
For a decision of this magnitude, the application of sound thinking, encapsulating both critical and creative elements, was imperative. As Paul & Elder (2006) advocate, critical thinking requires both imagination and adherence to intellectual standards (p.4). This resonated in the consideration of cognitive skills and strategies, increasing the probability of a desirable outcome (Halpern, 1998). Education, affordability, time management, and learning proficiency were pivotal aspects considered in this evaluative process.
Delving deeper into the exploration of irony, the deaths of Hungry Joe and Edgar Derby unveil profound paradoxes. Surviving the brutalities of war, these characters meet their demise just as the war's conclusion looms. The tragic irony of Hungry Joe's fate is particularly striking. Enduring more than 70 combat missions as a pilot, one might expect his end to be on the battlefield. However, his quiet passing "in his sleep while having a dream" (Heller 445) adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. This unexpected demise amplifies the senselessness of war, illustrating that death, even for a seasoned soldier, can be arbitrary and detached from the chaos of combat.
Similarly, Edgar Derby's journey echoes the theme of irony. After enduring wartime tribulations and surviving a prison camp, one might anticipate a more conventional end for him. However, the tragic twist comes when he is arrested for stealing a seemingly inconsequential teapot, leading to his execution mere months before the war's official conclusion (Vonnegut 214). The juxtaposition of the trivial act of theft with the severity of the punishment encapsulates the absurdity of war and the arbitrary nature of life and death during this tumultuous period.
These deaths stand as poignant reminders of the unpredictable and capricious nature of fate, a theme that echoes throughout both "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Catch-22." The authors' masterful use of irony underscores the tragic absurdity of war, portraying characters who, despite surviving the perils of battle, succumb to seemingly unrelated and trivial circumstances. In this way, Vonnegut and Heller skillfully weave a narrative that challenges preconceived notions of heroism and mortality, urging readers to confront the senselessness that often defines the human experience in times of conflict.
As we reflect on these deaths, it becomes evident that the authors employ irony not merely for narrative effect but as a potent tool to convey a deeper message about the chaotic and irrational nature of war. Through Hungry Joe and Edgar Derby, Vonnegut and Heller compel readers to question the established norms of heroism and fate, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the complexities that define the human experience in the crucible of war.
The decision to return to school was not without challenges. There were moments of exhaustion, feeling defeated, and questioning the perfection of this choice. Yet, embracing a reflective stance, I acknowledged that each day offered new possibilities. The acknowledgment of imperfections and the need for patience and discipline became integral in navigating the ongoing journey, still governed by the principles of critical and creative thinking.
In conclusion, my journey reflects the intertwining trajectories of critical and creative thinking in decision-making. The exploration of family dynamics, career opportunities, and the pursuit of education underscores the collaborative nature of these thinking skills. As I continue on this path, I am reminded that despite imperfections, the ongoing application of critical and creative thinking remains crucial. This reflective process encapsulates the essence of navigating life's complexities while retaining a commitment to informed decision-making.
There are days when I cannot believe I made this decision. There are times when I am just too exhausted to make that special meal for my family and feel defeated. However, after taking a few moments for myself I am able to realize that there is tomorrow, and in that day I can once again try and accomplish what I did not the day before. In thinking this way I am still incorporating critical and creative thinking skills in which bring about a positive outcome.
Critical and Creative Thinking in Decision-Making. (2016, May 31). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/critical-and-creative-thinking-skills-essay
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