I think that I possess many ethical and critical thinking attributes and qualities. I have many different opinions and thoughts on many different subjects, and I attempt to put those thoughts and opinions to use. Sometimes they are actually there to help others out. I may not always think before I act, but I learn from my mistakes when I do not think before I act. I believe this adds to ethical and critical thinking, the most important lessons you learn throughout life are from mistakes.

One of the attributes I struggle with…I tend to forget everyone else is allowed to think differently and if someone disagrees with me I get hurt and upset. I hate being told I am wrong, and I hate even more when someone tries to prove to me that what they think or say is correct. I would like to fix this about me. I say everyone has an opinion but if I am told I am wrong then I do not think “That is their opinion” and lash out and start yelling about and even crying about it. There has to be a better way for me to voice my feelings without lashing out at the person. This is what I would like to learn.

I would say that a good ethical and critical thinker I know would be my dad actually. My dad was military and he learned very early on to “suck it up with a grain of salt” as he used to tell me. He is always willing to listen to what someone else has to say so that he might learn something from them and sometimes if he disagrees he will request a source as to where the person has seen or heard this. This is so he can verify their source and possibly even change his own mind about something. His main attribute is that he is open to new ideas and thoughts. When discussing someone else’s opinions or thoughts with them he is always very careful not to make them feel like a fool for their own beliefs.

A belief that demonstrates independent thinking would be homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Some people (straight or gay) think that same-sex marriage should be allowed and that gays should have the same rights as straight couples. To be married and adopt children and build a life among themselves without persecution of the government, churches, or other straight couples. I fall under this sort of thinking. My husband in this aspect differs and does not agree with homosexuality or approve of it and feels they should not be able to get married. This is something that demonstrates independent thinking. My thoughts versus my husband’s thoughts are included in this paragraph as my demonstration behind the subject matter.

What are some of your attributes? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.