Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking . Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following : understand the logical connections between ideas. e.g. There are some cops who didn't go to college and therefore have no critical thinking skills. Ref: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-man-with-towel-on-arm-shot-in-head-by-lapd-20150620-story.html#panel=comments