Judgment [critical thinking]: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly (Source: VIA Institute)
The strength of judgment is a corrective strength in that it counteracts faulty thinking, such as favoring your current views or favoring ideas that are considered the dominant view, and therefore giving less attention to the less-dominant view. It is the willingness to search actively for evidence against your favored beliefs, plans or goals and to weigh all of the evidence fairly when it is available. Learn more at Via Institute on Character
Open-Minded people are inclined to examine things from all sides
Critical thinkers
They don’t typically stay stuck in one opinion or jump to conclusions
Likely to change their mind in light of evidence
Tend to pursue additional information and to weigh all the evidence fairly
Can integrate previous knowledge and experience with new knowledge and experience
Yes, strengths can be overused…or underused
Underuse: Unreflectiveness
Overuse: Cynacism
Key Research:
Rank order of Critical Thinking/Open-Mindedness in populations from:
US : 4;
European: 3
Asia: 2
Latin America: 2
Sub-Saharan Africa: 5
Middle east: 4
The character strengths least related to life satisfaction (weak association) are modesty/humility, creativity, appreciation of beauty & excellence, judgment, and love of learning (Park, Peterson, & Seligman, 2004).
A study of strengths under the virtue of wisdom (creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, and perspective) found them to be related to higher performance on a creative task and negatively related to stress (Avey et al., 2012).
Top 10 (rank order) strengths expressed at work: honesty, judgment, perspective, fairness, perseverance, love of learning, leadership, zest, curiosity, social intelligence.
Workplace study found that the most important predictors of work-related outcomes were signature strengths fit (signature strengths that are applied at work) and the strengths of teamwork and creativity. Those character strengths that most highly correlated with total workplace well-being (positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and achievement) were zest, teamwork, hope, love, gratitude, leadership, and perseverance (Harzer, Mubashar, & Dubreuil).
Select an emotionally charged, debatable topic (e.g., abortion, prayer in school, healthcare reform, the current war in Iraq) and take the opposite side from your own. Write five valid reasons to support this view. (While typing Catherine’s idea, I had a related one of my own: If you are conservative in your political beliefs, listen to Al Frankin’s radio show; if you are liberal, listen to Rush Limbaugh! While you are listening, try to avoid the cognitive error of polarization described above.)
Remember a time when you were wronged by someone in the past. Generate three plausible reasons why this person inadvertently or intentionally wronged you.
This one is for parents: Think of a topic that you consistently argue about with your teen or grown child. Now, take their position and think of 3 substantial reasons why their point of view is valid. (This could also be done with spouses or any family members for that matter!)
Identify the last three actions that you weren’t happy with (such as not following through with a goal) and brainstorm better alternative ideas for the future. Consider both actions and omissions.
Start an activity and ask yourself — Why? When? And how? Apply this Socratic approach to life to everyday situations and routines in order to make them seem fresh and new.
Attend a multi-cultural event and critically evaluate your views during and afterwards. Discuss your impressions with a person from a culture that was represented at the event.
Identify possible causes of past failures or disappointments. Are there any patterns? Take some time to think deeply about how can you improve.
The basic premise of the book is “The reason that the the greatest leaders and people are successful is because they have a Mindset focused on growth.” In a nutshell, succesesful people believe that they can grow into being smarter, talented, and better. What’s more, they constantly look for opportunities to do so.
Podcasts to feed your Critical Thinking/Open-Mindedness:
Broken brain podcast – An interesting dive into how the brain works and how to optimize it’s functioning. Host Dhurv Purohit talks to doctors of all ilk to explore how to optimize your habits.
Applied Awareness Podcast – My own podcast about expanding your awareness of the forces that determine your inner and outer realities and how to take advantage of – and apply – your awareness. I talk about a wide range of topics from politics to psychology to our food and give listeners actionable bits of advice for self-improvement. I put a lot of effort researching the topics of my episodes and talk to inspiring people that are sure to stimulate your creativity.
Ted Radio Hour – A fantastic podcast that gives you a deep dives into different topics of Ted Talks. The host, Guy Raz is fantastic and interviews the people who actually gave the Ted Talks in depth. It explores all the realms of life hacks, psychology, self-improvement, science & technology. This one is extremely thought provoking, and will be sure to enhance your intellectual creativity through it’s wide range of topics.
You are Not So Smart – is a show about psychology that celebrates science and self delusion. In each episode, we explore what we’ve learned so far about reasoning, biases, judgments, and decision-making.
Skeptics Guide to the Universe – Hosted by an intellectual powerhouse, Dr Steven Novella, the SGU provides an hour of often humorous and tireless skeptical entertainment.
Point of Inquiry – This is the official Podcast of the Centre for Inquiry (CFI). DJ Groethe, perhaps the best skeptical interviewer around, interviews a plethora of celebrities and scientific minds on their skeptical views (or otherwise) of the world around us.
Judgment [critical thinking]: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly (Source: 
Your Critical Thinking/Open Mindedness
