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200+ critical thinking questions.

“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire As critical thinkers, it’s our job to question everything, instead of just blindly believing what we’re told, but what kinds of questions should we be asking though? What are the “right” questions to ask? In this article I’ve compiled a list of 200+ […]

“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire

As critical thinkers, it’s our job to question everything, instead of just blindly believing what we’re told, but what kinds of questions should we be asking though?

What are the “right” questions to ask?

In this article I’ve compiled a list of 200+ of the very best critical thinking questions for almost any situation.

Critical thinking questions:

If you’re presented with a claim

If you’re reading a book, listening to a podcast, watching TV or YouTube

If you’re watching an interview.

In a group or panel discussion
In an argument or debate

If you’re watching the news

If you want to spot a lie

If you want to spot a scam

If you’re presented with statistics
Critical thinking about your life

Let’s begin:

Is this an argument, a claim, a belief, an opinion, or a fact?

When you’re presented with information, whether it’s something you’re reading, watching or listening to, ask yourself:

How do you know it’s a fact?
What evidence exists to support this “fact”?
Has this “fact” been proven?
Do the majority of experts on the subject agree that this is a fact? Is there an expert consensus on this fact? If not, why not?
Is this an ordinary or extraordinary claim?
Do the majority of experts agree with this claim? Or is it contentious?
What is the source of this claim?
Who is making this claim?
Is this person an authority or expert?
How reliable is this source?
What are the best arguments in support of this claim?
What do the harshest critics against this position say?
What arguments do skeptics of this position give?
Has this claim already been debunked?
Is this evidence good enough to accept the arguers assertions?
Would this evidence stand up in court?
Or is the arguer/author/speaker making assertions without evidence?
What is the strongest evidence against this claim?
Is there more confirming or disconfirming evidence?
Is the expert consensus (if there is one) for or against this claim? Why?
Do the majority of experts agree or disagree with this claim? Why?
How can we verify or falsify this claim?
A statement may be true, but is it relevant? Why?
To what degree? To what extent?
Under what conditions?
In what context or circumstances?
This claim is 100% true
This claim is 100% false
This claim is mostly true, partly false
This claim is mostly false, partly true
This claim is half true, half false
Remember: There are degrees of “rightness” and “wrongness”. Statements are rarely 100% true or 100% false
What further claims does this claim logically entail?
Which of my beliefs would I have to change if I were to accept this claim?
If this is an argument, is it deductive or inductive?
If an argument is deductive, is it sound, valid, invalid, or unsound?
If an argument is inductive, is it cogent, strong, weak, or unsound?
How do you know this?
How did you determine this?
What evidence or proof do you have for this claim?
What is their background?
What makes them qualified to speak on this subject?
Are they an expert in the field?
On what basis is the author or speaker an authority or expert on the subject, or at least credible?
Are they conservative or liberal?
Atheist or religious?
Feminist or MGTOW?
(No author/speaker is completely neutral, unbiased and objective)
When was the article, book, podcast, video etc., written or recorded? Is it possibly outdated? Is there a more recent up-to-date version available?
Why did the author write this article/book?
Why is the speaker giving this talk? What is their motivation?
What is the purpose of this information? Why was it created?
Why did I choose to read/watch/listen to it?
Who benefits from this information? Why? How?
Is this information relevant to you? If so, how? Why do you need to know this? How does it affect you personally?
What are the authors/speakers main arguments and assertions? What is their philosophy? What are their main points?
Is the author/speaker arguing for anything controversial? If so, there are likely to be good counterarguments on the other side
Anonymous authorities aka “weasel words” e.g. “experts say…” “scientists say…” “studies show…”
Deductive or inductive reasoning
Expert opinion
Expert consensus
Randomized controlled trials
Scientific studies
Scientific consensus
Or are they making assertions without evidence?
What is the strongest evidence in support of these assertions? Is this evidence good enough to accept the authors/speakers conclusions? Would it stand up in court?
What is the strongest evidence against these assertions?
What might be another equally valid interpretation of the evidence or study results?
What conclusions does the author/speaker want you to draw? What do they want you to think/believe/understand/do?
Is the author/speaker/news station trying to push a narrative? e.g. “Diversity”, “Gender pay gap”, “Immigration”?
Do you agree with the authors/speakers assertions? Why/why not? Anything you disagree with?
Do you agree with the authors/speakers philosophy? Why/why not? Anything you disagree with?
Do you agree with the authors/speakers “facts” and description of “reality”? Why/why not? Anything you disagree with?
Do you agree with the authors/speakers arguments and rationale? Why/why not? Anything you disagree with?
Are there any fallacies in the authors/speakers argument or rationale? If so, what?
Does the author/speaker address counterarguments, disconfirming evidence, objections etc.? If so, how effectively do they rebut these points?
If the author/speaker provides a “rule”, are there any exceptions to the rule that are not explained or accounted for?
Do you agree with the authors/speakers conclusions? Why/why not? (You might agree with their arguments and rationale but not with their conclusions) Are they backed up by sufficient evidence? Or is the author/speaker jumping to conclusions too quickly from insufficient evidence?
Are there any other equally valid conclusions or interpretations that could have been drawn from the evidence, or any other competing theories with better explanations for the evidence? If so, what?
What is the perspective of the author/speaker? Do they seem like an insider or outsider? Why?
Whose perspective is this information presented from? America’s or someone else’s? Conservative or liberal? Men or Women? Gen X, Y or Z?
What perspectives/viewpoints are not represented here? What other perspectives might be equally valid, or worth looking into?
What would (person) say about it?
What would (group) say about it?
Is there better evidence for one perspective/viewpoint than another?
Is the author/speaker presenting you with both sides of the story – or only one?
How has the author/speaker framed the information or story?
Is the author/speaker embellishing or sensationalizing the story for dramatic effect? Do you think the story really took place the way the author/speaker tells it?
What assumptions is the author/speaker making? What does the author/speaker have to believe is true before the rest of their argument makes sense?
What are the implications of the authors/speakers argument? If this is true, what else must be true?
What are the main problems the author/speaker is trying to solve? What solutions do they propose?
Do you agree with the authors/speakers proposed solutions? Can you think of even better solutions to these problems?
Has the author/speaker identified the real problem/s, or only a symptom of the problem?
Is the author/speakers analysis or solution to the problem or situation oversimplified or incomplete? What needs to be unpacked or expanded upon?
Is the author/speaker engaged in oversimplified black and white thinking as if something “always” or “never” happens, or as if “everyone” or “no one” should think/believe/do something, or as if something was right/wrong, true/false, correct/incorrect, without any grey areas in between?
Are you engaged in black and white thinking, as if “everything” or “nothing” the author/speaker says is true? Or are you judging the validity of the information line by line, sentence by sentence, claim by claim, realizing that some parts could be true, and other parts false?
Is the author/speaker emotional reasoning? Is it facts over feelings, or feels over reals?
How would you describe the author/speakers tone? Dogmatic? Overconfident? Emotive? Pay attention not only to what is said, but how it’s said. How does the tone affect your response to the speech/text?
Is the author/speaker using emotive language/tonality, and/or dramatic images or video, in an attempt to alarm, scare or outrage you?
Is the author/speaker guilty of magical or superstitious thinking? Is there a lot of talk of “the law of attraction”, “miracles”, “soul mates” etc.?
Does the author/speaker treat their opponents charitably and fairly? Do they treat the other side as intelligent people with a difference of opinion/perspective? Or do they demonize them as “crazy”, “dangerous”, “evil”, “dumb”, “stupid”, “racist”, “sexist”, “homophobic”, “transphobic” etc.?
Does the author/speaker seem intellectually honest? Trustworthy? Why/why not?
Is the author/speaker trying to be objective in their analysis and critique? Perfect objectivity isn’t possible, but are they even trying to be impartial, unbiased and objective?
Yes: Be careful you’re not automatically believing everything they have to say without evidence, and letting them do your thinking for you
No: Be careful you’re not automatically dismissing everything they have to say because you don’t like them (Remember: Examine the statement – not the speaker)
Yes: Beware because you’re more likely to believe it whether it’s true or not
No: Beware because you’re more likely to dismiss it whether it’s true or not
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
Half-truths and holding something back
Straight up lying
Is the author/speaker misquoting people, or taking quotes out of context?
Did the person really say …? Is this a real quote/tweet? Or has the person been misquoted or quoted out of context? Is this a fake tweet?
How are you going to use this information? What are you going to do with it? How are you going to put it into practice? How will it make a difference to your life?
What is the purpose of this interview? Is it to educate or entertain the audience? Is it to promote a product or service?
Who is the interviewee? Why is this person being interviewed?
When did this interview take place? Is this information possibly outdated and no longer relevant?
Is the interviewer asking the interviewee mostly softball or hardball questions?
Is the interviewer asking the interviewee a lot of leading, loaded or gotcha questions? Do they seem to be trying to lead or trap the interviewee? e.g. “Yeah, but isn’t it true that…”, “Yeah, but don’t you think…”, “Yeah, but what about…”
Is the interviewer really listening to the interviewee? Are they making a real effort to try to understand the interviewee and their position, or are they simply trying to promote or condemn it?
Is the interviewer deliberately trying to make the interviewee look bad? e.g. Are they being overly disagreeable or standoffish? Do they only ask hardball or gotcha questions and then interrupt the interviewee mid-sentence with another difficult question every time the interviewee starts to give a good answer?
Does the interviewer interrupt or cut off the interviewee if they start talking about anything controversial, or if they start talking about anything that doesn’t align with the narrative of the network e.g. anti-abortion, pro-gun or pro-Trump comments?
Has the interview been edited to make the interviewee look bad, to paint them in a negative light?
What additional questions would you ask the interviewee that the interviewer didn’t ask?

If you’re watching a group or panel discussion

If you’re watching a group discussion or debate, especially on a contentious topic e.g. abortion or gun control:

Who are the panel members? What makes these people authorities or experts on the subject?
Are both sides of the debate equally represented with intelligent people? Or is one side represented by heavyweights and the other side lightweights?
Is there an equal distribution of liberal and conservative pundits? Or is it a majority liberal panel with a token conservative? (or vice versa)
Does the host seem biased towards one side over the other? Is the host picking sides and showing their approval/disapproval of one side?
Is the audience showing an obvious bias to one side of the debate? Are they only applauding/booing one side of the debate?
Is the host giving more airtime, credibility and/or respect to one side?
Is the host trying to make one side look bad, ignorant or stupid?

In an argument or a debate

If you’re in an argument or a debate, or watching one:

Is this an argument or an assertion? If it’s an argument, is it deductive, inductive or abductive? Is it sound or cogent? Valid or invalid? Strong or weak?
Are all of the premises true and correct? Do all of the premises necessarily lead to the conclusion? Are there any unjustified leaps of logic?
Am I clear on how each word is being defined in the argument?
Is someone attempting to redefine words e.g. “rational”, “reasonable”, “racist” etc., to support their preferred conclusion?
Is someone trying to shift the burden of proof? Note: The burden of proof is the obligation to provide evidence to support one’s assertion e.g. “You are guilty” and it is always on the one making the claim – not the other way around
Has this argument already been debunked?
Is someone making a PRATT? (Point refuted a thousand times)
Is this a strawman or steelman argument?
Is this the best argument in support of …?
What are the best arguments in support of …?
What are the best arguments against …?
What is the strongest evidence in support of …?
What is the strongest evidence against …?
Is the preponderance of evidence for or against …? Is there more confirming or disconfirming evidence?
Is the expert consensus (if there is one) for or against …? Why?
Do the majority of experts agree or disagree with …? Why?
Are there any fallacies in this argument or rationale? If so, what? (Fallacies don’t necessarily make an argument invalid but it’s still good to be aware of them)
Am I 100% certain I understand my opponent’s position? Am I sure? Could I argue my opponent’s position convincingly? Could I steelman it? Could I pass the Ideological Turing Test? If not, you don’t understand it. Don’t argue for or against a position until you fully understand it
What are the strongest points of my opponent’s argument?
What are the weakest points of my opponent’s argument?
What are the weakest points of my argument?
What is the strongest evidence against my position?
What are the best arguments against my position?
How would I attack my argument if I had to?
What do I like about my opponent’s position, and what do I dislike about mine?
What aspects of my argument are likely to be unconvincing to those that don’t already agree with me?
Does my opponent seem intellectually honest? Are they arguing in good faith? Are they willing to follow the evidence where it leads? Are they willing to admit when they’re mistaken or wrong? Am I?
Does my opponent seem more interested in “winning” the argument or discovering the truth?

Ask the other person:

How did you determine that?
How did you come to that conclusion?
What do you know that I don’t?
Where am I wrong in my argument or rationale?
What evidence would it take to change your mind, to convince you otherwise?
Are these your real reasons for believing X? If all of these reasons were proven wrong, would you still continue to believe X? If yes, let’s not even worry about these reasons because they’re not the real reasons you believe X. What are the real reasons you believe X?
Why do you think other smart people aren’t convinced by the same arguments and evidence that you are?
Associated Press News
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
The Economist
Pro Publica
What is the bias of this news station? Are they liberal or conservative? You can check the bias of a particular news station here: Media Bias Fact Check
Fear mongering
Gossip/rumors
Hatchet jobs
Outrage porn
Puff pieces
Is this really the most important “news” of the day? Why is this story being prioritized over everything else that happened today?
Why do I need to know this? How does it affect me?
What is the purpose of this news story? Why was it created? What does the news station want you to think/believe/do?
When was this news story published? Is this information current, or is it outdated and/or no longer relevant?
Has this story already been debunked?
Truth or Fiction
The Washington Post Fact Checker
Hoax Slayer

Check these websites to see if a claim or story has already been debunked, but don’t rely on any of these websites to do your thinking for you, because they may mislead you with their own political biases

Has this story or headline been written to educate, entertain or infuriate you?
Is the headline an accurate summary of the information – or is it just clickbait?
Do the photos fit the story?
Has an unflattering photo been deliberately chosen to paint the subject e.g. Trump in a bad light?
Is it likely that this story has been embellished or sensationalized?
How has this information been framed or spun?
Are you being presented with both sides of the story – or only one?
Whose perspective is this presented from? Conservative or liberal? America’s or someone else’s? Men or Women? What other perspectives might be equally valid, or worth looking into?
What do the other news stations say? e.g. if you watch CNN or MSNBC, what does CBS or FOX say? (and vice versa)
Are you being presented with facts or opinions? If “facts”, on what basis are they “facts”? What evidence exists to support these “facts”?
Do the media’s “facts” and description of “reality” seem accurate? Why/why not? Anything you disagree with?
Did someone really say that? Or have they been misquoted or quoted out of context?
Does the domain look credible?
Is this satire?

How to spot a liar

Does it seem like this person is lying or telling the truth? Why? Are they a known liar?
Is this person motivated to deceive me? Do they stand to gain something by lying to me? What might this person gain by lying to me?
Dodge the question
Ignore the question
Attack you for asking the question, “How could you ask me a question like that!”
Refuse to answer the question
Answer a different question
Turn the question back on you, “I could ask you the same thing!”
Give short one word answers
Give vague or ambiguous answers
Talk around in circles without answering the question
If you ask the person the same question multiple times using different words, do they give different answers and contradict themselves? Do the details in their story keep changing?
Uncomfortable
Does the person speak slower or faster or louder than normal when answering your questions?
Does the person hesitate, take long pauses, or talk slower than normal when answering your questions? (maybe in an attempt to think on the spot and buy time?)
Do they avoid eye contact and/or cover their mouth when answering questions?
Do they start sentences and not finish them, or change topics and start talking about something else mid-sentence?
Does the tone or volume of their voice change? Does their voice crack and/or go higher than normal? Do they cough repetitively and clear their throat, or stammer or stutter?
Do they blink rapidly, or not at all, or have a fake or nervous smile?
Do they roll their lips back or purse them?
Does their body language seem uncomfortable?
Do their emotions and facial expressions match their words? When they say they’re “good” or “okay”, do they seem good or okay?
Does it seem like they’re in a hurry to change the subject?
This person is telling “The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”
This person is telling half-truths and holding something back
This person is playing dumb and pretending to know less than they do
This person is straight up lying
What does your gut/intuition say? Does it seem like they’re lying or telling you the truth? (or both)
Is a stranger emailing, texting or calling you out of the blue claiming something too good to be true? e.g. you’ve entitled to a large inheritance – and all you need to do is provide bank details, or pay taxes or transfer costs? Or that you’ve won a prize in a competition or lottery you’ve never entered?
Is someone calling you claiming to be from your bank, gas/electricity provider, phone company etc. and asking you to verify your personal contact details, password, bank details, credit card number etc.? maybe due to “unauthorized” or “suspicious activity” on your account?
Does a google search on the exact wording of the email, text or ad reveal a scam?
Does the email contain any grammatical or spelling errors, or overly formal language?
Does the email ask you to click a link or open an attachment?
If you’re buying something online is the seller asking you to make payment with an insecure payment option? e.g. direct bank transfer, money order, or a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin?
In an online dating scenario, is someone professing strong feelings for you after only a few encounters?
Does the person have a sense of urgency? Are they claiming to need money urgently for a personal or family emergency, medical attention, or to come see you?
Is someone using pressure tactics, and trying to make you feel guilty or selfish for not buying their product or service, or donating to a charity?
Is someone trying to manipulate you with sleazy sales/self-help seminar type questions e.g. “Do you want to be rich or poor?” “A winner or a loser?” “A success or a failure?”
Does it seem too good to be true? Does it seem like a scam? If so, it probably is
What does your gut/intuition say?

Statistics questions

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” – Benjamin Disraeli

Ask yourself the following questions whenever you’re presented with any statistic:

Who paid for the study or survey?
Who conducted the study or survey? Does it come from a credible source?
Why was the study or survey done? What is the likely agenda?
When was the study done? Is the information outdated? Is it still relevant? Times change. Public opinion changes
Who was polled? Conservatives or liberals? Men or women? Asians, Blacks, Hispanics or Whites? What age group? Gen X, Y or Z? How diverse was the group?
How large was the sample size? How many people were surveyed? Is the sample size large enough? Is it qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods? Was the sample size sufficient? Was it representative enough of the wider population? Did the participants come from different cultural and social backgrounds? How generalizable are the findings?
What are the statistics measuring?
How long did the information take to gather? Was it a 2 week survey? A 6 month study? A 10 year study?
What questions were asked?
How was each question asked? Were the questions leading or loaded or worded in such a way as to encourage a certain answer?
What is the context of the survey?
How was the research done? Phone, email, social media, face to face?
What is the number as a percentage? e.g. 55, 000 Americans is 0.0167% of the population
Is the percentage statistically insignificant? e.g. 500, 000 Americans might be addicted to Heroin, but as a percentage that’s ‘only’ (any number above one is obviously too high) 0.153% of Americans
Do the author’s conclusions and the headline logically follow from the data? Or are they reading too much into the data? Find the raw data if you can. Don’t just accept and believe headlines for statistics. Make sure it says what the headline says it says. Statistical headlines are often used to suggest things the data doesn’t actually say
Is the research confusing causation and correlation? Check out: spurious correlations for a perfect visual example of why correlation does not equal causation
Has this study been peer reviewed by experts?
Beware of unsourced statistics

“I can prove anything by statistics except the truth.” – George Canning

Critical thinking about your life questions

“The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates

You can apply critical thinking to the books you read, the podcasts you listen to, the information and “news” presented to you, but ultimately, what better place to apply critical thinking skills than to your own life?

Which biases and fallacies are you most guilty of?
Where/when do you most often fail to practice critical thinking?
What are your sacred cows? What shouldn’t be questioned? What is off limits? God? Jesus? Buddha? Krishna? Muhammad? The Bible? The Bhagavad Gita? The Quran? Your Guru?
What do you need to start/stop doing?
What do you need to do more/less of?
What are your best/worst habits?
Where do you waste the most time?
Who/what should you cut out of your life?
What one thing, if you were to take action on it, would produce the greatest difference in your life?
A year from now, what will you wish you had started today?

85 Critical Thinking Questions to Carefully Examine Any Information

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The ability to think critically will often determine your success in life.

Let’s face it. Every day, we are bombarded by news, social media updates, and an avalanche of information. If you take all of this at face value, it’s easy to be deceived, misled or ripped off.

That’s why it’s important to develop a mindset that focuses on critical thinking . This is a skill that needs to be developed in the classroom. But it’s also a valuable life skill.

With that in mind, the following post will share 85 critical thinking questions you can use to increase your awareness about different problems by carefully examining available information.

Let’s get started…

Table of Contents

What Are Critical Thinking Questions?

Critical thinking questions are inquiries that help you think rationally and clearly by understanding the link between different facts or ideas. These questions create a seemingly endless learning process that lets you critique, evaluate, and develop a depth of knowledge about a given subject. Moreover, you get to reinforce your viewpoints or see things in a new way.

We make decisions every day, whether at work or home. Adopting logical, rational, and practical approaches in addressing various issues requiring critical thinking is essential in decision-making. Therefore, before arriving at a decision, always ask yourself relevant questions and carefully analyze the matter’s pros and cons.

Critical Thinking Questions When in an Argument

When you make an argument using a critical thinking approach, you focus on justified claims that are valid and based on evidence. It helps one establish a strong argument.

Do I disagree with the other person? Might the person I'm arguing with be misinformed on what they are saying?
Would I be comfortable saying what I am telling him/her if I was in front of a group of people?
What would happen if I lose this argument? Is engaging in this argument worth my time and energy? How will I feel if I lose?
Is there room for ambiguity or misinterpretation? Are we arguing because I didn't make my point explicit? Should I take my time to understand his school of thought?
Do I need some rest before saying something? Am I arguing because of other reasons other than the issues at hand? Do I need to take some time and cool down?

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Is it more important that I’m right? Am I trying to ask to prove an unnecessary point?
Is this argument inductive, deductive, or abductive? Is it a weak or strong argument that I need to engage in? Is it compelling or sound?
Is my opponent sincere? Given that they are wrong, are they willing to admit that they are wrong? Can they depend on available evidence, wherever it leads?
Are my opponents only trying to shift their burden to me? What is the best way to prove them wrong without making them feel bad?
Are the people I'm arguing with only interested in winning, or are they trying to pass some information across and help me discover the truth?

Critical Thinking Questions When Reading a Book

When you read a book, you probably ask yourself many “why” questions. Why is this a problem? Why did the character say that? Why is this important? The most challenging part of reading a book is assessing the information you are reading. These questions can help.

If I learn only two things from this book, what will they be? How will they help me? How will I apply them in my daily life?
What message are the authors trying to pass across? Are they making suggestions or providing evidence for their arguments?
Given that almost every book is about solving problems, what is the most prevalent issue that the author is trying to solve?
What is the author’s writing style? What strategy or master plan does the author employ to convey his/her main ideas throughout the book?
Do I have background information about the book’s topic? If so, how is what the author is saying different from what I already know?
What didn’t I understand from the book? Should I re-read the book to understand everything the writer is trying to convey?
Which sections of the book do I love the most, and why? Generally, do I like this book? Should I look for more books that are written by the same author?
If I had a chance to meet this book’s author, what questions would I ask him/her? What would I tell the writer about the book? Is it a great book worth recommending to your friends and family members?
Who are the main characters of the book? If there is only one main character, what overarching goal does the character accomplish?
In what ways did the protagonist change from the start of the book to the end? What caused the changes? Was the protagonist reckless in some ways? Which ways?

Critical Thinking Questions to Spot a Scam

Asking questions when you feel that a fraud or a scam is being presented to you is a good way to stretch your critical thinking muscles. Are you being emailed or messaged by a stranger? Or maybe there are other red flags you are unsure about. If so, ask these questions.

Does it seem to be too good to be true? Is this stranger pushy or trying to lure me into making a poor decision?
When trying out online dating: Is my new “friend” professing strong feelings towards me although we’ve only interacted for a few hours?
Why is a stranger calling me to ask about my Social Security Number (SSN), personal contact information, or bank details while claiming they are from the bank or a phone company?
When buying products online, why does the seller ask me to pay for goods using an insecure payment option like Bitcoin or money order?
Does the email I have received have any spelling or grammatical errors? Is the language used overly formal or informal?
If I do a quick search about the exact words of the email I received, does Google indicate it's a fraud or scam?
Why should a stranger manipulate me using obvious questions like “Would you want to be rich or poor?” While they already know the answer?
Is the email asking me to download an attachment? Or click a link to some insecure website?
Is the person trying to make me feel selfish or guilty for not sending them money, whether for a donation or buying a product?
Is the stranger portraying a sense of urgency and using pressure tactics? Are they telling me that their family member needs urgent medical attention?

Critical Thinking Questions About Your Life

It can also help to ask yourself a few critical thinking questions about your life. This way, you can gather basic information and uncover solutions to problems you might not have otherwise thought of.

Where do I wish to be in a few years, probably two, three, or five years? What short-term and long-term goals should I set?
What have I achieved so far from the time I set my previous goals? What should I be grateful for?
Do I have any values that guide me in life? If so, what are these values? Am I always true to these values?
Am I always worried about what people around me think? Can I act independently without the need to meet social expectations?
What should people say about me at my funeral? Would they talk about how good I made them feel or how rich and flashy I was?
If I wasn't afraid of anyone or anything, what would I have done? What if I didn't have any fear in me?
If today was my last day, what extraordinary thing would I do? Can I do it right now?
What should I do with the things that matter the most to me?
What things will make the greatest difference in my future life if I take action now?
How should I react when I feel unwanted by the people I love the most? Should I tell them?

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Critical Thinking Questions for a Debate or Discussion

When you are in the middle of a debate or discussion, you need to know that what you are saying is fact, have evidence to support your claim, and position yourself as an expert in what you are saying. Here are some critical thinking questions to ask when you are in a debate or discussion.

Is there fairness in this discussion? Is the moderator supporting one side? Do they want to make one side look stupid or wrong?
What is the aim of this discussion? Is there a major problem that needs to be solved? If so, how can I help solve it?
Who are the people affected by this discussion? If they were here, what would they say?
Do my views on this discussion matter? If I raise my point, will I be redundant?
What am I supposed to learn from this debate, and how can I use what I have learned in my daily life?
Does the audience seem to be biased towards one side? Are they booing one side? What can I do even if it's our opponents being booed?
Who are the discussion panel members? What views have they held about this kind of discussion or any other related discussions in the past?
How can I make my point without being ambiguous? Before I speak, should I take down some notes to avoid any confusion during my speech?
Am I ready to apologize if I make a mistake during the discussion? If so, what are the limits?
What information does my team, or I need before this discussion?

Critical Thinking Questions About Lying

Admitting when you are wrong, choosing not to cheat, and sharing constructive feedback are all ways to show your honesty. Here are some critical thinking skills to ask regarding lying.

Will the lie hurt those I am telling, or will it help them? What if being honest might cause my friend unnecessary pain?
Should I be the one telling this person a lie, or I let someone else do it?
Will I be the one hurt if I tell this lie? Will my friend feel I am a betrayer? Will it affect our friendship?
Do they answer my questions in detail, or are they always trying to ignore and dodge the main problem?
What if I ask these people the same question using different terms and wording? Will they give me the same response?
Did the tone of my friend suddenly change after I asked him/her this question? Do they sound louder, faster, or slower compared to how they usually speak?
Does this person have something to gain by lying to me? What is their motive?
Does this person take a sudden pause or hesitate more than usual when responding to my question?
When I look at these people's faces, do their facial expressions match what they say?
Should I believe this person or not? What are my intuitions? Does it look like they are telling the truth?
Do they blink like other days when I ask them questions? Are they always trying to avoid direct eye contact?
Why do they seem uncomfortable when it’s just a normal conversation?

Critical Thinking Questions When Presented With a Claim

Critical thinking is much more than just evaluating whether a claim is true or not. It also means a critical thinker reflects on what follows from true claims.

What does this claim mean, and what are its implications? What if it's a false claim?
Which of my morals, values, or beliefs do I have to give up to accept this claim?
Do professionals in this field agree or disagree with the claim that has been made?
Do they have evidence to back their claim? Which is the most robust evidence to support the claim?
What argument can I come up with to refute this claim? Or what is the best view that can support this claim?
Who is the primary source of the claim being made? Is the basis of the claim reliable?
Is it a claim, or it's just an opinion?
Is the claim likely to be 100% false, true, or partially true?
Am I allowed to refute the claim and table my evidence, or is it one-sided?

Critical Thinking Interview Questions

Critical thinking skills are valuable in any industry or field and for almost all roles. During a job interview, you will be asked questions so the potential employer can assess your skills and see how you use logic. Your critical thinking ability is just one vital part that can play into your professional development.

Is there a time you had to convince someone to use an alternate approach to solve a problem?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision quickly?
How would you handle a situation where your supervisor handled something wrong or made a mistake?
What is one of the most difficult decisions you have ever had to make at work?
How would you solve a disagreement between coworkers when approaching a project?
Can you describe a time when you anticipated a problem ahead of time and took the appropriate steps to stop the problem from becoming an issue?
If you discover a cheaper way to do something or a better solution to a problem and try to explain it to your supervisor, but they don’t understand, what do you do?

Critical Thinking Questions for Kids

We can’t leave the kids out either. Critical thinking questions for kids get them thinking and talking. It also allows a parent to get to know their child better.

How many grains of sand do you think are on the beach?
What would happen if it stopped raining?
Do you think there is life on other planets?
Should children be able to set their own bedtimes?
How would you describe what a tree looks like without saying green or leaves?
Can you name five different emotions?
Can you talk for five minutes without uttering “um?”

What Are the Basic Principles of Critical Thinking?

Your critical thinking skills involve gathering complete information, understanding and defining terms, questioning the methods by which we get facts, questioning the conclusions, and looking for hidden assumptions and biases.

Additionally, we can’t expect to find all of the answers, and we need to take the time to examine the big picture of it all.

Here are the basic principles:

Disposition: Someone with critical thinking skills is often skeptical, open-minded, and practices fair-mindedness. They can look at different viewpoints and change positions if the evidence and reason lead them to do so.
Criteria: In order to think critically, one must also apply criteria. Certain conditions must be met before someone believes in something. The information needs to be from credible sources.
Argument: An argument is simply a statement or proposition that is shown with supporting evidence. When you use your critical thinking skills, you identify, evaluate, and construct your argument.
Reasoning: With critical thinking comes reasoning. You must examine logical relationships among the statements being made.
Point of View: Critical thinkers can see things from different perspectives and different points of view.

What Are Good Analysis Questions?

Analysis is a part of critical thinking that allows you to examine something carefully. Someone with analytical skills can examine the information presented, understand what that information means, and then properly explain that information to others. Analysis in critical thinking provides more clarity on the information you process.

When analyzing, you may ask yourself, “how do I know this,” how would I solve this problem,” and “why does it matter?”

Why Is Critical Thinking an Important Skill?

Critical thinking skills allow you to express thoughts, ideas, and beliefs in a better way. It also leads to improved communication while allowing others to understand you better. Critical thinking fosters creativity and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. This is a skill that can be applied to many different areas of your life.

For example, knowing the answers to critical thinking questions for a job interview will better prepare you for the interview. Many employers, during questioning, are likely to ask you critical thinking questions to assess if you have the ability to evaluate information effectively so you can make more informed decisions.

Final Thoughts on Critical Thinking Questions

Although it's common to get torn between making two or more choices, nobody wants to make the wrong decision. The only thing you can do to avoid this is use critical thinking questions to examine your situation. The answers to these questions will help you make informed decisions and help you comprehend crucial matters in your life.

Want to learn more about critical thinking and decision-making using a real-life example? Here is how Jeff Bezos uses critical thinking to make some of the most challenging life decisions.

Finally, if you want to ask better questions, then watch this short, 20-minute course to learn how to have a great conversation with virtually anyone .

sample critical thinking questions | psychology critical thinking questions | critical thinking questions definition

283 Philosophical Questions to Spark Deep Critical Thinking

Philosophy has implications for daily life. Pick a handful of these 255 questions as a starting point for thinking critically.

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It can be easy to get so caught up in daily life that we forget to stop and think about our world. Thinking about philosophical questions can help you think critically.

Building a practice of thinking critically of the world will empower you to make decisions that you feel confident in—whether it’s how you vote, spend your time, or use your resources.

If you’re looking for where to start, check out this list of philosophical questions!

What is a Philosophical Question?

A philosophical question often doesn’t have a clear, straightforward answer. They are questions that usually require deep thought and sometimes don’t have answers.

Philosophical questions typically involve human nature, the origins of the universe, morality, ethics, and the afterlife.

Philosophical Questions About Behavior

Humans are complex beings, and our world is also complicated. This can make it hard to parse the good from the bad and right from wrong. Take a moment to consider some of these philosophical questions about behavior and human nature.

What is the difference between good and bad people?
Is it essential to be a “good person”?
What makes people feel more attached to some people than others?
Is tribalism, or looking out for others like you, innately good, bad, or neutral?
If one existed apart from other humans, would they still value goodness?
Are there moral commonalities amongst diverse people groups and cultures?
Are individuals important, and if so, in what ways?
Are humans more important than other animals? Why or why not?
Are some people more important than others?
Is the death penalty right or wrong?
What should be the repercussions for wronging someone else?
What is wisdom?
Is wisdom a helpful tool?
Why is wisdom often associated with age?
If a person has an accident and is no longer able to contribute to society, has their value as a person decreased, increased, or stayed the same?
Can people change?
How does one become a “good person”?
If someone’s personality changes, does that mean they have also changed?
Can you ever honestly know another person?
If someone’s intentions were good but the outcome of an action is terrible, at that moment, is the person good or bad?
If someone does a kind deed but has a selfish motive, does that impact the goodness of the deed?
When babies are born, are they good?
If identical twins grew up never knowing each other, how similar and different would they be?
Is there ever a justifiable reason to kill someone?
Are people born with a specific personality, or is the character the result of their circumstances?
Is lying ever a good thing?
If you steal money but use it to save someone’s life, does that justify the theft?
Should someone being ignorant be a valid excuse for their rudeness?
Can we choose our emotions, or do they happen to us?

Watch our video below to learn how to start a conversation with anyone using these killer conversation starters:

Philosophy Questions About Love

“Love is a biological necessity. We cannot live without it” —Stephanie Cacioppo, neuroscientist specializing in love and loneliness

As people, we need to love and be loved. You can express love in many different ways. Use these questions to spark some critical thought on the topic of love, or check out these truth or dare questions while you’re at it.

What is love?
How do you know you are loved?
How do you know that you love someone?
Is the desire to be loved an innate human desire?
Why do people desire love?
Does love necessitate action, or can it exist simply as a feeling?
In what ways are love, lust, and sexual desire different from one another?
Is an understanding of pain necessary to appreciate love?
Does the loss of love change one’s outlook on life?
Can one show love without first being loved? Is love an intrinsic aspect of human nature or a reciprocated act?
Are there different forms of love such as parental, friendship, or romantic? Or are they all diverse expressions of the same substance?
Can romantic love for one person last forever?
Can love ever be a bad thing?
How does unreciprocated love affect people?
What does falling in love mean?
What causes someone to fall in love?
Does love feel different to different people?
Is love, health, or money more important?
Can you choose to feel love for someone?
Does being loved by more people correlate to a person’s value?
Is there a difference in depth of love versus quantity of love?
To love someone well, do you need to show their love how they want to be loved, or can you love them the way you naturally show love?

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about different ways to show love, read up on the five love languages .

Is there “The one?”
What does it mean to love yourself?
Do you need to love yourself before you can love others?
Is loving yourself selfish?
Is it essential to have a friendship with your partner?
If your partner grew up in an abusive household, are you more understanding of unhealthy behavior?
Would you rather be respected or loved?

Fun Philosophical Questions

Philosophy can be fun! If you think philosophy is all heavily intellectual, overwhelming, abstract, or existential-crisis-inducing, take a moment to ponder if a hot dog is a taco.

Are you currently dreaming, and how do you know?
Do memories exist even if you forget them?
Does grass feel pain when you step on it?
Can trees feel pain?
Does 1+1 always equal 2?
Would it be ethical, unethical, or neutral if time travel were possible?
If time travel were possible, would it be wrong to change history?
What is the purpose of humor?
Why are jokes funny?
If one person doesn’t find a joke funny, does it mean they have a lousy sense of humor, or is the joke flawed?
Are humans responsible in any way for caring for wild animals?
Can inanimate objects be either bad or good?
Does morality bind animals?
Is water wet?
Are hot dogs tacos?
Is it wrong to visit a zoo, thereby financially supporting an establishment that isn’t ideal for the animals?
Is it wrong to purchase fast fashion , rapidly produced clothing that uses manufacturing methods that negatively impact the environment and exploit workers?
In a fictional world, could you have a five-sided square?
How do we know what words mean?
Why do some people feel scared while watching a horror movie even though they know it is not real?
What would you say if you had five minutes to defend the human race in front of a group of aliens who were going to obliterate humanity?
Are there any physiological changes you would make humans make us a better species?
Should the legal age for alcohol consumption be different than it is?
If your life expectancy suddenly increased to 500 years, would you live differently than you currently are? What about if your life expectancy decreased and you only had five more years to live?
If immortality were possible, would you want to be immortal?

Questions from Philosophy About Human Rights

What are human rights? Whose job is it to ensure that all humans have rights? These types of questions can be multifaceted and hard. It can be easy to avoid them or think they’re someone else’s job.

However, your daily choices can have a ripple effect on other people’s lives. Whether with who you vote for or how you spend your money, how you live impacts others.

Take some time to consider what you believe human rights are if everyone is entitled to them, and whose job it is to ensure everyone has rights.

What are human rights?
Is autonomy a human right?
Is liberty a human right?
Is free speech a human right?
What is the difference between a human right and a privilege?
Is it the responsibility of privileged individuals or the government to bridge gaps between privileged and disadvantaged people?
If people are spreading misinformation, should they still be allowed to continue?
Should abortion be legal?
At what point in human development, from a fetus to a baby, does one become a person and gain rights?
Is war ever necessary or even reasonable?
How can societies work to dismantle systemic racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination?
If two people’s opinions differ, how should they resolve their differences?
Has technology made it easier or harder to advance human rights?
Is it the responsibility of wealthy countries to support impoverished countries?
Should women’s rights be a priority to men? Why or why not?
What makes a person a person?
If a person has lost consciousness and doctors know they will not regain it, but their organs are still functioning, are they still a person?
Is the internet good, bad, or neutral?
Is being able to financially support a family a human right, or is having a large family a privilege?
Do more humans have fundamental rights in the modern world, or have we lost human rights as time has progressed?
If you could ensure every person on the planet would have access to a single human right, which one would you choose? Would there be any repercussions?
What rights should prisoners of war have?
Do you think those serial killers have an equal value to other people, or do their actions impact their value?
Is privacy a human right?
Is technological advancement minimizing our privacy?

Philosophical Questions About Society and Government

When we look at the societies we live in, they often have good and bad elements. These questions can help you think critically about the structures in place in your country.

Are there any innately evil governmental structures?
What would a perfect society look like?
How involved should governments be in caring for the individuals in their country?
If you could create your society, what would look different from the one where you live now?
What role should the government have in the lives of individuals?
What makes a good leader?
Can someone do a bad thing and still be a good person?
Is prison the best way to protect society and correct individuals?
Does the legal system function fairly?
Is technology good?
Can technology advance society in a way that is beneficial?
Are taxes morally right?
Should it be lawful for citizens to hold protests? What if a handful of the protestors make it violent?
What makes people work together despite differences?
Does societal advancement only happen with collaboration?
In what ways can disagreements advance society?
What makes a crime a crime?
How should citizens who believe the laws in their country be unjust behave? Is it okay for them to ignore those laws and are still bound to do what the law asks of them?
Is it morally wrong to abstain from voting?
Is it wrong for governments not to have healthcare available to all citizens?
Should things that are bad for people be banned by the government, or is it the individual’s responsibility to avoid harmful substances?
Is there an age at which people should be answerable for their actions?
Is it discriminatory not to allow certain people to run for government office?
Is it okay to limit immigration if a country is worried it will lose its culture?
Should the government regulate what food manufacturers can and can’t put in their food?
Is the government responsible for ensuring people receive a livable wage?
Should those who live an unhealthy lifestyle have decreased access to healthcare?
What would the ideal government look like?

Philosophical Questions Related to Culture

Culture can be a complicated issue to wrap your head around. When you travel or talk to someone from a different background, you may immediately notice surface-layer cultural differences such as what food people eat and what type of clothing they wear.

However, as you get to know a culture better, you may realize there are deep-seated differences, perspectives, and traditions.

These questions will help you think about the differences between cultures and if there are any aspects of culture that are innately good or bad.

What is culture?
How does culture form?
Is it important to be mindful of other cultures, and if so, why?
Are some cultures better than others?
Is morality developed within a culture, or is it intrinsic?
Is there a wrong way to discipline children?
In what way is a family-oriented culture better or worse than an individualistic culture?
Are individualistic cultures intrinsically selfish?
What is success?
Does income play a part in how you define success?
Does the culture you were raised in impact your outlook on life?
If someone has recently relocated to a new country, should there be leniency for breaking minor laws they did not know about, or should they be prosecuted the same as their counterpart raised in that culture?
If a group practices human sacrifice as part of their culture, does that make it okay? Would you be wrong to try to save the person they would sacrifice?
Is attractiveness a cultural construct?

Philosophical Questions About Space and the Universe

Humans have long been in awe of space. Our recorded fascination with space reaches back to ancient philosophers.

“Astronomy compels the soul to look upward and leads us from this world to another.” —Plato

However, it has only been in the past 75 years that humanity has started studying space up-close—and there’s still so much we don’t know about the universe we live in. These questions can help you find new ways to think about the world around you and how that informs your day-to-day life.

Where does the Earth come from?
Did a deity or event start the universe?
Does the universe’s origin affect how one lives, and if so, how?
Does the vastness of space impact the way you perceive yourself?
Do things about the universe imply it exists due to chance or design?
Is it the duty of those currently alive to be ecologically responsible?
Is the Earth the only planet inhabited by living beings?
Is anything in the world eternal?
Is time eternal?
Did time, as we now perceive it starts at a specific moment?
Will time continue to run after the human species no longer exists?
If we find another inhabitable planet, would there be any moral implications if humans left the earth and moved there?
Should space travel be accessible to all people?
Is it good, bad, or neutral that humans have invested so many resources into space exploration?
Is there a difference between faith and superstition?
If a deity exists, would it exist within our understanding of morality?

Philosophical Questions to Ask Kids

Philosophical questions can be challenging for children. Philosophy is often large and abstract. Because they’ve been alive for less time, children typically have fewer life experiences than adults to draw on when answering philosophical questions.

However, some of these questions are ones that small children are already wondering about. You may have heard them ask what happened to their goldfish after it died or struggle with differentiating emotions like happiness and sadness.

Introducing a few of these conversations may help the children in your life realize these are conversations you are ready and willing to have any time they have questions.

What does it mean to feel happy?
Why are some things right and some things wrong?
Is it necessary to be nice to people, and why?
What is kindness?
Is being kind and being nice the same thing?
What is the difference between good and evil?
What happens to pets when they die?
What are things that you know to be certain?
What is something that you believe and why?
If superheroes were real, would they be more responsible for protecting people than you are or equally accountable?
Does helping people make you feel good? Why or why not?
What is the difference between adults and children?
What, if anything, makes a person different from an animal?
Is social media good, bad, or neutral?
How do you know that you belong?

Challenging Ethical Questions to Consider

The philosophical subtopic of ethics involves weighing between challenging scenarios and deciding which option is morally right. The challenges raised within ethics can often be incredibly challenging to sort out, and they are ones you may run into in life.

Remember, even if someone sees a topic differently than you do, it’s essential to be respectful and have conversations without getting vertigo from the “dizzying heights of your moral ground.”

Is it wrong to kill one person if it might save the lives of hundreds of others?
Is using euthanasia to intentionally end a life to prevent further pain and suffering immoral?
Should people be allowed to commit medically induced suicide?
Was former President Harry Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs unethical? Some argue that it saved many lives by ending the war quicker. Does that change the ethics of killing civilians during a time of war?
Is bribery ever acceptable or ethical?
If your friend’s significant other drinks too much alcohol and flirts with you, should you tell your friend about it and probably hurt them with the knowledge, or wait and see if it was a one-time thing that won’t ever happen again?
Is eating animals unethical or not?
Is it ethical to test products on animals?
If someone passed away in a car accident and their lungs could save someone’s life who would otherwise die before another donor became available, would it be wrong to use the lungs as a transplant if the person who passed was not a registered organ donor?
Is it okay to harm one person if it means protecting others?
Is being a billionaire in a world where people are starving unethical or do you feel that it is alright if they worked hard and earned their wealth?
Is war ever ethical?

Questions About Religion and Morality

These are profound questions that have to do with one’s worldview. Many of these topics, such as life after death, cannot know with certainty, but they are worth thinking about anyway.

Is it possible to not believe anything, or does everyone have beliefs?
What happens after death?
Is there a god?
Is there an afterlife?
Do people have free will?
Is your soul reborn after you die?
Does your worldview impact the way you make day-to-day decisions?
Where do people come from?
Is there an age at which people are morally responsible for their decisions?
Is there such a thing as fate?
Is luck a real thing?
Does chance exist?
Does life have meaning? If so, what is the meaning of life?
Does having a religious experience prove the existence of a god?
Is there absolute truth?
Who determines right from wrong?
Is the world progressively becoming worse?
Why does evil exist?

Abstract Philosophical Questions

Topics like pain, suffering, beauty, and joy are a part of daily life, but how often do you stop to think about them?

Use these questions to help you do just that!

What is beauty?
Are pain and beauty interconnected?
Is it a shared element between a beautiful person, experience, or memory?
Why do people value happiness, beauty, or joy?
If your life were to end tomorrow, would you be happy with how you had spent your time?
What would you want it to say if someone were to write a book about you?
What gives your life meaning and purpose?
Can pain be a good thing?
Does learning a valuable lesson through suffering make it worth it?
Is it essential to care for yourself, or is it more important to care for others?
What is “failure?”
Does failing at something mean you’re bad at it?
Would getting rid of negative traits like aggression in all humans have any negative consequences?
Would removing loss, sorrow, and pain impact one’s ability to enjoy life and love?
What is the difference between happiness and joy?
What makes you happy?
Can you choose to feel joy?
What is friendship?
Why do friendships sometimes end?

Philosophical Questions About Art, Music, and Literature

Art, music, and literature are essential ways that people express themselves and preserve culture.

“Art is the window to man’s soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” —Lady Bird Johnson

Here are some questions to help you think critically about what art is and how it impacts you.

What makes something “art?”
Is some art better than other art?
Does art need to make a statement or have a deeper meaning?
Is music art?
Should artists be held responsible for the message of their art?
Are artists morally obligated to give trigger warnings if their art could mentally or physically negatively impact someone?
Should there be age restrictions on specific pieces of art?
Should public nudity be acceptable when being presented as performance art?
Should everyone be able to interpret a piece of art as they see it, or is there a “correct” interpretation of an art piece?
Is it morally wrong for museums to display art that depicts slavery? Why or why not?
Should art taken as spoils of war be returned to the country it originated in?
Is it wrong for educators to assign reading that demonstrates racism?
Is it necessary to preserve history?
Is it morally acceptable to enjoy art made by someone who did horrible things?
Why do people enjoy looking at art?
Why does music connect people?
Should music be beautiful?
Is it essential for art to “make a statement?”
Would it be music if you and your friends were to hit pots and pans randomly?
If it comes together when you’re hitting pots and pans and sounds nice, would it be music?
If there is a room full of people talking, could that be categorized as music?
What is the difference between “good” taste in art or music and “bad” taste?
Can cooking be a form of art?
What is the critical difference between a functional and artistically designed room?
Is it possible that what one person sees as “yellow” is what someone else sees as “green,” but they’ve both learned to call it “yellow,” so they will never know?

Society, Government, and Philosophical Dilemmas

Are there any innately evil governmental structures?
What would a perfect society look like?
How involved should governments be in caring for the individuals in their country?
If you could create your society, what would look different from the one where you live now?
What role should the government have in the lives of individuals?
What makes a good leader?
Can someone do a bad thing and still be a good person?
Is prison the best way to protect society and correct individuals?
Does the legal system function fairly?
Is technology good?
Can technology advance society in a way that is beneficial?
Are taxes morally right?
Should it be lawful for citizens to hold protests? What if a handful of the protestors make it violent?
What makes people work together despite differences?
Does societal advancement only happen with collaboration?
In what ways can disagreements advance society?
What makes a crime a crime?
How should citizens who believe the laws in their country be unjust behave? Is it okay for them to ignore those laws and are still bound to do what the law asks of them?
Is it morally wrong to abstain from voting?
Is it wrong for governments not to have healthcare available to all citizens?
Should things that are bad for people be banned by the government, or is it the individual’s responsibility to avoid harmful substances?
Is there an age at which people should be answerable for their actions?
Is it okay to limit immigration if a country is worried it will lose its culture?
Should the government regulate what food manufacturers can and can’t put in their food?
Is the government responsible for ensuring people receive a livable wage?
Should those who live an unhealthy lifestyle have decreased access to healthcare?
What would the ideal government look like?

Final Thoughts: Talk Philosophy with Other People

When it comes to challenging topics like those raised by philosophy, it can be helpful to talk through them with others. Others can help raise perspectives that you may not have considered yourself.

Philosophical questions can also make for interesting conversations with people you already know relatively well. Just remember to be respectful of people who have different viewpoints!

Here are some ways you can use these questions:

Over dinner with a few friends . How would your friends react if you asked about beauty’s nature or the purpose of life? It might be unexpected, but give it a try the next time you see them! Philosophy might not be the best topic if you’re with a big crowd of friends, but it can make for an exciting conversation with a group of four or five.
With your significant other . How you perceive the world informs how you spend your money, what you believe about raising a family, and how you use your free time. It can be stressful, but deal-breaker conversations are essential if you want a relationship to become serious.
With a son, daughter, niece, nephew, or another child in your life . Children have big questions about the world but may not know how to find the words for those questions. Try asking the children in your life an occasional philosophical question to help them begin to strengthen their critical thinking muscles.

If you’re hosting a dinner party and want to talk about something a little less serious, consider using one of these 257 questions .

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48 Critical Thinking Questions For Any Content Area

Critical thinking questions include, ‘Why is this important? What are the causes and effects of this? How do we know if this is true?”

What Are Critical Thinking Questions For Any Content Area?

by TeachThought Staff

Critical thinking is the heart and soul of learning, and–in our estimation anyway–ultimately more important than any one specific content area or subject matter.

It’s also an over-used and rather nebulous phrase — how do you teach someone to think? Of course, that’s the purpose of education, but how do you effectively optimize that concept into lasting knowledge and the ability to apply it broadly?

Looking for more resources to teach critical thinking? Check out our critical thinking curricula resources on TpT.

What Is Critical Thinking?

This question is what inspires the creation of seemingly endless learning taxonomies and teaching methods: our desire to pin down a clear definition of what it means to think critically and how to introduce that skill in the classroom.

This makes critical thinking questions–well, critical. As Terry Heick explains in What Does Critical Thinking Mean?:

“To think critically about something is to claim to first circle its meaning entirely—to walk all the way around it so that you understand it in a way that’s uniquely you. The thinker works with their own thinking tools–schema. Background knowledge. Sense of identity. Meaning Making is a process as unique to that thinker as their own thumbprint. There is no template.

After circling the meaning of whatever you’re thinking critically about—navigation necessarily done with bravado and purpose—the thinker can then analyze the thing. In thinking critically, the thinker has to see its parts, its form, its function, and its context.

After this kind of survey and analysis you can come to evaluate it–bring to bear your own distinctive cognition on the thing so that you can point out flaws, underscore bias, emphasize merit—to get inside the mind of the author, designer, creator, or clockmaker and critique his work.”

A Cheat Sheet For Critical Thinking

In short, critical thinking is more than understanding something — it involves evaluation, critiquing, and a depth of knowledge that surpasses the subject itself and expands outward. It requires problem-solving, creativity, rationalization, and a refusal to accept things at face value.

It’s a willingness and ability to question everything.

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Digital Thinking by Global Digital Citizen Foundation is an excellent starting point for the ‘how’ behind teaching critical thinking by outlining which questions to ask.

It offers 48 critical thinking questions useful for any content area or even grade level with a little re-working/re-wording. Enjoy the list!

48 Critical Thinking Questions For Any Content Area

ultimate cheatsheet for critical thinking

See Also: 28 Critical Thinking Question Stems & Response Cards

TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers.

115 Critical Thinking Questions For Adults and Students

By: Author Tom Stevenson

Posted on Published: November 9, 2021 - Last updated: August 19, 2023

To learn how this content was created please read our Editorial Guidelines .

Critical thinking questions are a great way to help you learn and get to the heart of many matters.

These fun critical thinking questions are what you should be asking if you want to learn more and challenge your own beliefs.

Questioning what you’ve read, what you’ve learnt and your own preconceptions is a useful way to remove your own ignorance on many topics.

As a child, we asked questions about critical thinking all the time. It’s how we learn right and wrong and a variety of other things. Curiosity and questioning what we know are some of the best ways to improve your knowledge.

Whether you want to use these questions with your students or to learn more yourself, they’ll help you develop a framework to learn more about almost anything.

Critical thinking questions examples.

Critical thinking questions are easy to spot. They’re questions that are worded so you can take a more in-depth look at things.

They’re similar in nature to open-ended questions , in that it’s expected the person who’s being questioned will provide a substantive answer rather than a short one.

Here are a few examples so you get the idea:

How do you know this?
Why does it matter?
What are the reasons for _____?

Critical Thinking Questions Starting With ‘What’

1. What do you think you would have done if you were the person in that position?

critical thinking questions person in that position

2. What did you think they meant when they said…?

3. What did you assume about them in the beginning that you were wrong about?

4. What do you think it meant when this happened…?

5. What did the evidence say about…?

6. What do you think would have happened if…?

7. What are your conclusions about…?

8. What do you think would have been a better ending to…?

9. What could have been a big twist in the story?

10. What do you think would have happened if…?

Questions For Critical Thinking Starting With ‘When’

27. When do you think that this became a problem?

28. When will you change your mind about…?

29. When do you think you will be ready to…?

30. When will you be able to tell if _ worked?

31. When is ___ ever acceptable?

32. When will be the right time to stop…?

33. When is the best time to start…?

34. When do you think the situation changed with…?

35. When will ___ ever happen?

36. When do you think you knew in the movie what the ending was going to be?

37. When will be the best time to have another think about…?

38. When shall we revisit…?

39. When did you realise that ___ hadn’t worked?

critical thinking questions realised it hadn't worked

You might also like: Thought provoking questions

Critical Thinking Questions Starting With ‘How’

40. How do you feel about…?

41. How do you think _ could have been handled better?

42. How would you have responded to…?

43. How did you come to that conclusion about…?

44. How does doing ___ change…?

45. How would you feel if…?

46. How did you come to deciding…?

47. How do you think ___ might hurt..?

48. How else would you handle this in the future?

49. How do you think they ought to have responded to…?

50. How do you think you will feel when…?

51. How did this benefit you?

52. How would ___ benefit others?

critical thinking questions benefit others

Next: Mind blowing questions

53. How is this different from other situations?

54. How would you advise them to handle it in the future?

55. How do you think they will react when they find out…?

Critical Thinking Questions Starting With ‘Who’

56. Who will be affected when this happens?

57. Who is the person that you would call on for…?

58. Who do you think will be most impacted by…?

59. Who caused the problem in ___ this situation?

60. Who wrote…?

61. Who do you think is most likely to…?

62. Who do you think will most benefit from…?

63. Who do you think was the problem in ___ situation?

64. Who caused the most harm in…?

65. Who is responsible for…?

critical thinking questions responsible for

You might also like: Yes or no questions

66. Who do you think is the most crucial person for…?

67. Who would be the best person to call on for this problem?

68. Who can you count on …?

69. Who do you think would be best off staying out of…?

70. Who is the person you are most nervous about telling…?

71. Who was the happiest when they found out that…?

72. Who was the most important character in this story?

73. Who had the strongest argument for…?

74. Who do you feel was wrong in that situation?

75. Who would be the first person that you would tell about…?

Critical Thinking Questions Starting With ‘Why’

76. Why do you need to…?

77. Why do you think they chose to…?

78. Why do you think that ___ happened?

critical thinking questions why did it happen

Next: Hypothetical questions

79. Why is it important to…?

80. Why do you think ___ is necessary?

81. Why do you think that they said?

82. Why do you think the author decided to add…?

83. Why is it a problem when…?

84. Why do we need to do…?

85. Why are you so…?

86. Why does this need to stop?

87. Why do you need to improve…?

88. Why do you think I am bringing this up…

89. Why do you think that ___ became a problem?

90. Why do you think it wasn’t rectified?

Critical Thinking Questions Starting With ‘Where’

91. Where has this happened before?

critical thinking questions where has it happened before

You might also like: Unanswerable questions

92. Where do you think we would be if…?

93. Where did the story begin to alter?

94. Where can we give our attention to…?

95. Where can you get more information about…?

96. Where do we need to improve?

97. Where would we find the solution for….?

98. Where did they find the solution?

99. Where do you think that ___ got complicated?

100. Where could we ask for help with…?

101. Where would you have done things differently?

102. Where would you seek answers to these problems?

103. Where do you think would have been the best place to stop?

104. Where would you advise we focus next time we…?

105. Where do you think it went wrong?

Critical Thinking Questions For Interviews

106. Tell me about a time you had to use your initiative to solve a problem

107. How would you handle a situation when you’ve noticed a superior makes an error?

108. What would you do if a colleague came to you with an unusual suggestion to improve the business?

109. Have you ever anticipated potential problems and stopped them before they became an issue?

110. How quickly do you make decisions?

111. How do you handle disagreements between colleagues?

112. Have you ever convinced managers or your superiors to take your approach on solving a problem?

113. How would you solve a disagreement between a customer and a colleague?

114. What would you do if a customer came to with an issue while you were talking to a colleague/superior?

115. What would you do if you had a deadline approaching you knew you wouldn’t be able to meet?

Looking For More Questions?

Existential Questions – Questions that will make you think about life, the universe and many other deep topics.

Trick Questions – If you want people to start thinking but in a fun way, these questions are perfect!

10 Critical Thinking Questions to Ask in Any Situation: Enhance Your Decision-Making Skills

Critical thinking is an essential skill in today’s information-heavy world. It helps individuals navigate through vast amounts of data and determine what is accurate and useful. This article aims to provide you with key questions that can be used in any situation to enhance your critical thinking abilities.

A table with 10 question cards spread out, a person pondering, and a thinking bubble above their head

1) What are the underlying assumptions?

A table with a list of 10 critical thinking questions, a pen, and a notebook are placed on the table. The questions are written in bold, and the notebook has empty pages ready to be filled

Underlying assumptions are beliefs we accept without proof. These can shape our decisions and views. They often go unnoticed yet influence our thoughts and actions significantly.

Assumptions can be based on personal experiences, cultural norms, or societal expectations. These assumptions can lead to bias if not examined. Challenging them helps in forming a clearer, more unbiased perspective.

For more about identifying assumptions, visit Critical Thinking and Academic Research .

2) How relevant is this information to the issue?

A table with 10 questions written on a piece of paper, surrounded by various objects representing different situations

It’s vital to ask whether the information directly impacts the decision or if it’s just peripheral. Recognize which details support the objective and which ones do not.

3) What are the possible consequences?

Thinking about possible consequences can help make better decisions. This involves anticipating both positive and negative outcomes of an action.

Understanding potential consequences can guide towards more responsible actions. One way to do this is by asking, “If I do this, what might happen next?” This approach fosters careful and deliberate decision-making.

In any situation, weighing possible consequences ensures a more comprehensive understanding of potential outcomes. It promotes a balanced approach and reduces the risk of negative results.

4) What evidence supports this claim?

In discussions or debates, asking for evidence forces clearer thinking. This can prevent the spread of misinformation. According to Harvard University , identifying a claim and seeking evidence creates a more informed dialogue.

Can this viewpoint be challenged?

By challenging a viewpoint, one can explore potential weaknesses or flaws. This process is essential in critical thinking, as it encourages deeper analysis and understanding.

Moreover, considering alternative views encourages flexibility in thinking. It helps individuals avoid rigid or narrow-minded approaches.

For more questions that foster critical thinking, such as analyzing the relevance of information, you can explore resources like TeachThought’s list of questions .

6) What Are the Alternatives?

Sometimes, the best option isn’t the most convenient one. Asking about alternatives encourages more thoughtful decision-making. It ensures that all potential paths are evaluated.

Asking “What are the alternatives?” is a habit of strong critical thinkers. It ensures they are not limited by initial impressions and are open to different perspectives.

7) Who benefits from this?

Understanding who benefits helps uncover motivations. For example, if a new policy is implemented, ask who benefits from this . It could be companies, individuals, or specific groups.

This question is essential because it digs deeper into the heart of the issue. It gets to the core of why certain actions are taken and who is truly advantaged.

8) What are the sources of bias?

Cognitive biases are another source. These are mental shortcuts that affect how people process information. The Khan Academy explains that these can lead to errors in thinking.

External influences such as media and peers can also introduce bias. News sources and social circles can shape opinions and views, often without one noticing.

9) Is the argument logically sound?

If any premise of an argument is false, the argument cannot be sound. This means that even if the logic is valid, the argument fails because it is based on incorrect information. It’s important to verify the truth of each premise before accepting the conclusion.

In summary, ensuring an argument is logically sound involves checking both the validity of its structure and the truth of its premises. This helps in making informed decisions based on reliable reasoning.

10) What is the context of this situation?

Another aspect of context is the environment. This means understanding the physical, social, or cultural setting. For example, a decision in a corporate environment may differ greatly from one made in a community-based setting.

Lastly, legal and ethical considerations are essential. Rules, laws, and ethical norms provide boundaries within which decisions must be made. Ignoring these can lead to negative consequences.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Why critical thinking skills matter.

Critical thinking allows individuals to analyze and break down complex issues. By asking better questions, people can make more informed decisions. It involves understanding and evaluating information rather than just accepting it. This skill helps in identifying biases and making logical connections. According to the Harvard Business Review , critical thinking is at the heart of problem-solving, enabling individuals to tackle challenges efficiently.

Impact on Personal and Professional Life

Applying critical thinking in various contexts, critical thinking at work.

In the workplace, critical thinking can improve problem-solving. Employees who evaluate situations carefully often find effective solutions. For instance, a manager might assess the root cause of a decline in sales before deciding on a strategy. This helps in making informed decisions.

Critical Thinking in Education

In education, critical thinking enhances learning. Students who question assumptions and analyze texts develop deeper understanding. For instance, when studying historical events, they evaluate causes and consequences, leading to a more comprehensive grasp of history.

Everyday Decision Making

Critical thinking is valuable in daily life. It helps individuals make better personal decisions. For example, before buying a product, a person might research reviews and compare prices. This careful evaluation ensures that they get the best value.

Enhancing Your Critical Thinking Abilities

Improving your critical thinking skills involves developing specific techniques and overcoming barriers that can hinder your progress.

Techniques for Improvement

It’s also useful to practice problem-solving regularly. Tackle puzzles, play strategy games, or engage in debates. These activities train the mind to think critically under different scenarios.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Stress and time constraints can also hinder critical thinking. Practicing stress management techniques such as meditation or time management can create a more conducive environment for thoughtful analysis.

Lastly, an unwillingness to challenge assumptions can impede critical thinking. Commit to questioning existing beliefs and explore alternative viewpoints, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of any situation.

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Critical-thinking interview questions and answers

Use these sample critical-thinking interview questions to discover how candidates evaluate complex situations and if they can reach logical decisions.

An experienced recruiter and HR professional who has transferred her expertise to insightful content to support others in HR.

10 good critical-thinking interview questions

Tell me about a time you had to make a decision with incomplete information. What did you do?
During a live presentation to key stakeholders, you spot a mistake in your manager’s report, but your manager isn’t at the presentation. How do you handle this?
Describe a time when you had to convince your manager to try a different approach to solve a problem.
You’re working on a project and you struggle coming to an agreement with your team about your next step. What would you do to make sure you choose the right direction and get your co-workers onboard?
What’s the best sales approach: increase prices to achieve higher revenues or decrease prices to improve customer satisfaction?
How do you evaluate the credibility of a source of information?
Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style to effectively convey your message.
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent deadlines?
What steps do you take to analyze a complex problem?
Can you give an example of a time when you had to think on your feet during a crisis?

Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.

1. Tell me about a time you had to make a decision with incomplete information. What did you do?

This question assesses how the candidate makes decisions when they don’t have all the facts.

Sample answer:

“I once had to decide on a vendor with limited information. I prioritized the most critical factors like reliability and cost, and made a provisional choice, subject to change as more information became available.”

2. During a live presentation to key stakeholders, you spot a mistake in your manager’s report, but your manager isn’t at the presentation. How do you handle this?

This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to handle sensitive situations tactfully.

“I would subtly correct the mistake without drawing attention to it, and later discuss it privately with my manager to prevent future errors.”

3. Describe a time when you had to convince your manager to try a different approach to solve a problem.

This question gauges the candidate’s ability to influence others and advocate for better solutions.

“I suggested an alternative workflow to my manager that could save time. I presented data to back up my proposal, and after a trial period, my approach was adopted.”

4. You’re working on a project and you struggle coming to an agreement with your team about your next step. What would you do to make sure you choose the right direction and get your co-workers onboard?

This question assesses the candidate’s collaborative problem-solving skills.

“I would facilitate a team discussion to hear all perspectives. We would weigh the pros and cons of each option and come to a consensus, ensuring everyone feels heard.”

5. What’s the best sales approach: increase prices to achieve higher revenues or decrease prices to improve customer satisfaction?

This question tests the candidate’s ability to think critically about business strategies.

“Both approaches have merits and drawbacks. The best strategy would depend on the company’s goals, market conditions, and customer base.”

6. How do you evaluate the credibility of a source of information?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to discern reliable information.

“I look at the source’s reputation, the quality of the content, and whether the information is supported by credible references.”

7. Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style to effectively convey your message.

This question evaluates the candidate’s flexibility in communication to suit different situations.

“When presenting technical information to non-technical stakeholders, I avoid jargon and use analogies to make the content more relatable.”

8. How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent deadlines?

This question assesses the candidate’s time-management and decision-making skills.

“I categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I tackle high-priority tasks first and delegate when possible.”

9. What steps do you take to analyze a complex problem?

This question gauges the candidate’s problem-solving methodology.

“I break down the problem into smaller parts, analyze each component, identify root causes, and then develop a step-by-step solution.”

10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to think on your feet during a crisis?

This question tests the candidate’s ability to think critically under pressure.

“During a system outage, I quickly assessed the situation, communicated with the team, and implemented a contingency plan to minimize downtime.”

What does a good critical-thinking candidate look like?

A strong candidate with critical-thinking skills is analytical, adaptable, and able to make well-reasoned decisions. They should also be effective communicators who can collaborate to solve problems.

Why test candidates’ critical-thinking skills

Critical-thinking skills allow people to evaluate situations through reasoning to reach logical decisions. Companies benefit from employees who think critically (as opposed to mechanically performing tasks) because these individuals use an independent mindset to seek ways to improve processes.

Critical thinkers are great assets in all teams and roles. They are:

Responsible. You can count on them to make tough decisions.
Consistent. They’re top performers who check their facts before acting.
Unbiased. They keep their emotions in check to reach sound decisions.
Creative. They suggest out-of-the-box solutions.

Challenge candidates with complex critical thinking questions to reveal their skills. But, present them with realistic problems related to the job. Brainteasers (e.g. some Google-type questions) are off-putting for candidates who already feel the pressure of the interview process. Questions like “How many haircuts happen in America every year?” are very popular online, but may not reveal much about their skills. Asking something like “How would you explain cloud computing to a 6-year-old?” will more accurately show you a candidate’s way of thinking.

Keep your challenging interview questions as job-related as possible. Sometimes it’s not important to assess whether the answer is right or wrong. Puzzling questions are your opportunity to evaluate how candidates react outside their comfort zone.

These critical-thinking interview question examples will help you identify candidates with high potential for future leadership positions. Combine them with various behavioral interview question types (like problem-solving and competency-based questions) to create complete candidate profiles and make better hiring decisions.

How to assess critical-thinking skills in interviews

Use hypothetical scenarios and examples from candidates’ past experiences to understand their mindsets. An analytical way of thinking (comparing alternatives and weighing pros and cons) indicates people who make logical judgments.
When problems arise, employees don’t always have ample time to design a detailed action plan. Opt for candidates who strike a balance between good and fast decision-making.
Critical thinking requires questioning facts and the status quo. Look for candidates who have implemented new procedures or applied changes to processes in their past positions. These are signs of professionals who actively seek ways to improve how things get done, as opposed to taking the “this is how we always do it” approach.
Candidates who are intrigued by solving problems are more likely to effectively manage challenges and stressful situations on the job. During your interview process, keep an eye out for candidates who show enthusiasm and don’t easily quit when faced with problems, even if they can’t immediately find solutions.
They don’t fact-check. If you present candidates with a hypothetical problem and they don’t ask for clarifications, it’s a sign they take information for granted. A critical thinker should always research data for accuracy before relying on it.
They make assumptions. Beyond taking things for granted, employees who make assumptions tend to jump to rushed and often biased conclusions. Look for candidates who use logical arguments to justify their decisions.
They don’t answer. If they don’t at least try to solve the problem, they’ll probably keep procrastinating when something goes wrong or push their work onto to someone else. Asking for help when you face a challenge is more than acceptable, but avoiding problems reveals irresponsible employee behavior.
They give you the obvious answer. Tricky questions are tricky for a reason. Candidates who go with the first answer that comes in mind are more likely to approach challenges superficially and avoid using critical-thinking skills to come up with the best solution.

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101 Questions That Will Make You Think So Hard Your Head Explodes!

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If you want to give your gray matter a serious workout, or start a long and interesting conversation with someone, you’ve come to the right place.

All you need is something to spark the mind into action, and what better way than by asking a few of the most thought-provoking questions there are.

For many of these, there is no right or wrong answer, just an opportunity to stretch your mental legs and see where your mind takes you.

They can be sources of contemplation and introspection, or topics to debate with friends late into the night when the moon is up and the rest of the world is asleep.

Try to remain open-minded , and if your views differ from those of others, be willing to accept that this is part of what makes life so interesting and exciting.

Deep questions like these make fantastic portals inward and allow you to explore your true thoughts and feelings.

Don’t worry if you can’t give a definitive answer; just know that by thinking about such interesting, philosophical problems, you are growing in both mind and spirit.

So let’s jump in with the seriously thought-provoking questions (our favorites in each section are highlighted).

If you just want random questions from the list without having to scroll down the page, use this generator:

Philosophical Questions That Make You Think

1. Can anything ever really be considered ‘true’ or is everything subjective?

2. Does a belief in free will make you more or less happy?

3. Given the ripple effect of our actions across time and space, how can we ever be sure that we’re doing the ‘right’ thing?

4. If you do a good deed in order to feel good about it, is it kindness or business? Does it matter either way?

5. If a perfect clone of you were created, right down to the tiniest cellular detail, would it BE you or would it somehow still be missing something?

6. If consciousness is a purely human trait, are we better off for it or does it simply lead to greater problems?

7. Is suffering an important part of being human?

8. Is there such a thing as knowledge if everything we know is subject to debate?

9. Is there such a thing as your real self or does your self change as time passes and given the circumstances you are in?

10. Where do thoughts come from?

11. Does a person have a soul? If so, where is it?

12. Can anything exist in complete isolation or is everything defined by its relation and connection to other things? Is a chair only a chair if someone is sitting in it?

13. If an afterlife does exist, what is it like?

14. Given that a person does not choose to be born, is free will simply an illusion?

15. Does life require a purpose?

16. By refusing to hold a position on something, do you, by default, accept all positions or reject all positions?

Thought-Provoking Moral Questions

17. Should prisoners with full life sentences be given the chance to end their life rather than live out their days locked up?

18. If you knew there was an 80% chance that someone was going to commit murder in their lifetime, but a 20% chance that they would not, would you imprison them before they had the opportunity? What if it were 50-50?

19. If the most effective way to help the greatest number of people out of poverty was to stop helping a small percentage of the population altogether, would it be a reasonable choice to make?

20. Does scientific and technological progress require an unequal distribution of wealth? Is it worth it if the only people who benefit are the rich?

21. Why are we humans so good at passing the buck of responsibility onto other people or entities?

22. If you knew that sacrificing your life would have a huge benefit to thousands of people, would you do it?

23. Would you run into a burning building to save your partner? What about your child?

24. Is a person ever truly evil? If so, are they born that way?

25. Does a banker really deserve to get paid more than a street cleaner?

26. Do you judge yourself by the same standards that you judge others? If not, are you harsher or more lenient?

27. Is surveillance ever a bad thing if you have nothing to hide?

28. Would full denuclearisation make the world more or less safe?

29. Would it be right for western governments to impose relative poverty on their citizens in order to save the planet? Would developing countries be more inclined to limit their consumption of resources if developed nations did too?

30. Is it ever morally acceptable to limit the number of children a person can have if the consequences of overpopulation are that everybody suffers?

31. When does a child stop being innocent and start being responsible?

32. What is justice?

33. Would it ever be ethical to read someone’s mind or is that the only true form of privacy?

34. Since morals change over time, what are some things we do now as a society that will be deemed unacceptable 100 years from now?

Questions To Make You Think About Life

35. Which is a scarier thought: that the human race is the most advanced form of life in the universe, or that we are mere amoeba compared to other life forms?

36. If you fear death, why?

37. How do we know that we’re not living in a computer simulation?

38. Imagine you’re 65. Would you rather live another 10 years in good health with full mobility or another 40 years in deteriorating health with limited mobility?

39. How should we measure our lives? In years? In moments? In accomplishments? Something else?

40. What is something that you could realistically do today that would benefit the rest of your life? What’s stopping you?

41. Is there such a thing as an ‘ordinary’ life? If so, what does it look like?

42. Does modern life give us more freedom or less freedom than in the past?

43. Would you wish to live a 1000 years in your 25 year old body if you had the choice?

44. If you could find out the date you will die, would you do it? Would knowing the date change how you live your life?

45. Would you really want to live a life that is free from challenges or obstacles?

46. Have you wasted your potential or lived up to it?

47. At what point does striving for a better life turn from healthy to unhealthy?

Interesting Questions To Really Get You Thinking

48. Will there ever be a time when robots, for want of a better word, are treated as equals with humans?

49. If humans still exist in 10,000 years time, what will civilization look like?

50. If intelligent extra-terrestrial life was discovered, how do you think humanity would react?

51. Can humanity ever come together around a common cause or are we all too selfish as individuals?

52. Would you prepared to live through a year of extreme hardship and trauma if it subsequently meant a lifetime of peace and happiness?

53. Does instant connectivity and communication bring people together or push them apart?

54. Would you prefer to lose all the memories you have now or never be able to make any new memories?

55. What is the single most important thing in making a relationship work?

56. What is the most significant historical event to have happened in your lifetime?

57. Which 3 people – past or present – would you invite to a dinner party?

58. If you won the lottery, do you think you’d be happier for it?

59. If nobody remembered you after you died, would it matter since you’d be dead?

60. Does higher academic intelligence make you more or less happy?

61. What do you think your last thoughts will be before you die?

62. If you were the leader of your country, what would your policies be?

63. Would the world be better or worse off without religion?

64. Is patriotism a good thing or does it lead to mistrust and dislike of foreigners?

65. Is a minimum income a good idea? What about a maximum income?

66. How do you define a community? Are you a part of one? Does where you live feel like one?

67. Would a perfect democracy – where each citizen got a vote on all matters of government – lead to a better or worse society?

68. Are science and religion compatible?

69. If past lives are real, why is the human population increasing? Or are our past lives sometimes as other creatures?

70. Would the world be a better place if all leaders were women?

71. If you can have too much of a good thing, can you ever have not enough of a bad thing?

72. Will true artificial intelligence ever exist, and if so, will it be good or bad for humanity?

73. Given that our memories change all the time , how can we ever be sure of what we experienced in the past?

74. Whose responsibility should it be to care for the sick, elderly, or infirm?

Deep Questions That Make You Think Hard

75. What is consciousness? If it is a purely human trait, at which point did it first emerge? Did one person suddenly become conscious?

76. Is it easier to hate or to love? Why?

77. Is there any real significance to numbers such as 11:11 or do we just give them meaning that doesn’t exist?

78. Are personal boundaries necessary or do they restrict the full expression of love?

79. Why do bad things happen to good people?

80. Are any of our views truly our own or do we simply inherit them from the environments and societies we live our lives in?

81. Can any love be truly unconditional when we can’t ever be sure how we might feel in a future set of circumstances?

82. Are we the source of our own problems? Do we create problems in our minds to give us something to focus on?

83. Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized the person staring back?

84. Is there actually a present moment if that moment passes in an instant?

85. How old do you feel on the inside?

86. A day can seem to drag or a day can go by quickly. So is time real?

87. Is there a ‘before’ the universe? If so, what did it look like?

88. How does carrying a child for 9 months and subsequently giving birth to it change a mother’s way of thinking?

89. Is a mother-child bond automatically stronger than a father-child bond?

90. What is infinity?

91. Is it ever possible to ‘create’ something new, or is it just discovering that thing?

92. Is there ever a point at which greater knowledge becomes detrimental to a person rather than beneficial? How about for society as a whole?

93. Why do we do things in our dreams that we would never do when awake?

94. Why do we like what we like and dislike what we dislike?

95. Can a thought alone ever influence the physical world?

96. Is trust something that is offered by the giver or earned by the receiver? When you meet someone new, do you start by trusting or mistrusting them?

97. Is it possible to think about yourself when you are yourself? Are there different levels of you, where a higher level can think about a lower level, but not vice versa?

98. Can any aspect of any ‘thing’ ever be perfect or is perfection an illusion?

99. Why are humans so good at doing things that are bad for them?

And Finally…

100. Are some questions best left unanswered?

101. Does asking questions such as the 100 above actually do you any good? Could it even do you harm?

About The Author

Steve Phillips-Waller is the founder and editor of A Conscious Rethink. He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years.

85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens

students laughing as they answer critical thinking questions

Have you ever thought about using fun questions to practice critical thinking?

Students may need a little guidance to think their way through questions that lack straightforward answers.

But it is that process that is important!

How the Right Questions Encourage Critical Thinking

Every parent knows how natural it is for children to ask questions.

It should be encouraged. After all, asking questions helps with critical thinking.

As they grow older, however, training them to answer questions can be equally beneficial.

Posing questions that encourage kids to analyze, compare, and evaluate information can help them develop their ability to think critically about tough topics in the future.

Of course, critical thinking questions for kids need to be age-appropriate—even better if you can mix a little fun into it!

That’s what I hope to help you with today. I’ve organized the questions below into three different ages groups:

Upper elementary
Middle school
High school

20 Questions: Exercises in Critical Thinking

Get a Question-Based Critical Thinking Exercise—Free!

Introduce critical thinking gently & easily with thought-provoking exercises.

Upper Elementary

Students in upper elementary grades can be reluctant to put themselves out there, especially with answers that seem weird.

In some cases, such hesitancy is actually fear of differing from their peers (and a barrier to critical thinking ).

But that’s exactly why it’s important to practice answering ambiguous questions.

We want our children to stand firm for their beliefs—not cave to peer pressure.

Additionally, students may feel uneasy about answering serious questions, uncertain of tackling “big” problems.

However, with careful use of creative questions for kids, it’s possible to engage even the most reluctant children in this age group.

The idea is to simply get them interested in the conversation and questions asked.

If you have an especially reserved student, try starting with the funny critical thinking questions.

Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable.

Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged.

With that said, here are some great questions to get you started:

1. Someone gives you a penguin. You can’t sell it or give it away. What do you do with it?

2. What would it be like if people could fly?

3. If animals could talk, what question would you ask?

4. If you were ice cream, what kind would you be and why?

5. Do you want to travel back in time? If yes, how far back would you go? If no, why not?

6. What could you invent that would help your family?

7. If you could stay up all night, what would you do?

8. What does the man on the moon do during the day?

9. What makes something weird or normal?

10. Can you describe the tastes “salty” and “sweet” without using those words?

11. What does it feel like to ride a rollercoaster?

12. What makes a joke funny?

13. What two items would you take if you knew you would be stranded on an island and why?

14. Do you have a favorite way of laughing?

15. What noise makes you cringe and cover your ears? Why?

16. If you could be the parent for the day, what would you do?

17. If you could jump into your favorite movie and change the outcome, which one would you pick and why?

18. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

19. What makes a day “perfect”?

20. If you owned a store, what kind of products would you sell?

21. If your parents were your age, would you be friends with them?

22. Would you still like your favorite food if it tasted the same as always, but now had an awful smell?

23. What would you do if you forgot to put your shoes on before leaving home?

24. Who would you be if you were a cartoon character?

25. How many hot dogs do you think you could eat in one sitting?

26. If you could breathe under water, what would you explore?

27. At what age do you think you stop being a kid?

28. If you had springs in your legs, what would you be able to do?

29. Can you describe the color blue to someone if they’re blind?

Middle School

At this point, students start to acquire more complex skills and are able to form their own conclusions based on the information they’re given.

However, we can’t expect deep philosophical debates with 12 and 13 year olds.

That said, as parent-teachers, we can certainly begin using more challenging questions to help them examine and rationalize their thought processes.

Browse the fun critical thinking questions below for students in this age range.

You might be surprised to see how receptive middle school kids can be to such thought-provoking (yet still fun) questions .

30. What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?

31. What does it mean to be lucky?

32. If you woke up in the middle of a dream, where would you be?

33. Is it ever okay to lie? Why or why not?

34. If you were solely responsible for creating laws, what one law would you make?

35. What makes a person a good friend?

36. What do you think is the most important skill you can take into adulthood?

37. If you had to give up lunch or dinner, which would you choose? Why?

38. How much money would you need to be considered rich?

39. If you knew you wouldn’t get caught, would you cheat on a test?

40. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

41. What is your greatest strength? How is that an asset?

42. If you had an opportunity to visit the International Space Station, would you do it?

43. Is it better to keep the peace or speak your mind?

44. Imagine yourself as your favorite animal. How would you spend your day?

45. Would you be friends with someone who didn’t have the same values as you?

46. How much screen time do you think is too much?

47. Can you describe your favorite color without naming it?

48. If you suddenly became blind, would you see things differently?

49. Would you ever go skydiving?

50. Describe the time you were the happiest in your life. Why did this make you happy?

51. If you had a million dollars, what would you do?

52. If you had to move to a new city, would you change how you present yourself to others?

53. What do you need to do in order to be famous?

54. If you could rewrite the ending of your favorite book or movie, what changes would you make?

55. How would you tackle a huge goal?

56. How would you sell ice to an eskimo in Alaska successfully?

57. What makes you unique?

High School

Critical thinking takes on an entirely different role once students reach high school.

At this age, they have a greater sense of right and wrong (and what makes things so) as well as a better understanding of the world’s challenges.

Guiding teens to delve deeper and contemplate such things is an important part of developing their reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Whether it’s fun questions about hypothetical superpowers or tough critical thinking questions about life, older teens typically have what it takes to think their way to a logical conclusion .

Of course, use your discernment as you choose discussion topics, but here are some questions to help get you started:

58. How can you avoid [common problem] in the future?

59. Do you think it’s okay to take a life in order to save 5, 10, 20 or more people?

60. If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

61. Is it better to give or receive a gift?

62. How important is it to be financially secure? Why?

63. If it was up to you, what one rule would you change in your family?

64. What would you do if a group of friends wanted to do something that you thought was a bad idea?

65. How do you know that something is a fact rather than an opinion?

66. What would it take to get you to change your mind?

67. What’s the most important thing in your life?

68. If money were of no concern, what job would you choose and why?

69. How do you know if you’re happy?

70. Do you think euthanasia is moral?

71. What is something you can do today that you weren’t able to do a year ago?

72. Is social media a good thing or not?

73. Is it right to keep animals in a zoo?

74. How does your attitude affect your abilities?

75. What would you do if you found out a friend was doing something dangerous?

76. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

77. What will life on Earth look like in 50 years?

78. Which is more important, ending world hunger or global warming?

79. Is it a good idea to lower the voting age to 16? Why or why not?

80. If the electrical power went out today, how would you cook if using wood wasn’t an option?

81. If you could magically transport yourself to any other place, where would that be and why?

82. When should teenagers be able to stay out all night?

83. Does the number zero actually exist?

84. What defines a generous person?

85. Does an influential person influence everyone?

Feel free to print out these fun critical thinking questions and incorporate them into your homeschool week!

will your children recognize truth?

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

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Critical thinking definition

Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.

Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process, which is why it's often used in education and academics.

Some even may view it as a backbone of modern thought.

However, it's a skill, and skills must be trained and encouraged to be used at its full potential.

People turn up to various approaches in improving their critical thinking, like:

Developing technical and problem-solving skills
Engaging in more active listening
Actively questioning their assumptions and beliefs
Seeking out more diversity of thought
Opening up their curiosity in an intellectual way etc.

Is critical thinking useful in writing?

Critical thinking can help in planning your paper and making it more concise, but it's not obvious at first. We carefully pinpointed some the questions you should ask yourself when boosting critical thinking in writing:

What information should be included?
Which information resources should the author look to?
What degree of technical knowledge should the report assume its audience has?
What is the most effective way to show information?
How should the report be organized?
How should it be designed?
What tone and level of language difficulty should the document have?

Usage of critical thinking comes down not only to the outline of your paper, it also begs the question: How can we use critical thinking solving problems in our writing's topic?

Let's say, you have a Powerpoint on how critical thinking can reduce poverty in the United States. You'll primarily have to define critical thinking for the viewers, as well as use a lot of critical thinking questions and synonyms to get them to be familiar with your methods and start the thinking process behind it.

Are there any services that can help me use more critical thinking?

We understand that it's difficult to learn how to use critical thinking more effectively in just one article, but our service is here to help.

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COMMENTS

200+ Critical thinking questions : r/GetStudying
200+ Critical thinking questions. This is the kind of content I'm here for. I'm a big fan of the critical theory, so I feel like I'm in for a treat! This is a fantastic resource, thank you for sharing it! Hopefully some of us students can try to keep critical thinking in mind as we progress with our studies, regardless of what fields we're ...
I'm in College and have no idea how to think critically.
We pay attention to relations of power, context, gender, race, language, history, etc... Thinking critically about education might reveal that it is a tool to reproduce the current power structure - we learn the pledge of allegiance, american mythology, the government subsidizes skills training in the service of corporations whom we will ...
Critical Thinking
When it comes to thinking, consistently getting accurate results is important. For example, you can take a guess and find a flaw in someone's argument. But if you understand the form of the argument and understand the common errors in reasoning, you are bound to consistently arrive at accurate results in your thinking.
200+ Critical thinking questions
In this article I've compiled a list of 200+ of the very best critical thinking questions for almost any situation. Critical thinking questions: If you're presented with a claim. If you're reading a book, listening to a podcast, watching TV or YouTube. If you're watching an interview. In a group or panel discussion.
240 Philosophical Questions for Deep Critical Thinking & Debate
240 Philosophical Questions for Deep Critical Thinking & Debate. Philosophical questions are an effective tool to stimulate and develop critical thought. They examine profound matters like free will and human nature; the source and value of happiness; morality and ethics; love, logic, and knowledge; religion, death, and the meaning of life.
85 Critical Thinking Questions to Carefully Examine Any Information
Analysis is a part of critical thinking that allows you to examine something carefully. Someone with analytical skills can examine the information presented, understand what that information means, and then properly explain that information to others. Analysis in critical thinking provides more clarity on the information you process.
283 Philosophical Questions to Spark Deep Critical Thinking
283 Philosophical Questions to Spark Deep Critical Thinking. Krista Brown. August 8, 2024. Try the free newsletter. It can be easy to get so caught up in daily life that we forget to stop and think about our world. Thinking about philosophical questions can help you think critically. Building a practice of thinking critically of the world will ...
10 Critical-Thinking Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)
A sign of strong critical thinking is the ability to maintain your use of logic and reasoning to make the right choice, even within time constraints. Answer this question with a situation where a quick decision resulted in a positive outcome. Example: "One time, my manager had to leave the office an hour before a scheduled presentation.
48 Critical Thinking Questions For Any Content Area
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Digital Thinking by Global Digital Citizen Foundation is an excellent starting point for the 'how' behind teaching critical thinking by outlining which questions to ask. It offers 48 critical thinking questions useful for any content area or even grade level with a little re-working/re-wording. Enjoy the list!
115 Critical Thinking Questions For Adults and Students
Critical thinking questions are a great way to help you learn and get to the heart of many topics such as philosophy, history and many more. ... Reddit; Tom Stevenson. Co-Founder of Questions About Everything. Tom is a travel writer and Co-Founder of Questions About Everything. He grew up in the UK and enjoys spending his time traveling to new ...
[IWTL] How do I become more of a critical thinker?
To truly become a critical thinker, you must question everything around you, and attempt to do so with as little human bias as possible. That means including yourself. You will have to dredge up old traditions and ways of thinking to be brought under scrutiny. Not just this one time, but for the rest of your life.
10 Critical Thinking Questions to Ask in Any Situation: Enhance Your
Applying critical thinking helps individuals analyze information and make better decisions. It is useful in different areas such as work, education, and everyday life. Critical Thinking at Work. In the workplace, critical thinking can improve problem-solving. Employees who evaluate situations carefully often find effective solutions.
HESI A2
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like 1. The nurse is working in the emergency department (ED) of a children's medical center. Which client should the nurse assess first? 1. The 1-month-old infant who has developed colic and is crying. 2. The 2-year-old toddler who was bitten by another child at the day-care center. 3. The 6-year-old school-age child who was hit by a ...
Critical-thinking interview questions and answers
These critical-thinking interview question examples will help you identify candidates with high potential for future leadership positions. Combine them with various behavioral interview question types (like problem-solving and competency-based questions) to create complete candidate profiles and make better hiring decisions.
101 Questions That Will Make You Think So Hard Your Head Explodes!
7. Is suffering an important part of being human? 8. Is there such a thing as knowledge if everything we know is subject to debate? 9. Is there such a thing as your real self or does your self change as time passes and given the circumstances you are in? 10. Where do thoughts come from? 11.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments in order to form a judgement by the application of rational, skeptical, and unbiased analyses and evaluation. [1] In modern times, the use of the phrase critical thinking can be traced to John Dewey, who used the phrase reflective thinking. [2] The application of critical thinking includes self-directed ...
How can I get better at critical thinking? : r/CasualConversation
We used to do an excercise in highschool that I think helped develop critical thinking skills: take two articles (we used to do it with newspapers, damn i feel old...) about the same news and confront them analyzing how each news outlets spin the news according to their editorial line. 10. Award.
85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens
Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable. Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged. With that said, here are some great questions to get you started: 1. Someone gives you a penguin.
Asking the right questions : a guide to critical thinking
Share to Reddit. Share to Tumblr. Share to Pinterest. ... Asking the right questions : a guide to critical thinking by Browne, M. Neil, 1944-; Keeley, Stuart M., 1941-Publication date 2004 Topics Criticism, Critical thinking, Argumentatieleer Publisher Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Pearson Prentice Hall Collection internetarchivebooks; americana ...
Interview Questions to Determine Critical Thinking Skills : r ...
The answer is 50. You'd think everyone would get it right away but a shocking number of people say random numbers. I always ask them to explain why they picked their number. It'd help to know what you already ask, but a classic is asking them to QA a random object in the interview room to assess their thought process.
Khan Academy
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Very useful critical thinking guide : r/coolguides
If it seems like something someone might print, physically post, and reference then it is a good link for this sub. Remember: Infographics are learning tools, guides are reference tools. Sometimes it's grey. Very useful critical thinking guide. You're about to make the holier than thou minds of Reddit explode with this one. 10/10 a cool guide.
Using Critical Thinking in Essays and other Assignments
Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement. Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process ...