Critical thinking is neither linear nor simple. It involves deep analysis of issues and problems from multiple perspectives in a complex and cyclical manner.

Critical thinking is best understood as a cyclical process rather than a linear one. When we think critically about an issue or problem, we do not approach it in a straightforward, A to B fashion. Rather, critical thinking involves continuously revisiting our initial understandings, questioning our assumptions, examining additional perspectives, and refining our thoughts and conclusions over time.

The hallmarks of critical thinking – such as Suspending judgment, Logical reasoning, Asking meaningful questions, Understanding different views, Thinking independently, and Cross-examining evidence and assumptions – do not naturally occur in a simplistic, straight line. We have to revisit them constantly as our analysis develops and deepens. For example, as we gather more information on an issue, we may need to re-evaluate assumptions we had initially made or suspend a judgment we had come to prematurely. As such, critical thinking follows a cyclical rather than linear process.

Indeed, famous critical thinking models depicted by experts support this understanding. One classic model outlines critical thinking as the process of 1) Observing/identifying an issue, 2) Formulating questions, 3) Exploring information, 4) Forming tentative hypotheses, 5) Testing hypotheses, 6) Drawing conclusions – and then starting the cycle over again as new insights emerge. We engage in these stages repeatedly to keep refining our analysis. In another influential model, Paul and Elder highlight the importance within critical thinking of constantly “cycling back” between our evolving understandings and the evidence/standards that support them.

Critical thinking is not simple or simplistic as it involves subtle and multi-faceted cognitive work. When thinking critically, we must consider an issue from various angles, think from different cultural and ideological perspectives, integrate numerous credible sources of information, detect logical fallacies and inconsistencies of reasoning, question underlying values and worldviews, account for complexity and nuance, recognize limitations in available knowledge and uncertainties, and more. Juggling all these sophisticated thought processes cannot be reduced to a simplistic, straightforward endeavor. It requires carefully examining issues from multiple dimensions to avoid superficial analysis.

At the same time, critical thinking is not simply a temporary, fleeting act. It cultivates certain durable intellectual virtues that continue developing over long-term, deeper engagement in the process. For instance, practicing critical thinking strengthens the abilities to reason independently, see issues from multiple sides, question biases, continually refine understandings based on evidence – skills that last well beyond any single instance of analysis. Critical thinking also fosters broad conceptual understandings and thought-patterns that influence how we approach new topics, arguments and information across diverse contexts over time.

Critical thinking follows a iterative, cyclical process rather than being linear, simple or temporary. It involves sophisticated cognitive work in considering issues from various angles, perspectives, and dimensions repeatedly and incrementally refining understandings – not reducing complex topics to simplistic treatments or one-off acts of fleeting thought. The deepest level of critical thinking develops certain virtuous intellectual habits that last well beyond any single instance of analysis and influence ongoing reflections, learning and reasoning. Truly mastering critical thinking takes ongoing practice and refinement over the long-term, not a snap judgment or simplistic approach.