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What characteristics distinguish a critical thinker according to philosophers of education?

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Fragment of a Roman fresco showing Socrates seated and draped in a white robe, with Greek text above, on a red background with visible cracks. — Philosophy of education Socrates, Roman fresco, 1st century bce; in the Ephesus Museum, Selçuk, Turkey.

Philosophers of education generally agree that a critical thinker is defined by two primary characteristics: the ability to reason well and the disposition to be guided by that reasoning.1

Specifically, a critical thinker possesses the capacity to construct and evaluate reasons for or against various beliefs, judgments, and actions. Furthermore, they are inclined to act, judge, and believe in accordance with the results of those reasoned evaluations.1

Beyond these core tenets, educational theorists emphasize that critical thinking involves a set of logical skills and specific habits of mind. These include:2

Analytical skills: The ability to break down problems to reveal underlying logic and assumptions.2
Self-awareness: The capacity to recognize and account for personal biases.2
Evidence assessment: The ability to collect and evaluate relevant information.2
Reflective disposition: A mindset characterized by curiosity, open-mindedness, empathy, persistence, and the willingness to adjust one's thinking based on new learning.2

While these qualities are widely recognized, scholars continue to debate whether critical thinking is a universal skill set or if it is influenced by cultural, gendered, or political perspectives.21