1) Moore and Parker, 1994.

I believe this definition of critical thinking provides the best representation. We can judge a situation based on what what we've heard from other people or the media, but we never will know the truth unless we have researched other valid view points. To be able to consciously recognize your judgment and determine whether it valid is critical thinking.

2) Ennis (1985)

This is along same lines as my first choice, but it focuses on belief. Is the issue right or wrong? Again, it's easy to believe something, but it's not the same if you've first reviewed the subject and gone back to see what is actually going on. It impossible to not subconsciously take a stance on an issue, but it is possible to change it.

3) Maiorana, Victor P. Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum: Building the Analytical Classroom. 1992.

Eventually, through all the facts, statistics and personal accounts we will come to a conclusion about what we believe or what we judge. Constantly, we must ask ourselves why is it wrong or why is it right? In order to come to a conclusion, we must ask ourselves what is the other side of story? what are the exceptions.