Some are small and unimportant, but others have a larger impact on our lives.

有些是芝麻小事，但有些對我們的人生會有較大影響。

For example, which politician should I vote for?

例如：我該投票給那位政治家？

Should I try the latest diet craze?

我該試試最新的熱門飲食法嗎？

Or will email make me a millionaire?

或電子郵件會讓我成為百萬富翁嗎？

We're bombarded with so many decisions that it's impossible to make a perfect choice every time.

我們不斷受到那麼多抉擇的轟炸，致使無法每次都作出最適當的選擇。

But there are many ways to improve our chances, and one particularly effective technique is critical thinking.

但仍有許多方法可提高做出正確選擇的機率，其中一個非常有效的技巧就是「批判性思考」。

This is a way of approaching a question that allows us to carefully deconstruct a situation,

這種處理問題的方法讓我們能仔細地解析狀況，

reveal its hidden issues, such as bias and manipulation, and make the best decision.

揭露其潛藏的問題，譬如說偏見或是操弄，並讓我們做出最佳的選擇。

If the critical part sounds negative that's because in a way it is.

如果「批判性」感覺很負面， 那是因為從某方面來看它的確是如此。

Rather than choosing an answer because it feels right,

不同於因為「感覺對」而選擇那個答案，

a person who uses critical thinking subjects all available options to scrutiny and skepticism.

運用批判性思考的人，會考量所有可行的選項， 而後加以詳察與質疑。

Using the tools at their disposal, they'll eliminate everything but the most useful and reliable information.

運用這可掌握的工具，可去蕪存菁， 只留下最有用的及可信的資訊。

There are many different ways of approaching critical thinking.

要做到批判性思考有許多的方式。

But here's one five-step process that may help you solve any number of problems.

但以下五個步驟可協助你解決不少的問題。

One: formulate your question.

一、有系統地提出問題。

In other words, know what you're looking for.

也就是說，知道你在尋找什麼。

This isn't always as straightforward as it sounds.

這並不總是像聽到的那麼簡單。

For example, if you're deciding whether to try out the newest diet craze,

例如，如果你正在決定要不要嘗試最新的熱門飲食法，

your reasons for doing so may be obscured by other factors like claims that you'll see results in just two weeks.

你想嘗試的理由可能被其他因素模糊焦點，比方說它宣稱在兩週之內就可看到成效。

But if you approach the situation with a clear view of what you're actually trying to accomplish by dieting,

假如遇到這種狀況時，你清楚地知道你想透過這個飲食方式想達到什麼目的，

whether that's weight loss, better nutrition, or having more energy,

不管是不是減重、較好的營養、或是更精力更充沛，

that'll equip you to sift through this information critically, find what you're looking for,

你便具備審慎地篩選資訊的能力、找到你所需要的資料，

and decide whether the new fad really suits your needs.

然後決定這個新時尚是否真的吻合你的需求。

Two: gather your information.

二、收集資訊。

There's lots of it out there, so having a clear idea of your question will help you determine what's relevant.

現在隨處都有許多資訊，所以清楚了解你的問題才能有助於決定哪些是相關資料。

If you're trying to decide on a diet to improve your nutrition, you may ask an expert for their advice, or seek other people's testimonies.

如果你在決定提高營養攝取的飲食方式，你可以請教專家的建議或是尋求他人的見解。

Information gathering helps you weigh different options, moving you closer to a decision that meets your goal.

匯集資訊可以協助你衡量不同的選擇，讓你更貼近符合你目標的決定。

Three: apply the information.

三、應用資訊。

Something you do by asking critical questions.

藉由問些關鍵的問題來進行這一步。

Facing a decision, ask yourself, "What concepts are at work?"

面對選擇時，問自己： 「什麼樣的概念比較有效？」

"What assumptions exist?"

「會有哪些假設？」

"Is my interpretation of the information logically sound?"

「我對這些資訊的理解合不合理？」

For example, in an email that promises you millions,

例如，一封郵件承諾給你上百萬元，

you should consider, "What is shaping my approach to this situation?"

你需要細想：「有哪些因素決定我對此做出判斷？」

"Do I assume the sender is telling the truth?"

「我認為寄件人說的是實話嗎？」

"Based on the evidence, is it logical to assume I'll win any money?"

「根據現有的證據，『我會得到錢』這事合理嗎？」

Four: consider the implications.

四、考慮所帶來的影響。

Imagine it's election time, and you've selected a political candidate based on their promise to make it cheaper for drivers to fill up on gas.

想像現在是競選時期，根據他們的政治承諾， 你已選定一位候選人，他保證汽車駕駛人加油會更便宜。

At first glance, that seems great.

乍看之下，太棒了！

But what about the long-term environmental effects?

但長期對環境影響會怎樣？

If gasoline use is less restricted by cost, this could also cause a huge surge in air pollution, an unintended consequence that's important to think about.

如果因油價降低使汽油使用量增加，這會導致空氣汚染急速加重，而這非預期的後果則需要慎重考慮。

Five: explore other points of view.

五、研究其他的觀點。

Ask yourself why so many people are drawn to the policies of the opposing political candidate.

問問自己，為何那麼多人支持反對黨候選人的政策。

Even if you disagree with everything that candidate says,

雖然你對那位候選人的各種說詞都不贊同，

exploring the full spectrum of viewpoints might explain why some policies that don't seem valid to you appeal to others.

但探討他各方面的觀點，也許能解釋為何其他人會認同你不認同的政見。

This will allow you to explore alternatives, evaluate your own choices, and ultimately help you make more informed decisions.

這讓你去研究其他的選擇，同時也能評估你自己的，最後協助你做出更合理的決定。

This five-step process is just one tool, and it certainly won't eradicate difficult decisions from our lives.

這五個步驟只是個工具，它當然無法完全免除生活中困難的決定。

But it can help us increase the number of positive choices we make.

但它可以提高我們做出正確選擇的機率。

Critical thinking can give us the tools to sift through a sea of information and find what we're looking for.

批判性思考讓我們有能力在瀚浩如海的資訊中搜尋，找到我們所需要的。

And if enough of us use it, it has the power to make the world a more reasonable place.

如果夠多人懂得運用它，它的力量便能讓世界變得更加理性。