What is Critical Thinking and are you a critical thinker?

I think critical thinking is an elevated from of thinking. It is the ability to look at information, either written or spoken, and be able to dissect it and see if it is sound in reasoning and presentation. It is the ability to think for yourself and not be told what to think. It is independent thinking without fear of being ostracized. It is being able to evaluate something without being biased or trying not be and not letting your emotions affect your thinking. I hope that I am a critical thinker. I like to think that I am. Atleast I know after this class I will definitly be a better critical thinker then I was when I started it.