Critical thinking

See Critical Thinking and Reason.

Having the skills to think critically about new information is a vital skill in the modern era. Without it, people are subject to grift, pseudoscience, conspiracy, and misinformation.

Critical thinking is often confused with being contrarian. These are not the same thing. A contrarian may offer some valid criticisms of an out-group, but they will not concede any valid points they make.

True critical thinking is open to the evaluation of new evidence and willing to change positions if that evidence warrants it, regardless of in-group affiliation.