Critical Thinking Awareness Day
| Critical Thinking Awareness Day | |
|---|---|
 Original Critical Thinking Day Proclamation | |
| Status | active |
| Genre | Awareness |
| Location | West Virginia |
| Country | USA |
| Inaugurated | February 15, 2024 |
| Organized by | West Virginia Skeptics Society |
| Website | criticalthinkingday.com |
Critical Thinking Awareness Day is an annual event to promote rational and critical thinking by the public. Based on a petition from the West Virginia Skeptics Society, Governor Jim Justice proclaimed the first Critical Thinking Awareness day on February 15, 2024.[1]
The proclamation states "critical thinking is an essential skill empowering people to think rationally and make informed decisions, and it fosters creativity, problem solving and independent thought; critical thinking also encourages people to analyze and evaluate information from different perspectives and sources, helping to prevent misinformation, promoting responsible citizenship and contributing to the development of a more just and democratic society. Critical thinking is a lifelong skill that can be developed and improved through education, training and practice."[1]
The date was selected to align closely with the national Classroom Science Days so that school could organize activities that promote both science and critical thinking.[2]
Free activities and resources were organized for schools, from elementary through university and college level, as well as for the public through libraries. Activities included trivia games, debates, and a screening of a documentary that promoted viewing mainstream media through a critical lens.[3]
A group in Utah is working to have Critical Thinking Awareness Day proclaimed in their area.[4] Other states and countries are encouraged to do the same in order to inspire people to reflect on how critical thinking impacts day to day life.
A display of the first Critical Thinking Awareness Day Proclamation
Critical Thinking Awareness Day Discussion Panel
Students engaged in critical thinking activities
Critical Thinking Presentation
References
- 1 2 Larch, Amanda (2024-02-10). "Schools, residents encouraged to celebrate first-ever Critical Thinking Awareness Day in state". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved 2026-07-21.
- ↑ Reed, Daniel A. "From Idea to Proclamation: Making 'Critical Thinking Awareness Day' a Reality". Skeptical Inquirer. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
- ↑ "Glenville State University to Celebrate Critical Thinking Awareness Day on February 15". Glenville State University. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
- ↑ "Promoting Critical Thinking Awareness Day". WCHS Morning Show. Retrieved 3 March 2025.