Core Viewpoint - In the age of AI, the ability to ask critical questions is essential for discerning valuable information and making informed decisions, as AI provides answers but does not inherently validate their accuracy or relevance [1][48]. Group 1: Information Absorption in the AI Era - Two thinking modes are identified: sponge-like thinking, which passively absorbs information, and gold-panning thinking, which actively questions and evaluates information [2][4]. - AI enhances the convenience of sponge-like thinking, but this convenience comes with risks, such as unreliable sources and hidden biases [3][4]. - Gold-panning thinkers can avoid being misled by AI and make better decisions by validating evidence and using logic [4]. Group 2: Dimensions of Critical Thinking - The first dimension is awareness, focusing on actively seeking out "gaps" in information and questioning its validity [6]. - The second dimension is attitude, which emphasizes humility and openness to different viewpoints to avoid cognitive biases [8]. - The third dimension is skill, which involves mastering questioning techniques to effectively analyze information [9][10]. Group 3: Key Questions for Critical Thinking - The first step is to clarify the topic and conclusion, ensuring that the analysis has a clear focus [11][13]. - The second step involves exploring the reasons behind conclusions to ensure they are supported by evidence [14][15]. - The third step is to identify ambiguous terms to avoid misunderstandings in discussions [16]. Group 4: Evaluating Assumptions and Evidence - It is crucial to uncover hidden assumptions that may underlie conclusions, as these can significantly impact their validity [18][19]. - Evaluating the credibility of evidence is essential, as not all data or expert opinions are equally reliable [20][21]. - Identifying alternative explanations helps avoid oversimplified conclusions and encourages a more nuanced understanding of issues [27]. Group 5: Recognizing Data Manipulation - Awareness of common data traps, such as percentage traps and average traps, is vital to avoid misinterpretation of statistics [30][31]. - Recognizing omitted information is important to ensure a comprehensive understanding of arguments [32]. - Avoiding binary thinking allows for a broader perspective on complex issues, recognizing that most problems exist in shades of gray [33]. Group 6: Practical Methods to Enhance Critical Thinking - Identifying common logical fallacies can help avoid pitfalls in reasoning [38]. - Being aware of confirmation bias encourages seeking out opposing viewpoints to achieve a balanced perspective [43]. - Distinguishing between facts and opinions is fundamental for effective analysis and debate [44][46].

Core Idea - The article emphasizes the importance of asking good questions in an era where answers are easily accessible, suggesting that the ability to ask insightful questions is becoming increasingly rare and valuable [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Good Questions - A good question can expand cognitive boundaries and reconstruct the problem itself, leading to deeper understanding and exploration [2][4]. - Socratic questioning focuses on the process of thinking itself, encouraging individuals to clarify concepts and develop effective personal thinking systems [3][5]. Group 2: Techniques for Asking Good Questions - The article outlines a method of self-questioning using the 5W1H framework (What, Why, When, Where, Who, How) to guide one's own thinking and generate good questions [6][12]. - Good questions should be inspired and reflect the questioner's thought process, making it easier for others to provide relevant answers [7][10]. Group 3: The Role of Wording in Questions - The way a question is phrased can significantly influence the type of answers received, highlighting the importance of careful wording [11][12]. - Simplifying questions can increase the likelihood of receiving useful answers and may even lead the questioner to discover solutions independently [14][15].

Group 1 - The core argument of the article is that in an era where answers are easily accessible, the value lies in asking the right questions, which can reshape understanding and drive creativity [1][4][19] - The invention of photography in the 1830s challenged traditional artistic standards, leading artists to focus on subjective experiences rather than mere replication of reality [3][10][11] - The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has made obtaining answers cheaper, but this has led to a decline in the quality of inquiry and an increase in the cost of asking good questions [15][17][26] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that the value of information is proportional to the uncertainty it eliminates, as illustrated by Claude Shannon's information theory [21][22][23] - It argues that in a world of information overload, the challenge is not the lack of facts but the misalignment of attention, leading to a focus on quantity over quality in answers [31][32][46] - The piece highlights the importance of redefining problems and frameworks to navigate structural uncertainties effectively, suggesting that good questions can expand the boundaries of understanding [37][38][39]