An individual's beliefs represent their understanding of the world, so by allowing individuals to change their beliefs, critical thinking also allows individuals to change their behavior--often to more ethical behavior. It makes individuals more self-aware, allows them protect themselves from coercion, encourages tolerance and compassion, and discourages coercion.

Critical thinking empowers individuals by teaching them how to recognize and better understand their beliefs and the beliefs of others (Browne and Freeman 304). So, individuals consider themselves "equally competent to weigh and evaluate decisions" (Parker 80). This understanding also equips individuals to protect themselves from coercion by evaluating and identifying false or deceptive claims (Browne and Freeman 307).

Find out about the connection between critical thinking and rhetoric.