How to Improve Critical Thinking with AI

AI can do far more than spit out quick answers. Used well, they can strengthen your ability to reason, question, and reach sound conclusions.

This guide shows you how to practice critical thinking while using AI, with actionable steps and prompts.

Why Use AI to Train Your Mind, Not Replace It

Generative AI is everywhere — search engines, chatbots, writing assistants, etc.
The risk? Passive acceptance.
The opportunity? A tireless Socratic partner that can challenge your assumptions, surface blind spots, and reveal hidden logic.

To unlock that opportunity, use AI as a thinking coach instead of an answer book.

Step 1: Ask AI to Explain the Reasoning Process

Prompt style: Explain the reasoning step by step, how is the final conclusion reached?

When you receive an ammount of information, don't stop at the conclusion. Ask the AI model to show its work:

• Request data sources, basic assumptions and the chain of logic
• Compare those reasons to your own understanding
• Identify where the explanation feels thin or biased

Criticly tool: distill

Breaks information into its reasoning structure with core idea and key evidences.

Step 2: Generate Counter-Arguments

Prompt style: Present the strongest counter-argument to this position.

Critical thinking thrives on opposition. Challenge the context's (and your own) assumptions:

• Ask for alternative perspectives
• Explore what different experts or cultures might say
• Look for edge cases that break the rule

Criticly tool: counter

Produces well-formed opposing viewpoints you can test against your initial idea.

Step 3: Reflect with Metacognitive Prompts

Prompt style: "What assumptions am I making? What would change my mind?"

Metacognition—thinking about your thinking—locks in learning:

• Review how you evaluated evidence
• Note emotional reactions or cognitive biases
• Decide what new questions emerged

Criticly tools:

• question — sparks clarifying or deeper questions you might have missed
• evaluate — critiques the logical strength of your argument

Quick Example: From Opinion to Insight

Initial Claim: "Remote work always lowers productivity..."

1. Distill: Criticly breaks it into evidence buckets: communication delays, less supervision, etc.
2. Counter: Generates opposing research on higher focus and wider talent pools.
3. Question & Evaluate: Surfaces hidden assumptions (industry type, measurement method) and rates argument strength.

Result: A nuanced position—remote work can boost or reduce productivity depending on context—that you can defend with confidence.

Takeaway: AI as Your Critical-Thinking Coach

AI doesn't have to dull your mind. With the right prompts and tools, it becomes a 24/7 Socratic partner—always ready to challenge, clarify, and refine your ideas.

Ready to practice?
Try Criticly and turn every round of AI conversation into a workout for your reasoning skills.