As a way to negate other hypotheses. Thus, the basis of critical thinking is a negative methodology in which one continually disproves alternative views, eliminating them one by one, resulting in a final truth that holds up to more contradictions. In utilizing critical theory, the status quo is critiqued and attacked. Actions are criticized because of the result they will bring. The transformation is brought about by making societal participants more aware of the language and the world in which they live. By rallying members of society around a common, clear and 'true' point, societal injustice and exploitation may be diminished. There are many approaches to the way in which humans analyze their place in society and nature, and in order to develop their own theories of self-actualization. For the purpose of this essay, however, we will focus on two: positivism vs. interpretivism.

The positivistic approach is excellent for examining exterior data that can essentially be utilized in an objective fashion. Since society is constantly changing, this approach allows a more robust look into the evolution and outcome of that change. One can also look at data through another view, the more streamlined knowledge-based examination of the universe. Proof, proof, proof is needed for this epistemological view, and it typically focuses on the way things are, or the tactical, rather than anything intangible. Someone following an interpretivist viewpoint, in contrast, wishes to understand more of the why, which is quite subjective as opposed to scientific (epistemological).

Most any question can have differing approaches; one can look at test scores from an elementary school;...

If scores are low, one approach might say that children who do not get high quality meals score lower even with experienced teachers -- but the approach to the variables differs and all may not be completely compatible.
It is the difference between examining the electrical synapses in the brain and knowing what someone is thinking. Both inquiries have their value, but in the end, they are looking at different aspects of the same subject. The positivist looks inward for the practical, the known, or easily knowable -- the intpretivism the unknown, the why, the gray in events, the mystery of life.

Thus, utilizing a critical thinking approach and then refining it to critical theory helps one take a balanced approach to lifelong learning. Utilizing these theories within a business leadership or decision-making matrix, for instance, one needs to look at the actual motivation for the organizational development. Customers and stakeholders obviously have one set of needs and values, employees another, while management still another. It is the use of the interpretists' view, it seems, that can take disparate needs from a predetermined hierarchy and find ways to make decisions and judgments based on cultural norms and values, objective determinants, and empirical data. Using critical thinking in one's daily life may seem to some as a cynical approach, but may also allow the individual a more well-rounded approach to decision making and interpretative skills. While not easy, the critical thinking approach certainly offers a more robust and philosophical journey in almost every aspect of one's life.