Scientific thinking is related to the scientific method, a four step process of observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and verification. Observation is the process of examining the world, events, nature and other phenomenon which make individuals question and wonder about the many causes and effects of how things work. A hypothesis is commonly derived by formulating if-then statements. For a hypothesis to be proven experimentation must take place. Experimentation is the process of testing a hypothesis in a controlled environment and results are then documented. Verification is the analysis of data to see if the data supports or disputes the hypothesis (Schafersman,1997).

Critical thinking is an intellectual habit that can be developed through practice. Logical and scientific thinking are rooted in objectivity. These methods employee steps and techniques to arrive at conclusions through series of procedures designed to prove validity.

Critical thinking can also be used to advance selfish motives. It is common to see the skillful manipulation of ideas presented in a persuasive manor so as to enhance an individual's or group's vested interests. Though these efforts might...

On the other hand if these efforts are grounded in fair mindedness and honesty they may be seen as moral. Issues arise from the often subjective determination of fair mindedness and honesty.
References

Glaser, E.M. (1941). An experiment in the development of critical thinking. Teacher's College, Columbia University. In the Critical hinking Coimmunity. Foundation for Critcal Thinking (2009) Retrieved Novemder 12, 2010, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/define_critical_thinking.cfm

Hawthorne, J. (2009, Fall). Inductive logic. Stanford encyclopedia of philosopy. Zalta, E.N. (ed.). Retrieved Novemder 7, 2010, from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/logic-inductive/

Mosley, H.F. (2009, December 13). Persuasive thinking. Business & finance. In associatedcontent. Retrieved November 7, 2010, from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2454208/persuasive_thinking.html?cat=3

Schafersman, S.S. (1997, January). An introduction to science: Scientific thinking and the scientific method. Department of Geology, University of Miami. Retrieved November 7, 2010, from http://www.geo.sunysb.edu/esp/files/scientific-method.html