Critical and creative thinking is a vital in a person’s decision making process. Both processes provide an individual with the necessary tools to analyze information and determine an appropriate outcome. Critical thinking is a mental process of how information is received, analyzed, and evaluated for a desired result. Creative thinking is the ability to think outside of traditions and norms in order to come up with new and fresh ideas. Describe a situation of public interest in which critical and/or creative thought could have been used for a better outcome: A situation where critical and creative thoughts could have been used for a better outcome was the ban of prayer in public schools. It seems to me decisions today are being made and based through conformity. There is absolutely no critical thinking or consideration taking place before blank decisions are being made in the United States. One situation I can think of is the banning of religious observances such as prayer in public schools. While I understand and support the right for people to believe and do what they want, I think making a blanket decision that affects everyone is unfair and unconstitutional. The decision to ban prayer from public schools took away the rights of those who believe in God and want to prayer. In essence, one side got what they wanted and there was no regard to those who did not agree. In this case I think a creative thought process should have been considering a separate area for those who want to pray without offending those who choose not to. Describe why it is important to think critically and creatively in similar situations. While being able to critically and creatively think may not resolve all issues or make everyone happy, it is a way to find common ground within the decision making process. It is a key factor in soliciting different ideas and seeing things differently in a time when things are changing constantly. Define free will